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- Tasks: Lead operations in a busy shopping centre, ensuring top-notch customer experience and safety.
- Company: Dynamic retail environment in Bedfordshire with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £60,000 and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by managing complex projects and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilities management, NEBOSH qualified, and strong leadership skills.
- 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 in Luton employer: Foundation Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Foundation Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable answering common questions and discussing your experience. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly 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: This role is all about leading teams and managing operations. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and how you've motivated teams in the past. We love a proactive approach!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use bullet points for key achievements and avoid jargon. We appreciate clarity and want to see your strengths shine through without any fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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 the shopping centre. Familiarise yourself with its current challenges and successes. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role and how you can contribute to improving operations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams and service partners. Be ready to discuss how you've motivated teams in the past and how you plan to foster a 'one team' culture in this new role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Compliance and Risk Management
Given the importance of compliance and risk in this role, brush up on relevant regulations and best practices. Prepare to share specific instances where you've successfully managed operational risks or ensured compliance in previous positions.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness
Understand the financial aspects of operations, such as budget management and cost control. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively managed budgets in the past and how you would approach financial planning for the shopping centre.
