At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead software operations, ensuring high-quality delivery of SaaS and cloud tools.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in London focused on innovative software solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive day rate and the opportunity to work in an agile environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of software improvement initiatives and stakeholder management.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in business management and software delivery is essential.
- Other info: SC Clearance required; this is a 6-month contract role.
The Role: Software Operations Manager
Contract Length: 6 Months
Location: London
Day Rate: up to 500
This role will require SC Clearance.
As a Software Operations Manager you’ll be responsible for:
- Operational Management: Ensure critical SaaS, Cloud and installed software tools are delivered to a high-quality operational standard. Work with the wider Technology and Security team, Finance and Procurement Teams, Business Operations leads, and the People Team.
- Governance & Reporting: Support strategic contract management for critical software tools (e.g., AWS, GitHub, Docker), serving as a non-commercial point of contact for tools involving senior technical stakeholders.
- Innovation & Improvement: Identify, propose, and lead software improvement initiatives to streamline and optimize internal processes. Work in an agile environment, ensuring that requirements are captured, prioritised, and delivered by relevant teams.
- Business Case Development: Supporting development of comprehensive Business Cases, incorporating input from subject matter experts as needed. Review and challenge Business Cases to ensure alignment with best practices and measurable benefits.
- Communications: Actively manage stakeholders, identifying and managing relationships with and between internal and external stakeholders, communicating clearly and regularly with them.
- Business Planning: Work closely with Business and Finance Colleagues to ensure procurement excellence, maintaining proactive relationships with supplier technical contacts. You will play an active role in developing requirements for procurement agreements and integrating lessons learned into future contracts.
The Successful Candidate:
- You will have extensive knowledge and significant experience of business management (procurement, planning and reporting), particularly managing the delivery of software tools and digital projects in a large/complex organisation.
- A track record of collaboration and operational delivery, including requirements gathering, problem solving, prioritising requests from multiple teams (including senior management), and managing critical suppliers through accurate Management Information and broader performance management.
- The ability to manage a large number of initiatives concurrently and in a timely manner, including when they are being delivered through others.
- Can demonstrate experience of driving effective decision making using accurate and concise data.
- Have experience in change and project management, encompassing agile approaches.
- Are familiar with the public sector and government processes.
- Can demonstrate administration, IT (particularly Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel) and support skills, with strong attention to detail.
- Can challenge colleagues in a clear and constructive manner.
Head of Operations (Software) employer: Allen Lane
Contact Detail:
Allen Lane Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations (Software)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific software tools mentioned in the job description, such as AWS, GitHub, and Docker. Understanding these platforms will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your proactive approach and technical knowledge.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the software operations field, especially those who have experience in public sector projects. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals, increasing your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with agile methodologies and how you've successfully managed multiple initiatives simultaneously. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company culture at StudySmarter and align your communication style accordingly. Being able to articulate how your values and work ethic match ours can make a significant impact during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations (Software)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operational management, particularly with software tools and digital projects. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage critical suppliers and deliver results in a complex organisation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Emphasise your experience with governance, reporting, and stakeholder management, and explain how you can contribute to the company's success.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. For instance, mention any successful software improvement initiatives you've led or how you've optimised internal processes in previous positions.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience with agile methodologies, procurement excellence, and stakeholder communication. Prepare concise examples that illustrate your problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
How to prepare for a job interview at Allen Lane
✨Showcase Your Operational Expertise
Make sure to highlight your extensive knowledge in operational management, especially in delivering high-quality SaaS and cloud tools. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed software delivery in complex organisations.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. Share specific instances where you effectively communicated and collaborated with senior technical stakeholders.
✨Highlight Your Innovation Mindset
Talk about any initiatives you've led that improved processes or optimised operations. Emphasise your ability to identify areas for improvement and how you implemented changes in an agile environment.
✨Prepare for Business Case Discussions
Since the role involves business case development, be prepared to discuss your experience in this area. Bring examples of business cases you've developed or reviewed, focusing on how you ensured alignment with best practices and measurable benefits.