At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations across multiple branches, ensuring efficiency and top-notch customer service.
- Company: Join Edge Building Products Ltd, a leader in the building supplies industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving processes and supporting branch success.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site operations and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to travel and collaborate with a passionate team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Position Overview
The Head of Operations/CST is responsible for overseeing operational performance across multiple branches within the building supplies network. This role supports Branch Managers in achieving operational efficiency, excellent customer service, profitability, and compliance with company standards. The Head of Operations/CST works closely with leadership to implement best practices, improve processes, and ensure consistent performance across all sites and CST. The incumbent will report directly to the Managing Director.
Key Responsibilities
- Branch Support/CST & Leadership
- Act as the primary operational support resource for Branch Managers/CST.
- Provide coaching, guidance, and problem-solving support to ensure branches/CST meet performance targets.
- Assist in workforce planning, staffing decisions, and training initiatives.
- Set realistic KPIs for each team member.
- Review and assess performance through regular one-to-ones.
- Support new branch opening/acquisitions.
- Provide cover for Branch Managers during holidays/sickness absence.
- Work with Head of Sales to develop staff training needs across the business.
- Support the recruitment and selection of additional team members as and when required.
- Operational Performance
- Monitor daily branch operations, including inventory accuracy, stock rotation, yard management, and service levels.
- Implement standardized operating procedures across all branches/CST to promote efficiency and safety.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing costs and improving productivity.
- Responsible for fleet management day-to-day tasks.
- Inventory & Supply Chain Management
- Oversee forecasting, stock replenishment, and vendor relationships to maintain optimal inventory levels.
- Review and analyse stock variances, slow-moving items, and product availability issues.
- Coordinate with procurement and logistics teams to resolve supply chain challenges.
- Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all branches adhere to company safety policies, compliance requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Conduct branch audits and follow up on corrective actions.
- Promote a strong safety culture across all operational areas.
- Customer Service & Sales Support
- Work with Branch Managers to maintain high customer service standards and professional warehouse/showroom environments.
- Support local sales initiatives by ensuring product availability, efficient order fulfilment, and timely delivery performance.
- Manage the escalation of operational customer issues.
- Complete overview of procedures within CST to investigate improvements, efficiencies, and results.
- Financial & Reporting
- Assist Branch Managers with budgeting, forecasting, and cost-control measures.
- Review key metrics including labour efficiency, stock turns, gross margin performance, and operational KPIs.
- Prepare operational reports and present findings to senior leadership.
- Project & Process Improvement
- Lead or support network-wide operational projects, system upgrades, or new process rollouts.
- Identify branch/CST performance and develop action plans to address any issues.
- Drive consistency, quality, and scalability across all activities.
Skills & Experience
- Strong background in building supplies, construction materials, distribution, or related industry.
- Proven experience in multi-site operations, warehouse/warehouse management, or branch leadership.
- Excellent communication, coaching, and stakeholder-management abilities.
- Strong analytical skills and familiarity with inventory management systems.
- Solid understanding of health & safety and compliance standards.
- Ability to travel between branches regularly.
- Work with HR to address any performance-related issues.
Head of Operations/CST employer: Edge Building Products
Contact Detail:
Edge Building Products Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations/CST
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the building supplies industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and donβt be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Edge Building Products Ltd thoroughly. Understand their operations, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that youβre genuinely interested in the role of Head of Operations/CST.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on showcasing your experience in multi-site operations and how you can drive efficiency and compliance across branches.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations/CST
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience in multi-site operations and any relevant achievements in building supplies or construction materials. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've improved operational efficiency or supported branch managers in the past. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves coaching and guiding Branch Managers, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've successfully led teams, set KPIs, and driven performance improvements. We love seeing strong leaders in action!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it's super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Edge Building Products
β¨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the operational processes of Edge Building Products Ltd. Familiarise yourself with their branch management strategies, inventory systems, and compliance standards. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
β¨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific instances where you've successfully improved operational efficiency or resolved complex issues in previous roles. Be ready to share these examples during the interview, as they will illustrate your problem-solving skills and ability to lead teams effectively.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Operations, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you coach and support branch managers, set KPIs, and foster a strong safety culture. Highlight your approach to team development and how you ensure consistent performance across multiple sites.
β¨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, donβt shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the company's future operational goals, challenges they face in the industry, or how they measure success across branches. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.