Head of Operations

An opportunity is available for the Head of Operations role based at Alfreton. Reporting to the East Midlands Operations Director, you will be responsible for leading the Electricity Distribution Network in the East Midlands area, ensuring that it is developed, operated and maintained efficiently and effectively in accordance with appropriate legislation, laid down policies and standards.

Working within an established teamwork environment, you will be required to provide creative and innovative leadership to meet set targets and motivate your team to maintain consistently high levels of customer service. Once established in the role, it offers a mix of office and home working with a minimum of 3-4 days in the office.

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead, motivate and develop operational managers in effectively undertaking their duties.
• Set objectives, monitor and drive performance and take accountability of Distribution activities in the Distribution Area.
• Co-ordinate the formulation of Capital and Revenue Budgets for the Distribution Area and monitor and control expenditure of these budgets.
• Ensure that customers in the Distribution Area are provided with the highest standard of service commensurate with their needs and agreed standards.
• Ensure that all customer complaints in the Distribution Area are brought to a successful resolution.
• Ensure that the Distribution System is developed, operated and maintained as efficiently and effectively as possible and in accordance with appropriate legislation, laid down policies and standards.
• Promote good employee relations and create an environment that motivates and encourages the development of individuals.
• Contribute to the development of engineering strategy, policy and objectives.
• Develop individuals to lead in accordance with National Grid values and create a team environment that leads to successful output from the Depot.
• Successfully liaise with peers and key stakeholders to lead to successful outcomes for the East Midlands business.

Complexity and Creativity:

Deal with a wide range of problems on a continuous basis, ranging from technical through to personal, organisational and customer-related issues to dealing with major system emergencies. Regularly support managers on technical and organisational matters which will considerably influence their decisions and therefore the performance of the Distribution System and the Distribution Business. Regularly provide information in respect of the financial performance and the operating performance of the Distribution business in comparison with agreed objectives. In determining ways of improving performance and promoting change, exercise a high degree of creativity and strategic vision.

The Ideal Candidate:

The successful candidate will be a strategic and forward-thinking operational leader with a proven track record of delivering results in complex environments. You will drive performance, continuous improvement and long-term business success while fostering a culture of accountability and high performance. You will be able to demonstrate:

• Effective leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and develop people by setting clear direction and building leadership capability.
• Significant experience leading and managing large teams across multiple locations, through periods of change, while driving engagement and maintaining performance.
• A proactive and visible leadership style, building strong working relationships through regular engagement across operational sites and office-based teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with customers, suppliers, and both internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge and experience of working within a regulated industry; experience within the electricity or utilities sector would be advantageous.
• Well-developed commercial and financial awareness, with experience managing operational budgets and using data and insight to balance customer outcomes, safety, performance, and cost efficiency.
• A degree in Engineering, Leadership, Business Management, or an equivalent qualification is preferred but not essential.
• A recognised health and safety qualification, such as NEBOSH, would be highly desirable.

We welcome candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to safe working practices and who are keen to actively contribute to and promote our positive safety culture.

About The Company:

Joining the UK’s leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition. So, as well as a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:

• Electric company car / car allowance (currently £6,000 pa)
• Annual performance related bonus up to a maximum of 40%
• Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)
• Life assurance x 4 annual salary
• Annual Share Save plan
• Private healthcare scheme for you and contributory healthcare for your family
• Support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services
• Free on-site parking at all our main sites

Things you need to know:

National Grid Electricity Distribution is committed to safeguarding the interests of the Company, colleagues and customers. This role is subject to a satisfactory Barring Service (DBS) check, depending on the role different levels of screening and vetting are required. Some roles require a triannual check. Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin. As an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrate individual difference and are actively bringing in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture.

If you require additional support to complete your online application, please email nged.recruitment@nationalgrid.co.uk. Recruitment correspondence is usually sent by email, please check your email account including spam/junk folders regularly after the closing date.