At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational transformation initiatives and enhance adviser experience through strategic delivery.
- Company: Join The Openwork Partnership, a dynamic and inclusive workplace with ambitious goals.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, personal development opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Be part of a top-rated company that values individuality and promotes work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving change and improving operational efficiency in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 10-15 years in operations with a relevant degree; transformation experience is a must.
This is a day rate contractor vacancy. We’re looking for an Operational Transformation Lead to drive the end-to-end delivery of our Operational Scalability programme and the Adviser Toolkit (ATK). This is a key role in ensuring both initiatives deliver measurable improvements in adviser experience, operational efficiency and long-term scalability. Acting as the bridge between Operations, Product, Technology and Change, you’ll translate operational needs into clear outcomes and ensure delivery lands effectively. You’ll also play a critical role in ensuring strong alignment between near-term scalability initiatives and the longer-term ATK transformation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- End-to-End Delivery Ownership
- Own delivery of operational initiatives across Operational Scalability programme (short–medium term) and Adviser Toolkit (ATK) programme (strategic transformation)
- Ensure initiatives deliver against agreed outcomes, timelines, and ROI
- Track and report progress
- Requirements & Operational Design
- Lead the definition and prioritisation of operational requirements
- Translate frontline and back-office needs into clear, structured deliverables
- Ensure solutions are fit-for-purpose, scalable, and aligned to adviser needs
- Drive clarity on: What good looks like (target state), Operational processes and journeys, Success measures (e.g. productivity, NPS, cost-to-serve)
- Programme Interlock (Critical Accountability)
- Define and manage the interdependencies between Scalability and ATK
- Categorise initiatives into: Immediate value (standalone scalability wins), Foundations feeding into ATK, Capabilities delivered only through ATK
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Drive alignment, pace, and accountability across multiple stakeholders
- Influence at senior levels to remove blockers and accelerate delivery
- Value Realisation & Performance
- Define and track benefits realisation, including Efficiency gains (FTE / cost), Capacity unlocked, Adviser experience improvements
- Build clear value narratives linking operational delivery to: Adviser advocacy, Growth enablement, Cost optimisation
- Governance & Reporting
- Establish strong delivery governance and cadence
- Provide clear, concise updates for: Executive Committee and Board-level forums
- Highlight: Progress, Risks & dependencies
What will you need to succeed?
QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE
- Relevant degree in Business, Operations, Finance, Engineering or a related field
- Advantageous to have certification in process/operational excellence (e.g, Lean Six Sigma)
- 10-15+ years in operations, transformation
- Proven track record of delivering large scale transformation programmes and driving operational scalability and transformation
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Essential: Proven experience leading large-scale operational transformation / delivery; Strong understanding of customer service operations (front & back office); Experience working across Change, Product, and Technology teams; Ability to translate strategy into execution
- Desirable: Financial services / adviser network experience; Experience in digital transformation / workflow / automation (RPA, OCR, etc.); Exposure to adviser or B2B customer journeys
Profile:
- Delivery-focused and outcomes-driven
- Highly structured thinker – brings clarity from complexity
- Strong influencer – able to align multiple senior stakeholders
- Hands-on where needed but operates at a strategic level
- Commercially aware – links delivery to value creation
Why us?
At The Openwork Partnership, we're a dynamic, fast paced, and growing business with huge ambition. This is all made possible by the brilliant people who are part of The Openwork Partnership family. We're investing heavily in our colleagues, continuously striving to give them the platform to develop personally and professionally and reach their full potential. We’re also very proud of our culture, as one of the Best 100 Large Companies to work for in 2022. The Openwork Partnership values, and respects individuality and we are committed to building an inclusive culture and environment which truly recognises and celebrates our colleague’s individual differences and identities – just like our financial advice, for us, it’s personal. We believe everyone can make a difference and your race, religion, disability, and gender will never be a barrier. At Openwork, we have a strong ethic of care for each other where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will bring your best self to work if you are trusted to choose when, where and how you do it.
Operational Transformation Lead in Swindon employer: Openwork
The Openwork Partnership is an exceptional employer, renowned for its dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises personal and professional development. With a commitment to operational excellence and a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer our team members the opportunity to thrive in a supportive environment while driving meaningful change in the financial services sector. Our recognition as one of the Best 100 Large Companies to work for in 2022 reflects our dedication to fostering a workplace where individuality is celebrated and everyone can make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Transformation Lead in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Operational Transformation Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s operational challenges and how you can address them. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to drive transformation and scalability.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your cross-functional leadership skills during interviews. Highlight times when you've successfully aligned multiple stakeholders to achieve a common goal, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Transformation Lead in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational transformation. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your past roles; share specific examples of how you’ve driven operational efficiency or led successful transformation projects. We love numbers, so include metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role.
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 this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Openwork
✨Know Your Programmes Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Operational Scalability programme and the Adviser Toolkit (ATK). Be ready to discuss how you would drive their delivery and what measurable improvements you envision. This shows your genuine interest and expertise in the role.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Leadership
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your ability to influence senior stakeholders and remove blockers. This will showcase your leadership skills and your understanding of the importance of collaboration in achieving operational goals.
✨Translate Strategy into Execution
Be ready to explain how you can turn strategic objectives into actionable plans. Use specific examples from your experience where you've done this before, especially in large-scale transformations. This will demonstrate your structured thinking and delivery-focused mindset.
✨Showcase Your Value Realisation Skills
Think about how you've tracked benefits realisation in previous roles. Be prepared to discuss how you measure success, such as efficiency gains or adviser experience improvements. This will highlight your commercial awareness and ability to link operational delivery to value creation.
