At a Glance
- Tasks: Bridge the gap between engineering and finance, managing budgets and vendor relationships.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in Knutsford, Cheshire, focused on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time flexibility, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Ideal for those seeking a part-time role with significant responsibility and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring projects stay on budget and run smoothly.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in operations or project coordination with strong financial skills.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Knutsford, Cheshire (WA16)
Salary Range: £38,000 – £45,000, part-time, pro rata
Reports to: Head of Engineering
Key Interlock: Finance Director / Central Finance Team
Must have full right to work as this job is not open to sponsorship.
Preferable to drive due to the remote location, within a 40 minute commute.
Role Overview
This is a high-level operational role designed to be the "bridge" between technical delivery and financial discipline. Reporting to the Head of Engineering, you will maintain a continuous interlock with the Finance Department to ensure the engineering team operates within budget and follows all corporate financial protocols. You will be responsible for the "non-technical" engine of the department: Budgeting, SLAs, Versioning, and Vendor Management.
Core Responsibilities
- Finance Interlock & Budgetary Control
- Financial Liaison: Act as the dedicated point of contact between Engineering and the Central Finance team. You will ensure that technical requirements are translated into accurate financial forecasts.
- Budget Oversight: Provide real-time monitoring of departmental spend. You will lead monthly budget review meetings with the Head of Engineering and Finance to explain variances and adjust forecasts.
- Capex/Opex Management: Assist Finance in the correct categorization of engineering spend and provide the necessary documentation for audits.
- Vendor & Third-Party Management
- Commercial Lead: Manage all Third-Party contracts and renewals. Work closely with Finance to ensure all vendors are vetted, and payment terms align with company cashflow strategies.
- SLA & Performance Monitoring: Monitor vendor performance against SLAs. In the event of an SLA break, you will manage the commercial repercussions and coordinate with Finance regarding any service credits or penalties.
- Engineering Lifecycle & Governance
- Versioning & Documentation: Enforce strict Versioning standards for all technical documentation to ensure a clear audit trail for both engineering and finance purposes.
- Evergreen Strategy: Manage the "Evergreen" lifecycle of hardware and software, ensuring that the financial plan accounts for necessary upgrades, patches, and system refreshes.
- Process Improvement: Identify "process breaks" between Engineering and Finance workflows (e.g., PO delays, invoicing errors) and implement permanent Process Improvements.
- Planning & Scheduling
- Resource Scheduling: Lead the Scheduling and Planning of engineering resources, ensuring that project timelines are financially viable and personnel are utilized efficiently.
Mandatory Qualifications
- ITIL Foundation (v3 or v4): Essential for managing SLA breaks, Evergreen cycles, and service delivery.
- PRINCE2 (Foundation or Practitioner): Required for structured Planning, Scheduling, and documentation Versioning.
Requirements
- Proven Experience: 4+ years in a Technical Operations or Project Coordinator role with significant financial responsibility.
- Finance Interlock Experience: A track record of working closely with a Finance Director or central finance team to manage departmental budgets.
- Expert Excel Skills: Ability to build complex financial trackers and operational dashboards.
Operations Planner P/T in Knutsford employer: Custodia
Custodia in Knutsford is an excellent employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a supportive work culture, generous benefits including 25 days holiday, healthcare, and a free onsite gym, we foster an environment where IT professionals can thrive and develop their skills while ensuring technology services align with business needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Planner P/T in Knutsford
✨Leverage Your University Network
Since you’re eyeing a part-time gig in management consulting, tap into your university’s career services or alumni network. Many consultancies scout for talent through these channels, so you never know when a former student might lead you to an exciting role at Custodia.
✨Join Consulting Competitions
Get involved in case competitions and strategy games at university. These events not only sharpen your skills but also give you the chance to make connections with professionals in the field. Plus, showcasing your problem-solving skills could catch the eye of recruiters from firms like Custodia.
✨Engage in Relevant Online Communities
Sign up for platforms like LinkedIn Groups or specialised forums centred around consulting. Engaging with others in these spaces can lead to informal chats that might just land you a part-time role at Custodia or similar firms.
✨Pitch Yourself Proactively
Instead of waiting for openings, reach out to firms like Custodia directly. Craft an engaging email outlining your skills and interest in part-time consulting work. Yes, it's a bit bold, but you’d be surprised how often that proactive approach pays off!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Planner P/T in Knutsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:As a part-time management consultant, you’ll need to showcase your strong analytical skills. Make sure your CV reflects your experience in data interpretation and problem-solving, possibly through specific examples in past projects or coursework relevant to consulting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should really demonstrate your motivation for wanting to join Custodia and why consulting appeals to you, even in a part-time capacity. Talk about your learning potential and how you can balance the part-time role with other commitments, showing that you're eager to dive into real-world challenges.
Share Relevant Projects:If you’ve worked on consulting projects or undertaken relevant coursework, don’t hesitate to mention them! Even if they were part of your studies, your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings is a huge plus—attach or mention any reports, presentations, or case studies you've produced.
Refine Your CV for Consultancy Roles:Tailor your CV specifically for management consulting by using keywords from the job description—this will help you stand out. Emphasise any teamwork, leadership, or communication skills, as these are crucial in consulting, especially when interpreting client needs or facilitating discussions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Custodia
✨Master Your Case Study Skills
In management consulting, you'll likely face a case study during interviews, so let’s nail these down! Get familiar with the typical frameworks, like SWOT or Porter’s Five Forces, and practice with real case studies to showcase your analytical skills. Remember, they want to see your thought process as much as the final answer!
✨Talk the Talk of Management
Prepare to discuss management theories and concepts in detail. Brush up on current trends in consulting, like digital transformation or sustainability, and be ready to weave them into your answers. This shows you’re not just academically sound but also genuinely engaged with industry developments.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Learning
As a part-time candidate, highlighting your ability to manage time effectively and quickly adapt is key. Be ready to showcase any relevant experience or projects that demonstrate your learning curve in consulting—this will resonate with interviewers who are keen on growth potential over rigid experience.
✨Get Your Story Straight
Prepare a strong personal narrative explaining why you’re looking to work part-time in the consulting field. Relate it to your skills, interests, or personal goals that align with the role at Custodia. This will help you stand out and show your dedication, even in a part-time capacity.
