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
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Operations Planner P/T at Custodia!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Custodia or be willing to refer you for that Operations Planner P/T position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Custodia who’s on the lookout for their next Operations Planner P/T star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Operations Planner P/T role at Custodia!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Planner P/T in Knutsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Custodia. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Custodia
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Custodia. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
