Head of Operations

Stevenage; Office-based role, not remote or hybrid. Up to £60,000 plus significant benefits package and bonus.

About Meadfleet: We are a Multi Award Winning, land owning Open Space Management Company, with a legacy of community building and environmental stewardship since 1995. We manage a diverse portfolio of over 350 residential developments and serve more than 40,000 customers throughout England and Wales. We are recognised as an industry leader, setting best practice standards through a commitment to excellence.

Role Purpose: This is an office-based role and the most senior operational position. Responsible for orchestrating and leading our field-based team, you will ensure the successful delivery of our high standards and delight our customers.

Your department consists of ~15 Field-based Managers whose roles are to pro-actively manage and improve our open spaces within their region. Your department plays the key role in delivering and improving high quality spaces through:

• Landscape presentation
• Contractor performance
• Health and Safety compliance
• Customer service excellence
• Ecological enhancement and nature recovery
• Amenity improvements

We are seeking a skilled People Manager and Operational Leader to build on our success by driving continuous improvement and excellence across operational performance, customer experience, and environmental stewardship.

In your role you will also act as a key bridge between the Directors and Operations team, and by extension, subcontractors and customers. Working closely with our Head of Policy, you will also be empowered to design, implement and iterate processes that deliver excellence and operational performance at a national scale. Some travel will be required as part of the role but is not expected to be frequent.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership and Delivery: Take full accountability for operational excellence across all developments. Ensure standards, processes, and procedures are consistently applied across the portfolio. Oversee performance through structured reporting, inspections, and data analysis. Identify risks, issues, and non-conformities, ensuring swift resolution.
• Implementation and Performance Management: Translate strategic decisions into clear, actionable plans. Monitor progress of initiatives, ensuring delivery is on time and to standard. Maintain oversight of actions and drive accountability across the team. Ensure consistency in service delivery nationwide.
• Data, Reporting and Insight: Generate and analyse inspection data and operational reporting for accuracy and trends. Identify issues early and take corrective action. Maintain robust compliance records (e.g. tree and play area inspections). Provide clear, structured reporting to Directors.
• Financial and Commercial Oversight: Review and approve non-routine operational expenditure. Ensure value for money and operational necessity. Monitor delivery performance against agreed timelines and expectations.
• Contractor Performance Management: Oversee and develop subcontractor performance. Ensure service levels and quality standards are met. Resolve performance issues and manage escalations. Lead contractor replacement where required.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Champion a strong health and safety culture. Ensure compliance across all developments. Monitor and escalate risks appropriately. Ensure timely resolution of safety issues.
• Communication and Coordination: Promote a strong customer-focused culture. Champion customer satisfaction, recognising that visibility, accountability, and positive relationships with customers are fundamental.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience in a senior operational management, delivery assurance, or leadership role with clear evidence of raising and achieving high standards during your tenure.
• Strong people and performance management with the ability to lead and inspire.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A strong belief in, and commitment to, customer satisfaction and environmental stewardship.
• High attention to detail, with the ability to identify risks, inconsistencies, or performance issues and address them pro-actively.
• Strong understanding and effective use of operational reporting systems and performance data.
• Experience managing or overseeing subcontractors and external service providers.
• Clear, confident, and structured communication skills, suitable for working with senior leadership, field-based teams, contractors, and customers.
• Experience within the open-space management industry is not necessary, and we welcome applicants with the right skillset and ambition from a wide range of backgrounds.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Experience operating in a small to medium sized business environment with a hands-on, pragmatic approach.
• Demonstrable experience managing geographically dispersed teams and leading in a remote-working environment.
• Good working knowledge of health and safety compliance within operational environments.

Why Join Meadfleet:

• Generous package including salary and bonus scheme.
• Annual Leave: 25 days + bank holidays.
• Top Tier Pension: 10% employer contribution (non-contributory).
• Comprehensive Health and Protection: Private medical cover and death in service benefit.
• Modern, air-conditioned office, with on-site parking.

If you wish to learn more about this role, please send your CV and personalised Covering Letter to obtain a full job specification.