Head of Operations - UK

Head of Operations - UK

Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operations across 300 sites, ensuring high-quality service and operational excellence.
  • Company: Join a prestigious organisation committed to luxury service and sustainable practices.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership development, and the chance to shape company culture.
  • Why this job: Drive meaningful change and elevate client experiences in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in facilities management and strong financial acumen required.
  • Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

We are seeking an inspiring and forward‑thinking Head of Operations to lead nationwide service delivery across a prestigious portfolio of 300 sites. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our UK leadership team, driving operational excellence, commercial performance, and an exceptional client experience within luxury service environments.

Beyond ensuring consistent, high‑quality delivery, you will champion sustainable operational change, embedding practices that align with our B Corp principles, responsible business, and long‑term impact. You will play a key role in shaping and elevating company culture, creating environments where people thrive, innovate, and feel deeply connected to the work they do.

With a passion for continuous improvement, you will bring strong change‑management expertise. You will build and develop high‑performing teams, introduce scalable best practice, and cultivate trusted relationships with clients and internal partners across the organisation.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a leader who combines strategic thinking with hands‑on operational capability, and who is energised by the idea of driving meaningful, future‑focused change at scale.

Key Responsibilities
  • Operational Leadership
    • Lead, standardise, and monitor daily operations across all UK sites
    • Embed consistent cleaning and service protocols
    • Drive collaboration across departments to deliver a premium, brand-aligned service
  • People Leadership
    • Develop competence within senior ops, area managers, and mobile teams
    • Lead structured communication, coaching, and performance management
    • Deliver succession planning and talent development programmes
  • Client Management
    • Maintain and enhance relationships with all clients
    • Conduct performance reviews, site visits, and manage escalations
    • Support Business Development with bids, tenders, and mobilisation
  • Systems & Administration
    • Oversee Timegate, CMS, billing, scheduling, and procurement processes
    • Ensure administrative accuracy
  • Performance & KPIs
    • Track performance metrics including audits, efficiency, FTR, attendance, training
    • Lead quarterly reviews and drive continuous improvement
  • Financial Management
    • Partner with Finance on P&L management and productivity improvement
    • Manage labour budgets, overtime, and material cost control
  • Compliance & Safety
    • Ensure compliance with H&S, COSHH, RAMS, audits, and company standards
    • Lead investigations and maintain robust risk management
  • HR & Workforce
    • Work with HR to strengthen recruitment, onboarding, and retention
    • Enhance supervisor accountability and operational independence
  • Organisational Structure
    • Maintain balanced workloads and transparent regional structures
    • Lead recruitment of key operational leadership roles
Key Relationships

You will work closely with: HR, Finance, Marketing, Business Development, Field Operations Teams, and external partners.

Essential Skills & Experience
  • Senior leadership experience (Head of Ops / Ops Director level) overseeing 100+ sites
  • Background in facilities management or commercial cleaning (luxury sector advantageous)
  • Strong financial and commercial acumen: labour forecasting, productivity, P&L
  • Proficient in operational systems such as Timegate and CMS
  • Robust compliance knowledge (IOSH/NEBOSH highly desirable)
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills
Success Indicators
  • Strong operational structure with reduced escalations
  • Improved client satisfaction and compliance performance
  • Increased team capability and supervisor independence
  • Effective cost control and improved retention
  • Consistent audit standards across all regions

If you are an operational leader with a passion for high standards and team excellence, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to join a growing organisation delivering best-in-class service across the UK.

Head of Operations - UK employer: Distinct Group

As a leading employer in the luxury service sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and operational excellence. Our commitment to B Corp principles ensures that you will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to sustainable practices and meaningful change, while our extensive training and development programmes empower you to thrive in your role as Head of Operations across our prestigious portfolio of sites in the UK.
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Contact Detail:

Distinct Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Operations - UK

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that dream role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, culture, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations - UK

Operational Leadership
Change Management
Client Relationship Management
Financial Acumen
Facilities Management
Compliance Knowledge
Performance Tracking
Team Development
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Project Management
Risk Management
Administrative Accuracy
Labour Forecasting

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Operations. Highlight your experience in leading large teams and managing multiple sites, especially in luxury service environments. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for operational excellence and how you’ve driven meaningful change in previous roles. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team and how you can contribute to our B Corp principles.

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your leadership and operational skills. Use metrics where possible to show how you’ve improved performance or client satisfaction in past roles. Numbers speak volumes!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Distinct Group

✨Know the Company Inside Out

Before your interview, dive deep into the company's values, mission, and recent achievements. Understanding their B Corp principles and commitment to sustainable operational change will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also in the company’s ethos.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully built high-performing teams in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your experience in coaching, performance management, and fostering a culture where people thrive.

✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen

Be ready to talk about your experience with P&L management and productivity improvement. Bring examples of how you've managed budgets and controlled costs effectively, as this is crucial for the Head of Operations role.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle operational challenges. Think of scenarios where you’ve driven collaboration across departments or improved client satisfaction, and be prepared to discuss the outcomes.

Head of Operations - UK
Distinct Group
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