At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in the energy sector, driving growth and ensuring compliance.
- Company: Join ESS, part of Compass Group, a leader in energy support services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on developing high-performing teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with a focus on innovation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong strategic planning skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
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Job Introduction
Head of Operations - Energy (Onshore & Infrastructure)
ESS - Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland
Location: Westhill, Aberdeenshire (Office-based with travel)
Salary: Competitive + Excellent Company Benefits
About Us
ESS, part of Compass Group, is a market-leading provider of catering, hospitality, and support services to the Energy sector. We deliver safe, high-quality, and innovative operational solutions to Energy and Infrastructure clients across the UK. As we continue to strengthen our operational delivery and client partnerships, we are recruiting a Head of Operations - Energy (Onshore & Infrastructure) to join our leadership team.
The Role
The role is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership to deliver business objectives, drive sustainable growth, and ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations. The postholder sets the long-term vision, translates strategy into actionable plans, and leads performance through effective governance, financial control, and data-driven decision-making. The role oversees contract delivery across the full lifecycle, including mobilisation and demobilisation, workforce planning, subcontractor management, and client relationship management. The postholder ensures compliance with all regulatory, licensing, health, safety, environmental, and company requirements. The role focuses on developing high-performing teams through strong leadership, coaching, and engagement, while identifying market opportunities to expand service lines, increase self-delivery capability, and support the development of commercially sound bids and proposals.
Requirements
- Essential Experience & Skills
- Proven senior leadership experience managing large teams and complex, multi-site operations.
- Strong strategic planning and operational management capability, with a track record of delivering business objectives and results.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships at all levels.
- Demonstrated ability to lead change, drive innovation, and deliver continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including management of substantial budgets in price-sensitive markets.
- In-depth understanding of relevant regulatory, compliance, and governance requirements.
- Technical understanding of delivering Hard Services in line with SFG20 standards.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse, high-performing teams aligned to organisational goals.
- Strong client and customer focus, with a demonstrable record of delivering high levels of satisfaction.
- Experience delivering catering and facilities management contracts within the Energy and Infrastructure sectors (land-based environments).
- Flexibility and adaptability to respond effectively to changing business priorities, with the ability to transfer skills across service lines.
- Full, valid driving licence.
- Desirable Experience & Skills
- Level 6 Qualification in Management & Leadership.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Company benefits and pension
- Opportunities for progression within Compass Group
- A supportive, collaborative working environment
How to Apply
If you're an experienced operational leader looking for a challenging and rewarding next step within a global organisation, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover note outlining your suitability for the role.
Head of Operations (Onshore & Infrastructure) employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland
At ESS, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the Energy sector, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in Westhill, Aberdeenshire. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and numerous opportunities for progression within our global organisation. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation, safety, and high performance while making a meaningful impact in the Energy and Infrastructure sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations (Onshore & Infrastructure)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely fits into their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your experience and skills confidently when it’s your turn in the hot seat.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to reiterate why you’re the best fit for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations (Onshore & Infrastructure)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your senior leadership experience and any relevant achievements in managing large teams and complex operations. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Note:Your cover note is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about your strategic planning and operational management capabilities, and don’t forget to mention your experience in the Energy and Infrastructure sectors.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and structure your documents well. We want to see your ability to build trusted relationships right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s operations and recent projects. Understand their approach to energy and infrastructure, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you’re genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Head of Operations, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to manage large teams and drive change. Think about specific situations where you’ve led initiatives that resulted in improved performance or client satisfaction.
✨Master the Financials
Brush up on your financial acumen. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and made data-driven decisions in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with commercial contracts, especially in price-sensitive markets, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the role and the industry. Ask about their current challenges in operations or how they envision the future of energy services. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
