Global Head of Operational Excellence, Rides in London
Global Head of Operational Excellence, Rides

Global Head of Operational Excellence, Rides in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Bolt Technology

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and scale operational excellence across Bolt's Rides business for faster, leaner operations.
  • Company: Join Bolt, a fast-growing tech company impacting millions in 50+ countries.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a rewarding salary, stock options, wellness perks, and hybrid work flexibility.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving innovation in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of mobility and make a real impact on global operations.
  • Qualifications: 15+ years in Operations with strong leadership and strategic execution skills.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

We’re looking for a Head of Operations Excellence to own and scale how Operations runs across Bolt’s Rides business. You’ll build the systems, standards, and automation that make our driver, fleet, and market operations faster, leaner, and more reliable, so Bolt can grow without adding complexity or cost. If you love turning strategy into simple, scalable execution, this role is for you.

With over 200 million users in 50+ countries, Bolt is one of the fastest-growing tech companies in Europe and Africa. And it's all thanks to our people. We believe in creating an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or ability. Our ultimate goal is to make cities for people, not cars. And we need your help on this mission!

As Head of Operations Excellence, you will be responsible for building, scaling, and institutionalising world-class operational standards across Bolt’s Rides business. You will act as the system builder for Operations – defining how work gets done, how performance is measured, and how we reduce complexity as we expand into more markets. You will turn multi-year strategic priorities into concrete, scalable operational programmes across drivers, vehicles, and fleets. Working closely with Product, Engineering, Growth Analytics, Finance, and Local Operations, you will drive a step-change in automation, cost efficiency, and execution quality across our core operational processes. You will lead and develop a high-performing Operations Excellence team, set a high bar for planning and governance within Central Operations, and ensure that global standards are translated into clear, actionable expectations for local teams.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

  • Own the Operations Excellence domain within Central Operations, defining OKRs, success metrics, and execution cadence, and translating 3-year strategy and annual priorities into scalable operational programmes across 50+ countries and 600+ cities.
  • Lead the design and automation of high-volume operational processes (e.g. driver, vehicle, and fleet onboarding; document and compliance renewals; market-level workflows) in close partnership with Product and Engineering, supporting a platform operating at €10B+ GMV scale.
  • Drive step-change improvements in automation coverage, speed, and quality, systematically eliminating manual, fragmented, or market-specific processes that do not scale globally.
  • Lead Operations-driven cost-efficiency initiatives across payroll productivity, customer support, and process-driven cost avoidance, with clear ROI logic, benefit tracking, and accountability.
  • Bring structure and rigour to operational planning and execution through clear prioritisation frameworks, cross-functional dependency management, and quarterly execution and risk reviews at global scale.
  • Enable and empower regional and country teams by translating central initiatives into clear local execution expectations, embedding them into regional plans, and building frameworks that scale globally without creating bottlenecks.

About you:

  • You have 15+ years of progressive experience in Operations, Operations Excellence, Strategy & Operations, or similar roles within scaled tech, marketplace, or platform businesses, including leadership across multiple countries or regions.
  • You hold an MBA or Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Operations, or a related field (or equivalent experience leading at similar scope and complexity).
  • You have a proven track record of driving automation, process redesign, and operational scaling in close partnership with Product, Engineering, and Analytics teams.
  • You bring strong business and financial acumen, with hands-on experience building ROI logic, understanding unit economics, and making rigorous cost/benefit trade-offs for operational initiatives.
  • You demonstrate exceptional structured thinking and problem-solving skills, comfortably moving between high-level strategy and hands-on execution in complex, ambiguous environments.
  • You set a high bar for clarity, ownership, and delivery, with demonstrated experience leading high-performing teams, challenging the status quo, simplifying complexity, and acting as a credible partner to senior leaders.

Experience is great, but what we really look for is drive, intelligence, and integrity. So even if you don’t tick every box, please consider applying!

Why you’ll love it here:

  • Play a direct role in shaping the future of mobility.
  • Impact millions of customers and partners in 600+ cities across 50+ countries.
  • Work in fast-moving autonomous teams with some of the smartest people in the world.
  • Accelerate your professional growth with unique career opportunities.
  • Get a rewarding salary and stock option package that lets you focus on doing your best work.
  • Enjoy the flexibility of working in a hybrid mode with a minimum of 3 days in the office each week to foster strong connections and teamwork.
  • Take care of your physical and mental health with our wellness perks.

*Some perks may differ depending on your location and role.

Global Head of Operational Excellence, Rides in London employer: Bolt Technology

At Bolt, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As the Global Head of Operational Excellence, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of mobility while working alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry. With a focus on professional growth, competitive compensation, and a commitment to employee well-being, Bolt is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every team member can thrive.
Bolt Technology

Contact Detail:

Bolt Technology Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Global Head of Operational Excellence, Rides in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those at Bolt or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to operational excellence. Think about how you can showcase your experience in scaling operations and driving automation.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've simplified complex processes or improved efficiency. This is key for a role focused on operational excellence.

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our mission to make cities better for people.

We think you need these skills to ace Global Head of Operational Excellence, Rides in London

Operations Excellence
Strategic Planning
Automation Design
Process Redesign
Cost Efficiency Initiatives
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Performance Measurement
Structured Thinking
Problem-Solving Skills
Financial Acumen
Team Leadership
Scalability Frameworks
Project Management
Data Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Operations: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for operational excellence shine through! We want to see how much you love turning strategy into action and making processes smoother. Share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and fluff. Use bullet points where possible to highlight your achievements and skills, making it easy for us to see why you're a great fit!

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Head of Operations Excellence role. Highlight relevant experience that aligns with our goals at Bolt, especially in scaling operations and driving automation. Show us you understand what we’re about!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to make cities better for people!

How to prepare for a job interview at Bolt Technology

✨Know Your Operations Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into Bolt's operational processes and standards. Familiarise yourself with how they scale operations across different markets. This will help you speak confidently about how you can enhance their systems and drive efficiency.

✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking

Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've turned strategic priorities into actionable plans. Highlight your experience in leading operational excellence initiatives and how you've successfully implemented automation and process redesign in previous roles.

✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration

Since this role involves working closely with Product, Engineering, and Analytics teams, be ready to share instances where you've collaborated across departments. Emphasise your ability to manage dependencies and drive projects that require input from various stakeholders.

✨Bring Data to the Table

Be prepared to discuss metrics and KPIs that matter in operations. Show how you've used data to make informed decisions, track ROI, and improve operational performance. This will demonstrate your strong business acumen and analytical skills, which are crucial for the role.

Global Head of Operational Excellence, Rides in London
Bolt Technology
Location: London

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