At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape Macmillan's operations, ensuring effective governance and continuous improvement.
- Company: Join a leading organisation focused on operational excellence and team empowerment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and extensive learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving efficiency and enhancing organisational performance.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operations leadership and strong collaboration skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 € per year.
As Director of Operations, you will lead and shape Macmillan's organisational operating model and core business operations. You'll translate strategic priorities into practical, scalable ways of working—ensuring governance, processes, and systems are clear, effective, and continuously improving. Working closely with senior leaders across the organisation, you'll enable delivery by reducing friction, improving cross‑functional alignment, and strengthening operational discipline. This is a pivotal leadership role focused on operational excellence, organisational performance, and creating the conditions for teams to do their best work.
Operating Model Ownership
- Own and maintain Macmillan's operating model, including decision‑making frameworks, governance, and ways of working
- Align organisational priorities with delivery capacity and resources
- Translate strategy into clear, practical operating frameworks and rhythms
- Identify and resolve cross‑functional inefficiencies and inconsistencies
Process Design & Continuous Improvement
- Lead the design and governance of key cross‑organisational processes
- Drive simplification, standardisation, and automation to improve efficiency and quality
- Build capability in continuous improvement and operational problem‑solving
Operational Delivery & Service Excellence
- Oversee the running of core enabling business operations
- Establish service quality frameworks, SLAs, and performance standards
- Support major programmes through strong cross‑functional coordination
- Consolidate operational areas to drive efficiency and effectiveness
Performance, Data & Insight
- Use data and insights to inform decision‑making and continuous improvement
- Ensure robust operational reporting supports Executive and Board governance
Risk, Compliance & Assurance
- Work closely with the General Counsel to ensure operational controls and mitigations are in place and effective
- Lead incident response, business continuity, and resilience planning
- Support compliance across regulatory, legal, safeguarding, and data protection frameworks
Leadership
- Lead and develop high‑performing, inclusive teams
- Act as a key member of the Finance & Operations Leadership Team
- Partner with senior stakeholders across the organisation to deliver shared goals
Qualifications
- You are a highly credible operations leader with a track record of delivering at scale in complex environments.
- Proven experience leading business operations functions, including forecasting, planning, supplier management, and service improvement.
- Strong collaboration, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships at all levels.
- Experience translating strategy into operational delivery.
- Experience leading cross‑functional operating issues and resolving complex organisational challenges.
- Experience driving continuous improvement and integrating operational teams to enhance efficiency and quality.
- Confidence making high‑impact decisions with incomplete information, balancing risk and performance.
- The ability to turn operational data into clear strategic reporting for Executive and Board audiences.
- Strong leadership and people management capability, with a focus on building empowered, high‑performing teams.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday plus flexible bank holiday options, increasing by 1 day every year of service up to 30 days
- Pension matched up to 7.5%
- 120+ learning and development offers, with access to external professional qualifications
- Flexible working patterns, such as compressed hours, flexibility to work earlier or later around our core working hours of 10am‑4pm
- Holiday buying and selling scheme, life insurance, free wills, retail discounts and much more
Director of Operations in City of Westminster employer: Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan is an exceptional employer that prioritises operational excellence and employee development, making it an ideal workplace for the Director of Operations role. With a strong focus on continuous improvement, flexible working patterns, and a commitment to fostering high-performing teams, Macmillan offers a supportive environment where employees can thrive and grow. The extensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances and professional development opportunities, further enhances the appeal of working in this dynamic organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those already at Macmillan. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to operations leadership. Think about how you can showcase your experience in translating strategy into action—this is key for the Director of Operations role!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your data skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions and improvements in past roles. This will resonate well with the operational excellence focus of the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Macmillan.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational excellence and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our needs at Macmillan, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role involves using data for decision-making, include examples of how you've used data insights to drive improvements in past roles. We love seeing candidates who can turn numbers into actionable strategies!
Highlight Collaboration Experience:This position requires strong collaboration skills, so share specific instances where you’ve worked with cross-functional teams. We’re looking for evidence of your ability to build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macmillan Cancer Support
✨Know the Operating Model Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Macmillan's operating model. Familiarise yourself with their decision-making frameworks and governance processes. This will help you articulate how you can enhance these areas and align them with organisational priorities.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Improvement Mindset
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've driven simplification and standardisation in previous roles. Highlight your experience with operational problem-solving and how it led to measurable improvements. This will demonstrate your commitment to operational excellence.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with senior leaders, come ready with examples of how you've successfully navigated cross-functional challenges. Talk about how you’ve improved alignment and reduced friction in past projects, showcasing your stakeholder engagement skills.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Macmillan values data insights for operational decisions. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform your strategies and improve performance. Prepare to share examples of how your analytical skills have led to successful outcomes in previous roles.