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- Tasks: Lead operations in the offshore energy sector, driving growth and ensuring compliance.
- Company: Join ESS, a leading provider in catering and support services for the Energy sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing high-performing teams.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong strategic planning skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 offshore and onshore clients predominantly across the UK and Netherlands.
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.
A key focus of the role is 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. This is a high-impact leadership role, suited to an operational expert who thrives in a fast-paced environment with complex stakeholder demands.
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.
- 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.
- Understanding of Energy sector, including offshore.
- Holds, or is willing to obtain, required offshore certifications: OEUK Medical and Food Handlers Medical (including shoulder measurements), BOSIET/FOET, and MIST.
- Due to offshore safety requirements, this role is subject to OEUK Safe Weight Limit guidelines, effective from 1 November 2026.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Company benefits and pension
- Opportunities for progression within Compass Group
- A supportive, collaborative working environment
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 (Offshore) in Westhill employer: Compass Group UK
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations (Offshore) in Westhill
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want you to be able to showcase how your experience aligns with their values and goals. Practice common interview questions and have your own questions ready to show your interest!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We recommend mentioning something specific from the conversation to remind them why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations (Offshore) in Westhill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your leadership experience and operational management skills that align with the job description. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we’re looking for!
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 achievements and how they relate to our needs at ESS. Remember, we love a good story!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In both your CV and cover note, demonstrate your strategic planning capabilities. Share examples of how you've driven sustainable growth and improved operations in previous roles. We’re keen to see your thought process!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the operations within the energy sector, especially offshore. Brush up on the latest trends, regulations, and challenges in the industry. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing large teams and complex operations. Think about specific situations where you led change or drove innovation. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with budget management and financial decision-making. Prepare to explain how you've successfully managed substantial budgets in price-sensitive markets, as this is crucial for the Head of Operations role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder management is key, think of ways you've built trusted relationships at various levels. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve handled difficult conversations or negotiations, showcasing your excellent communication skills.
