At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business operations, improve workflows, and support strategic initiatives.
- Company: Dynamic tech company in Harwell with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and drive change in a fast-paced setting.
- Why this job: Shape the future of operations and make a real impact in a growing tech environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in business operations and strong process improvement skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
- Head of Business Operations
- Working pattern: Hybrid
A growing technology business in Harwell is seeking a Head of Business Operations to join its team in a newly created role.
This is a key senior position supporting the Deputy Managing Director and helping shape Business Operations into a strategic, business-enabling function that brings structure, pace and clarity to the organisation.
Role overview
You will act as a senior operational partner to the Deputy Managing Director, helping to translate strategy into action and ensuring Business Operations supports delivery rather than slowing it down.
The role will focus on improving workflows, strengthening governance, supporting audits and compliance activities, and helping teams work more effectively together.
You will also provide day-to-day leadership to the Integrated Business and Resource Planning Analyst, ensuring planning, resourcing and reporting activity aligns with business needs and supports operational decisions.
Key responsibilities
- Partner with the Deputy Managing Director to convert business priorities into clear operational plans, actions, owners and delivery rhythms.
- Establish practical frameworks for ownership, decision rights, escalation routes and handovers.
- Identify friction, duplication and bottlenecks, then work with functional leads to simplify and improve processes.
- Translate business strategy into operational delivery plans by identifying constraints and blockers early.
- Lead improvement workstreams that strengthen traceability, reduce manual effort and improve scalability.
- Provide leadership, direction and support to the Integrated Business and Resource Planning Analyst.
- Work with IT, Legal, HR, Finance, Site Operations and other process owners to improve systems and workflows.
- Support the effective use of ERP systems such as SAP where they underpin business operations, purchasing, finance, inventory, project controls or reporting.
- Support adoption of new ways of working through communication, guidance and training.
- Maintain proportionate governance tools such as action trackers, compliance calendars, evidence packs, version control and decision logs.
- Coordinate inputs to audits, assurance activities, management systems and certifications.
- Build handover and continuity arrangements that reduce reliance on informal knowledge or single points of failure.
- Provide trusted operational support to the Deputy Managing Director and help keep cross-functional activity moving.
Essential experience
- Experience in business operations, operational management, programme operations, process improvement or a similar cross-functional delivery role.
- Experience within an engineering, manufacturing, technology, aerospace or complex regulated environment.
- Ability to translate business priorities into practical plans and delivery mechanisms.
- Strong process improvement capability, with a track record of simplifying workflows and reducing duplication.
- Confident working as a senior partner to executive leadership.
- Strong stakeholder skills and the ability to influence across functions.
- A pragmatic, delivery-focused mindset with good judgement.
- Experience supporting governance, audit, assurance or compliance activities.
- Experience leading change management and helping teams adopt new ways of working.
Desirable experience
- Experience improving operational systems, workflows or digital tools in partnership with IT or process owners, including ERP systems such as SAP.
- Exposure to health and safety, quality, security, export compliance or ISO management systems.
- Experience in a scaling organisation where processes are still developing and need to become clearer and more repeatable.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Operations employer: Holt Engineering Ltd
Join a well-established engineering and manufacturing business in Oldham, where your skills as a MIG & TIG Welder will be valued and nurtured. With competitive pay of up to £15.00 per hour and ongoing training and development opportunities, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that prioritises high standards and teamwork. This permanent, full-time role offers a chance to grow within a company that takes pride in producing quality components while maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations
✨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 Holt Engineering Ltd!
✨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 Holt Engineering Ltd 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 Holt Engineering Ltd 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 Holt Engineering Ltd!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations
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 Holt Engineering Ltd. 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 Holt Engineering Ltd
✨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 Holt Engineering Ltd. 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!
