At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational performance and ensure projects are delivered safely and efficiently.
- Company: Guildmore Midlands & North, a growing and successful business in construction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and long-term career progression.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and drive accountability across multiple projects.
- Why this job: Shape operational performance and make a real impact in a senior leadership role.
- Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience in construction or property services required.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 70089 £ per year.
Guildmore Midlands & North is seeking an experienced Head of Operations to lead and drive operational performance across the business unit. This senior leadership role is responsible for ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on programme, and within agreed margins. The successful candidate will provide leadership to operational teams, drive accountability, improve consistency across projects, and ensure accurate reporting and governance.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Delivery: Lead operational performance across all live projects. Ensure projects are delivered on time, to quality standards, and within budget. Identify and mitigate delivery risks affecting programme, quality, and profitability. Drive consistency in project mobilisation, delivery, and close-out processes.
- Commercial & Performance Management: Work closely with Commercial teams to protect margins and manage project risks. Challenge delivery strategies where they impact profitability or programme performance. Monitor operational KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
- Leadership & Team Management: Lead and support Operations Managers, Site Teams, and Delivery Staff. Promote a culture of accountability, ownership, and high performance. Set clear standards and expectations across the business.
- Reporting & Governance: Own operational reporting for monthly reviews, board reports, and business updates. Ensure reporting is accurate, data-driven, and submitted on time. Drive consistency through standardised reporting processes and dashboards.
- Systems, Compliance & Client Management: Embed best practice processes and operational standards. Champion the use of company systems and reporting tools. Support key client relationships and ensure delivery commitments are met. Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Quality, and regulatory requirements.
What Success Looks Like:
- Consistent delivery of projects on programme and within margin. Improved operational performance and reporting compliance.
- Reduced delivery-related risks and issues. Strong accountability and performance culture across teams.
- Clear and consistent operational standards throughout the business.
Essential Requirements:
- Senior operational leadership experience within Construction, Planned Maintenance, Refurbishment, or Property Services.
- Proven track record managing multiple projects and operational teams. Strong programme management and planning expertise.
- Commercial awareness with a focus on profitability and risk management.
- Experience working at Senior Management or Director level. Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Leadership Style: We are looking for someone who is:
- Direct, decisive, and performance-focused. Able to challenge, influence, and hold teams accountable.
- Solutions-oriented and proactive. Comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Senior leadership role with significant influence.
- Opportunity to shape and improve operational performance.
- Supportive and collaborative leadership team.
- Long-term career progression within a growing and successful business.
Head of Operation in Milton Keynes employer: Guildmore Group
Guildmore Midlands & North is an exceptional employer that prioritises operational excellence and employee development. With a competitive salary and benefits package, a supportive leadership team, and a culture that fosters accountability and high performance, this senior leadership role offers the opportunity to significantly influence and enhance operational performance while enjoying long-term career progression in a thriving business environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operation in Milton Keynes
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Guildmore Group, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Head of Operation at Guildmore Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operation in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Guildmore Group
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
