At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational strategy and ensure effective infrastructure for a growing charity.
- Company: Daisy Chain, a values-led charity supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals.
- Benefits: £45,000 salary, 33 days annual leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence decisions and lead significant projects in a caring organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping operations that support communities in need.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in operations and leadership across multiple sites.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Daisy Chain is a values-led charity supporting autistic and neurodivergent people and their families. We operate across multiple sites and services, with a wide range of operational, regulatory and organisational requirements.
As Daisy Chain continues to develop, strong operational foundations are essential. We need to make sure our buildings, systems, suppliers, technology, information and risk arrangements are not only well managed today, but are capable of supporting where the organisation wants to go next.
We are now looking for a Head of Operations to provide senior operational leadership across the organisation and help us create the safe, effective and sustainable infrastructure needed to deliver our charitable objectives.
This is a broad senior leadership role, providing strategic oversight across a wide range of operational areas including premises and infrastructure, health and safety, risk, procurement, IT, data protection, insurance and business continuity.
Working closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and divisional leads, you will bring together different operational considerations, identify risks and opportunities, and provide clear advice and assurance to support organisational decision‑making.
A key part of the role will be ensuring that operational matters are managed proactively rather than reactively. You'll work with teams across Daisy Chain to understand what they need now, anticipate what they may need in the future and make sure the organisation is appropriately prepared.
You’ll also take the lead on significant operational projects and complex issues, from property and infrastructure developments through to procurement exercises, compliance matters and organisational improvement projects.
Leading Operational Improvement
Daisy Chain is a growing organisation, and this role provides an opportunity to shape how we manage and develop our operational infrastructure for the future.
You’ll oversee the Operations function and line manage the Operations Manager, providing leadership, direction and support while ensuring that operational priorities are aligned with the wider needs of the organisation.
You’ll also help strengthen our approach to risk, audit and assurance, ensuring that important actions are identified, followed through and escalated where necessary. Where something isn’t working as effectively as it could, you’ll be expected to understand why, identify practical solutions and drive improvement.
The role will involve working with external providers and professional advisers across areas such as IT, property, insurance and legal matters, ensuring Daisy Chain receives the right advice, value and level of service.
About You
We’re looking for an experienced operational leader who is comfortable working at both a strategic and practical level.
- Has significant senior experience in operations, facilities, estates or a comparable leadership environment.
- Can provide confident organisation-wide oversight of operational risk, health and safety, compliance and assurance.
- Has experience managing premises, infrastructure, projects, suppliers and contracts across multiple sites or services.
- Can lead and develop managers, while creating clear accountability and supporting people to perform at their best.
- Is confident dealing with complex issues, making sound judgements and providing clear advice to senior leaders.
- Understands the importance of effective governance, risk management and regulatory compliance without losing sight of practical delivery.
- Can work confidently across areas such as IT, cyber security, data protection and business continuity, including managing outsourced providers.
- Is commercially aware and able to identify opportunities for greater efficiency, value for money and better use of resources.
- Is organised, pragmatic and able to manage competing priorities in a busy and changing environment.
- Communicates effectively and builds positive working relationships across all levels of an organisation.
- Shares our commitment to Daisy Chain’s values and to creating safe, inclusive and effective services for the people we support.
Why join Daisy Chain
This is an opportunity to take on a genuinely broad operational leadership role within an organisation where the quality of our infrastructure, systems and risk management directly supports the people and communities we serve.
You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with senior leaders, influence organisational decisions, lead significant projects and shape how Daisy Chain operates as it continues to develop.
We’re looking for someone who can bring strategic thinking, sound judgement and a practical approach to making things work better. If you’re someone who enjoys seeing the bigger picture while still understanding what it takes to make things happen, we’d love to hear from you.
Benefits at Daisy Chain
When you join Daisy Chain, you’ll become part of a supportive, values-led organisation where people genuinely care about one another. 33 days annual leave (including...
Head of Operations in Norton employer: Daisy Chain Project
Daisy Chain is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of autistic and neurodivergent individuals. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer comprehensive training, a supportive work culture, and generous benefits including enhanced holiday leave and a robust Employee Assistance Programme. Join us in Tees Valley, where you will be part of a passionate team that values inclusivity and empowers both staff and the community we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Norton
✨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 Head of Operations at Daisy Chain Project!
✨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 Daisy Chain Project or be willing to refer you for that Head of Operations position!
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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 Daisy Chain Project who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Operations star!
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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 Head of Operations role at Daisy Chain Project!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Norton
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 Daisy Chain Project. 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 Daisy Chain Project
✨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!
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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 Daisy Chain Project. 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!
