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- Tasks: Lead operations in a busy shopping centre, ensuring top-notch service and safety.
- Company: Dynamic retail environment in Bedfordshire with a focus on teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £60,000 and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by managing complex projects and enhancing customer experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilities management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team and help shape the future of retail operations.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and driven Head of Operations to take full ownership of all operational activities within a busy shopping centre in Bedfordshire. This is a senior, hands-on role requiring strong leadership, commercial awareness and a proactive approach to risk, compliance and service delivery.
You will lead and coordinate all day-to-day operational functions across the centre, ensuring the highest standards of safety, presentation, compliance and customer experience. Working closely with the Centre Director, you will play a key role in delivering the centre’s business plan and long-term operational strategy. With a number of lifecycle and investment projects planned over the coming years, this role requires confidence in managing risk, business continuity and complex operational programmes.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- PEOPLE - Take ownership of recruitment, development, retention and performance management plans. Motivate and lead service partners to deliver consistently high standards. Support and collaborate with colleagues, fostering a strong “one team” culture. Build effective relationships with internal teams, occupiers, contractors and key stakeholders. Deputise for the Centre Director when required, ensuring clear communication on all operational matters.
- COMMERCIAL & FM - Develop and manage all operational budgets, ensuring effective cost control and value for money. Closely monitor service charge expenditure and oversee ad hoc and project works. Develop and deliver the Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programme, prioritising major works and minimising disruption. Coordinate tendering and contract management for hard and soft services. Actively manage service partners against agreed KPIs. Support the shop fitting process from instruction through to retail delivery. Ensure occupier queries are addressed efficiently through the appropriate teams.
- QUALITY & PRESENTATION - Maintain a positive image of the centre at all times. Carry out regular internal and external inspections, ensuring issues are resolved effectively and permanently. Work closely with service partners to maintain presentation standards and drive service improvements. Lead and coordinate on-site projects, acting as the key operational liaison. Maintain accurate records and produce reports for the wider business as required.
- COMPLIANCE & RISK - Proactively manage operational risk alongside the Centre Director. Ensure life safety systems and procedures remain current and effective. Maintain audit-ready compliance systems and records. Oversee environmental and sustainability initiatives aligned with Responsible Property Investment principles. Manage insurance-related matters on site. Ensure KPIs set by the client are achieved. Maintain utility and technical data across relevant systems and reporting platforms. Provide accurate data for industry and client reporting requirements (e.g. GRESB, ROSPA).
- Strong background in facilities management or a service-led operational environment.
- Proven experience delivering complex projects within tight parameters.
- NEBOSH qualified.
- Solid understanding of statutory compliance, contract law and service charge management.
- Good technical knowledge of building construction and plant systems.
- Confident user of IT systems including Word, Excel and databases.
- Duty Management.
- Analytical Thinking.
- Commercial Awareness.
- Decision Making.
- Planning & Organising.
- Results Focused.
- Guest Focused.
- Team Working.
If you're looking for a new role, please send your CV to sally.ridgway@foundationrecruitment.com.
Head of Operations employer: Foundation Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Foundation Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail and operations sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their challenges and think about how you can contribute to their success. Tailor your responses to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've motivated teams or managed complex projects. This will demonstrate your ability to take ownership and drive results, which is crucial for a Head of Operations role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience in facilities management and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since this role is all about leading teams and managing operations, don’t forget to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've motivated teams or improved service delivery in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foundation Recruitment
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the operational aspects of a shopping centre. Familiarise yourself with key metrics like service charge management and compliance standards. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and how you motivate teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led service partners or managed performance plans in the past. This is crucial for a senior role like Head of Operations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of specific scenarios where you had to manage risk or handle complex projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Understand the financial aspects of operations, such as budget management and cost control. Be prepared to discuss how you've previously ensured value for money in operational budgets. This will highlight your commercial acumen, which is vital for this position.
