At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop operational teams to drive performance and shape the future of the business.
- Company: Join a successful, growing family-owned business with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, key leadership role, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and influence on business direction.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact while building high-performing teams in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operational leadership and team development.
The predicted salary is between 56059 - 68517 £ per year.
Location: Doncaster
Salary: 65000 - 85000 (per annum)
Job type: Permanent
Working pattern: Full time
Industry: Manufacturing & Production / Office and Administration Management
Company: Hays
Consultant: Sam Cooper
Head of Operations
Doncaster | Full Time | Family-Owned Business | Multi-Site Responsibility
Lead People. Drive Performance. Shape the Future.
Are you an experienced operational leader who thrives on developing people, improving performance and building strong, high-performing teams? Our client is a successful and growing family-owned business with ambitious plans for the future. With a strong reputation, loyal customer base and a commitment to continuous improvement, they are seeking a Head of Operations to lead their operational teams and play a key role in the next stage of their growth journey.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands-on leader who can inspire others, challenge the status quo, and create an environment where people perform at their best.
The Role
Reporting into the Directors, the Head of Operations will take overall responsibility for operational performance across the business, ensuring that people, processes and resources are aligned to support sustainable growth. This role is centred around leadership, team development and operational excellence. You will work closely with managers and team leaders across multiple functions, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will help shape the future direction of the business while ensuring day-to-day operations run efficiently and effectively.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach and develop an operational team of 10 (and growing) across the business.
- Build a positive, high-performance culture focused on teamwork, accountability and customer service.
- Develop future leaders through mentoring, coaching and succession planning.
- Drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Create and deliver strategic operational plans aligned to business growth objectives.
- Monitor operational performance, KPIs and productivity measures.
- Work collaboratively with production, logistics and customer-facing teams to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems and ways of working.
- Ensure resources are effectively planned to meet current and future business demands.
- Support business expansion through strong operational leadership and planning.
- Drive employee engagement and create an environment where people can thrive.
- Provide regular operational updates and recommendations to the Directors.
About You
We're looking for a confident and influential leader with a proven track record of leading successful teams within manufacturing, logistics, supply chain or operational environments. You will be a natural people leader who enjoys developing talent, improving performance and making a genuine impact on business success.
Essential Experience
- Senior operational leadership experience.
- Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Strong background within manufacturing, logistics, supply chain or operational environments.
- Experience managing change and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Track record of improving operational performance and business efficiency.
- Strong commercial awareness and business acumen.
- Experience working with KPIs, operational data and performance reporting.
- Ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.
Desirable Experience
- Multi-site operational leadership experience.
- Experience within a family-owned or owner-managed business.
- Knowledge of Lean, Continuous Improvement or Operational Excellence methodologies.
- Experience supporting business growth and expansion projects.
Personal Qualities
- Inspirational and highly visible leader.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Resilient, adaptable and solutions-focused.
- Strong emotional intelligence.
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach.
- Passionate about people development.
- Committed to continuous improvement.
- Able to balance long-term planning with day-to-day operational priorities.
What's on Offer?
- Opportunity to join a successful and growing family business.
- Key leadership role with genuine influence on business direction.
- Chance to build, develop and shape high-performing teams.
- Supportive and collaborative culture.
If you're a people-focused operational leader looking to make a lasting impact within a growing family business, we'd love to hear from you.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Head of Operations in Doncaster employer: Hays
Join a well-established ecological consultancy in Kent that prioritises work-life balance and professional development. With a collaborative team culture and a commitment to delivering high-quality ecological advice, this company offers meaningful career progression opportunities for ecologists. Enjoy flexible working arrangements and the chance to work on diverse projects across the South East and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Doncaster
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Head of Operations at Hays!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Hays or be willing to refer you for that Head of Operations position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Hays who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Operations star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Head of Operations role at Hays!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Doncaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Hays. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨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!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
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.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Hays. 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!
