Operations Manager in Bedford

Operations Manager in Bedford

Bedford Full-Time 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Huntswood

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operations, manage teams, and drive performance in a dynamic financial services environment.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing customer experiences and leading a motivated team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in financial services and strong leadership skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

The Operations Manager will be responsible for driving effective operational delivery across complex customer complaint and remediation activity, ensuring alignment to both internal objectives and UK client requirements. The role requires strong leadership, operational oversight, and experience within financial services, particularly across complaints handling, remediation programmes, or customer-facing sales environments.

Key Responsibilities

  • People Management
    • Manage and drive performance against Team Leader KPIs and service delivery targets
    • Clearly articulate business objectives and support Team Leaders in developing and executing operational plans
    • Ensure effective daily briefings (‘huddles’) are conducted
    • Manage leave and absence to maintain service levels in line with agreed SLAs
    • Handle disciplinary and HR matters in accordance with UK employment legislation and company policy
    • Foster a high-performance, inclusive culture with strong employee engagement and motivation
    • Embed reward and recognition practices as part of operational cadence
    • Design and oversee structured incentive schemes aligned to business outcomes
    • Promote cross-functional collaboration and teamwork
    • Ensure policies, procedures, and compliance requirements are consistently adhered to
    • Identify and resolve performance or morale challenges proactively
  • Leadership & Team Development
    • Deliver structured coaching and mentoring for Team Leaders
    • Support leadership transition and onboarding plans
    • Lead regular call listening and quality review sessions with clear actions and outcomes
    • Conduct monthly 1:1s focusing on performance, development, and career progression
    • Identify and close capability gaps through targeted development plans
    • Promote industry best practice in complaints handling, sales compliance, and remediation
    • Facilitate knowledge sharing based on insights, audit findings, or customer outcomes
    • Run regular improvement workshops and “think tank” sessions
    • Support professional development, CPD, and succession planning
    • Manage underperformance through structured improvement plans in partnership with HR
    • Identify and develop high-potential talent
  • Operational Management (BAU)
    • Define and deliver against operational objectives and KPIs
    • Manage delivery of complaints, remediation, or sales support activity in line with regulatory expectations (e.g. FCA guidelines)
    • Translate financial and client objectives into operational delivery plans
    • Monitor performance against forecast and adjust resources accordingly
    • Drive efficiency, quality, and customer outcomes across operations
    • Ensure accurate reporting and effective MI (Management Information) frameworks
    • Maintain robust record-keeping in line with regulatory and audit requirements
    • Implement and oversee quality assurance processes
    • Manage departmental budgets, supplier relationships, and resource allocation
    • Identify operational risks and escalate appropriately
    • Drive continuous improvement and innovation within service delivery
    • Support delivery of change and transformation initiatives
  • Client & Stakeholder Management
    • Support Client Directors in maintaining strong client relationships
    • Participate in WBRs, MBRs, and QBRs with UK-based clients
    • Ensure internal teams meet client expectations and contractual deliverables
    • Identify and escalate risks, issues, or service impacts promptly
    • Prepare for client engagements and ensure operational readiness
    • Maintain transparent and proactive communication on performance, risks, and improvements
    • Provide insights and reporting on service delivery and continuous improvement
  • Change & Transformation
    • Identify and implement operational change initiatives
    • Support wider business transformation programmes
    • Lead and embed change within operational teams
    • Manage communication and engagement around change activity
    • Track outcomes and ensure successful adoption
  • Reporting & Data Insights
    • Work with BI teams to develop meaningful operational reporting
    • Analyse MI to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
    • Use data-driven insights to inform decision-making and improve performance
    • Drive continuous improvement through analytics and reporting

Requirements

  • Minimum: GCSEs (or equivalent) required
  • Relevant degree or professional qualification (desirable)
  • Proven experience in UK financial services (banking, insurance, or equivalent regulatory environment)
  • Strong experience across complaints handling, remediation programmes, and/or regulated sales environments
  • Minimum 3 years’ experience in a Senior Operations role within a contact centre/BPO environment
  • Experience working with UK-based clients and FCA-regulated frameworks (desirable)
  • Strong stakeholder management and client engagement skills
  • Advanced MS Excel / MI reporting capability

Key Skills

  • Leadership and people management
  • Operational delivery and resource planning
  • Strong knowledge of complaints, remediation, and sales processes
  • Analytical and problem-solving ability
  • Coaching and mentoring capability
  • Decision-making and commercial awareness
  • Financial and operational acumen
  • Continuous improvement mindset
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

Core Behaviours

  • Employees are expected to be dependable, driven, and collaborative, aligned to core values:
  • Bring your best every day
  • Strive for continuous improvement
  • Empower and support others
  • Act with integrity
  • Take ownership
  • Deliver exceptional service

Operations Manager in Bedford employer: Huntswood

As an Operations Manager in Glasgow, you will thrive in a dynamic hybrid work environment that champions employee engagement and professional growth. Our commitment to fostering a high-performance culture is reflected in our structured coaching programmes, inclusive teamwork, and robust reward systems, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to excel. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises operational excellence and continuous improvement in the financial services sector.

Huntswood

Contact Details:

Huntswood Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Bedford

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the financial services sector, especially those who know about complaints handling and remediation. A friendly chat can lead to insider info on job openings that aren't even advertised yet.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to operations management. Think about how you’d handle team performance issues or client relationships. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've motivated teams or improved processes. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can drive performance and foster a high-performance culture.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Bedford

Leadership
People Management
Operational Delivery
Complaints Handling
Remediation Programmes
Stakeholder Management
Coaching and Mentoring

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in complaints handling and operational management, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your leadership skills and how you've driven performance in previous roles.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention your understanding of financial services and how you can contribute to our goals. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to see your personality!

Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, like improving service delivery targets or enhancing team performance. We love numbers that tell a story!

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. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position and our company culture there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Huntswood

Know Your Operations Inside Out

Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of an Operations Manager, especially in financial services. Brush up on your knowledge of complaints handling and remediation programmes, as these will likely come up during the interview.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership experience. Think about times when you've managed teams, driven performance, or handled HR matters. Be ready to discuss how you foster a high-performance culture and support team development.

Be Data-Driven

Since the role involves operational management and reporting, be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform decision-making. Bring examples of how you've analysed MI to identify trends and drive continuous improvement in past roles.

Engage with Client Management Scenarios

Expect questions around client and stakeholder management. Prepare to discuss how you've maintained strong client relationships and ensured service delivery meets expectations. Think of specific instances where you've navigated challenges with clients effectively.