At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale operational excellence across Bolt's Rides business globally.
- Company: Join Bolt, a fast-growing tech company transforming urban mobility.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, stock options, hybrid work, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Work with top talent in a dynamic environment focused on innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of mobility and impact millions in over 600 cities.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in Operations with strong leadership and strategic 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.
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
- 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.
- 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).
- Proven track record of driving automation, process redesign, and operational scaling in close partnership with Product, Engineering, and Analytics teams.
- 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.
- Exceptional structured thinking and problem‑solving skills, comfortably moving between high‑level strategy and hands‑on execution in complex, ambiguous environments.
- 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
- Our teams work on local and global processes in over 50 countries, launching cities, onboarding new restaurants, and enabling 200+ million people to commute.
- Play a direct role in shaping the future of mobility, impacting 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, accelerating your professional growth with unique career opportunities.
- Get a rewarding salary and stock option package, enjoy flexibility of hybrid work (minimum 3 days in the office each week), and benefit from wellness perks.
About us
With over 200 million customers in 50+ countries, Bolt is one of the fastest‑growing tech companies in Europe and Africa. We believe in creating an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Our ultimate goal is to make cities for people, not cars, and we need your help to achieve this mission!
Global Head of Operational Excellence (Rides) in London employer: Bolt
At Bolt, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration across our global teams. As the Global Head of Operational Excellence, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of mobility while enjoying a competitive salary, stock options, and flexible hybrid working arrangements. With a strong focus on employee growth and wellness, we empower our staff to thrive in a fast-paced environment, making a meaningful impact in over 600 cities worldwide.
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 might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding Bolt's operations inside out. Familiarise yourself with their current challenges and think about how you can bring value. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who can drive real change.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to convey your experience and vision clearly. Think about how your past roles align with the Head of Operations Excellence position and be ready to share specific examples of your successes.
✨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 the Bolt team.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Head of Operational Excellence (Rides) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Operations Excellence. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've driven automation or improved processes in previous roles. We want to see the impact you've made!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bolt
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of operational excellence principles and how they apply to the rides business. Brush up on key metrics, automation processes, and scaling strategies that are relevant to Bolt's operations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led high-performing teams in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to setting OKRs, managing cross-functional dependencies, and driving cost-efficiency initiatives. Highlight your ability to challenge the status quo and simplify complex processes.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss how you would translate multi-year strategic priorities into actionable operational programmes. Think about how you can bring structure and rigour to planning and execution, and be ready to share your thoughts on prioritisation frameworks.
✨Connect with Bolt's Mission
Familiarise yourself with Bolt's vision of making cities for people, not cars. Show genuine enthusiasm for their mission and be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their goals. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the company.
