At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational performance and drive excellence across multiple regions in the South.
- Company: One of the UK's top parking management companies with innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a focus on people development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading a high-performing team and enhancing client relationships.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior operational leadership experience and strong client management skills.
Location: London
Our client is one of the UK's leading parking management companies, delivering innovative parking solutions across retail, commercial, healthcare, residential and mixed-use developments. We are seeking an experienced Head of Ops to lead operational performance across the South region portfolio. This is a senior leadership position responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring exceptional customer service, maintaining compliance, and leading a high-performing regional management team.
The successful candidate will have extensive experience managing geographically dispersed teams within a field-based operational environment and will be passionate about continuous improvement, people development and delivering outstanding client service.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Lead the day-to-day operational performance of multiple regions across the South of the UK.
- Provide leadership and support to Regional and Area Operations Managers.
- Ensure consistent delivery of operational standards across all contracts.
- Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiency and profitability.
- Monitor KPIs and operational performance across the business.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the operation.
- Client Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key national clients.
- Attend client review meetings and present operational performance.
- Resolve complex operational issues and customer escalations.
- Identify opportunities to grow existing client relationships.
- Support contract mobilisation and retention activities.
- People Leadership
- Lead, coach and develop Regional and Area Managers.
- Create a high-performance culture focused on accountability and customer service.
- Support recruitment, succession planning and talent development.
- Conduct performance reviews and regular operational meetings.
- Promote employee engagement and wellbeing.
- Compliance & Health & Safety
- Ensure full compliance with company policies and statutory legislation.
- Drive a positive Health & Safety culture across all operational activities.
- Ensure audits, inspections and corrective actions are completed.
- Oversee contractor management and compliance standards.
- Ensure all operational teams work within regulatory requirements.
- Commercial Performance
- Manage regional operational budgets.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
- Monitor financial performance and support budget planning.
- Work closely with finance and commercial teams to maximise profitability.
- Support business development through operational expertise.
- Project Management
- Lead operational mobilisation of new contracts.
- Support implementation of new technologies and operational systems.
- Manage operational change programmes.
- Deliver improvement projects across multiple business functions.
Experience Required
Essential
- Significant senior operational leadership experience within a multi-site environment.
- Very confident on Excel (and knowledge of AI pref).
- Experience managing large field-based operational teams.
- Strong client relationship management skills.
- Budget and commercial management experience.
- Excellent leadership and people development capability.
- Experience driving continuous improvement.
- Strong understanding of Health & Safety legislation.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Experience within parking management, facilities management, security, transport, logistics or field services.
- IOSH or NEBOSH qualification.
- Project Management qualification.
- Degree or equivalent management qualification.
Key Skills
- Strategic operational leadership
- Multi-site management
- Performance management
- Commercial awareness
- Stakeholder management
- Financial management
- Leadership and coaching
- Negotiation and influencing
- Continuous improvement
- Change management
- Customer relationship management
- Excellent communication skills
- Problem solving and decision making
Ideal Background
We would welcome applications from senior leaders with experience in:
- Parking Management
- Facilities Management
- Field Operations
- Security Services
- Logistics
- Transport
- Retail Operations
- Property Management
- Utilities
- Environmental Services
- Infrastructure Services
Military veterans with experience leading geographically dispersed teams, managing operational performance and delivering customer-focused services are encouraged to apply.
Forward Assist Recruitment is operating as an Employment Agency. We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities employer; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Head of Operations in London employer: Forward Assist Recruitment
At Forward Assist Recruitment, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values our employees' growth and well-being. Located in England, our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, while offering competitive benefits such as a salary of up to £36,000, generous annual leave, and enhanced family leave policies. Join us to elevate your career in a supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.
Contact Details:
Forward Assist Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
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How to prepare for a job interview at Forward Assist Recruitment
✨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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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.
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We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Forward Assist Recruitment. 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!
