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 required.
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 employer: Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan is an exceptional employer that prioritises operational excellence and employee development, making it an ideal place for the Director of Operations role. With a strong focus on continuous improvement, flexible working patterns, and a commitment to professional growth through over 120 learning opportunities, Macmillan fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture where teams can thrive. The generous benefits package, including increasing holiday entitlement and a competitive pension scheme, further enhances the rewarding experience of working in this pivotal leadership position.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at Macmillan. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to operations leadership. Think about how you can showcase your experience in driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your data skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform decision-making in past roles. This is key for the Director of Operations position.
✨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 Director of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational leadership. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've improved processes or led teams to success. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free of jargon. This will help us see your thought process clearly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
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 ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven simplification and standardisation in previous roles. Highlight any successful projects where you improved efficiency and quality, as this aligns perfectly with the role's focus on operational excellence.
✨Demonstrate Strong Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare to share instances where you've built trusted relationships with senior leaders and cross-functional teams. Emphasise your collaboration skills and how you've influenced decisions that led to successful outcomes, as this is crucial for the Director of Operations role.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role involves using data to inform decisions, come equipped with examples of how you've turned operational data into strategic insights. Discuss how you've used these insights to support governance and improve performance, showcasing your analytical skills.
