Head of Operations in Leicester

Head of Operations in Leicester

Leicester Full-Time 65000 - 70000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and scale operations across multiple sites, ensuring quality and efficiency.
  • Company: Join Simtec, a growing multi-site business with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, performance bonus, and private medical insurance.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth and development in a supportive culture.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of operations in a dynamic environment and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in multi-site operations and strong management skills required.

The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 € per year.

The Head of Operations is responsible for leading and scaling Simtec’s operational delivery across all of our sites. The role ensures that projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and right first time while maintaining the highest standards of quality, compliance, and customer service. This role will be responsible for the ongoing development of the operational structure to support Simtec’s growth strategy, including new site openings and acquisitions. The Head of Operations will shape and embed a unified operational framework, develop high‑performing site leadership teams, and ensure operational delivery aligns with and outperforms company targets.

Key Responsibilities

  • Operational Leadership & Performance
    • Lead operational delivery across all Simtec sites, ensuring consistent standards, productivity, and service quality.
    • Define and implement clear operational KPIs and a consistent reporting framework to drive high performance across all sites.
    • Lead the end-to-end planning and mobilisation of testing projects, ensuring robust RAMS, confirmed access arrangements, equipment readiness, and effective technician resourcing.
    • Oversee day-to-day operational delivery, proactively identifying and removing blockers to maintain project momentum and service quality.
    • Deliver structured, insight-led operational reviews with site supervisors and operational leaders to strengthen accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Multi-Site Management
    • Ensure consistent operating procedures across all locations.
    • Develop and support site leadership teams to improve accountability and performance.
    • Identify operational improvements that increase productivity, utilisation, and margin.
    • Implement scalable processes that allow the business to expand efficiently.
  • Integration & Expansion
    • Lead the operational integration of new sites or acquisitions into the Simtec operating model.
    • Develop and deploy a repeatable “site launch playbook” covering people, equipment, systems, and operational processes.
    • Deliver clear integration milestones during the first 90 days of new site operations.
    • Support the Managing Director in operational planning for expansion into new locations.
  • Equipment, Asset & Resource Management
    • Maintain oversight of the company asset register, calibration schedules, and equipment utilisation.
    • Ensure all testing equipment is compliant, calibrated, and available for operational needs.
    • Standardise technician van kits and field equipment across all locations.
    • Implement structured preventative maintenance programmes and drive reductions in asset downtime and losses.
  • Training, Capability & Workforce Development
    • Lead and own technician capability development across the business, ensuring the workforce has the skills, confidence, and technical excellence required to deliver high-quality operations.
    • Maintain and improve the technician training passport and competency matrix.
    • Ensure every new technician receives a structured, consistent, and engaging onboarding experience that accelerates competence, builds confidence, and promotes retention from day one.
    • Develop and strengthen site supervisors and operational leaders through targeted coaching, mentoring, and leadership development to build a high-performing, empowered operational leadership pipeline.
    • Foster a culture of belonging, psychological safety, and purpose to ensure that employees feel valued, emotionally connected to their work, and motivated to stay and grow with the business.
  • Health, Safety & Compliance
    • Provide strong operational leadership on health and safety.
    • Ensure consistent implementation of company H&S policies across all sites.
    • Promote a proactive near-miss reporting culture.
    • Lead incident investigations and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
  • Customer & Commercial Alignment
    • Work closely with Commercial and Site Services teams to ensure smooth mobilisation of projects.
    • Ensure operational delivery supports the company’s reputation for quality and responsiveness.

Key Measures of Success

  • Operational Delivery: ≥95% reports delivered within agreed SLA
  • Health & Safety: 100% corrective actions closed within target timescales
  • Operational Efficiency: 100% calibration compliance
  • People & Capability: Strong pipeline of site leadership capability
  • Growth & Integration: Successful integration of new sites within defined 90-day milestones; Consistent operational standards across all locations

Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Proven leadership experience in multi-site operational environments.
  • Experience in materials testing, construction services, laboratories, utilities, engineering, manufacturing or technical field operations.
  • Strong operational management skills including scheduling, asset control, and performance management.
  • Experience scaling operations or integrating new sites/business units.
  • A confident leader capable of building and developing operational teams.
  • Data-driven with strong planning and organisational ability.
  • Calm, decisive and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications & Requirements

  • Full UK driving licence (regular travel required)
  • IOSH Managing Safely (preferred)
  • CSCS or equivalent construction site credentials (desirable)
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365 and operational management tools

What We Offer

  • Performance-based bonus
  • Company car
  • Private medical insurance
  • Opportunity to play a key leadership role in a growing multi-site business

Phenna Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Head of Operations in Leicester employer: Phenna Group

Simtec is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a dynamic work culture where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a competitive salary package, including a company car and private medical insurance, employees are empowered to lead operational excellence across multiple sites while enjoying the benefits of a supportive environment that fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. The opportunity to shape the future of a growing multi-site business makes Simtec an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

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Contact Detail:

Phenna Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Leicester

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Head of Operations role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their operational challenges and think about how your experience can help them scale effectively. Tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit for their growth strategy.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed multi-site operations in the past.

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 Head of Operations in Leicester

Operational Leadership
Multi-Site Management
Project Management
KPI Development
Health and Safety Compliance
Training and Development
Data Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant operational management skills that align with what we're looking for at Simtec.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led multi-site operations or integrated new sites in the past.

Showcase Your Achievements:Don't just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics to demonstrate how you've improved operational efficiency or enhanced service quality in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!

How to prepare for a job interview at Phenna Group

Know Your Operations Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into Simtec's operational structure and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their multi-site management approach and be ready to discuss how you can enhance operational delivery across all locations.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in multi-site environments. Highlight your experience in developing high-performing teams and how you’ve implemented scalable processes that drive efficiency and productivity.

Be Data-Driven

Since the role requires a strong focus on KPIs and performance metrics, come prepared with insights on how you've used data to inform decision-making in past roles. Discuss specific KPIs you’ve implemented and the impact they had on operational success.

Emphasise Health and Safety

Given the importance of health and safety in this role, be ready to talk about your experience with H&S policies and how you've fostered a culture of safety in previous positions. Share any relevant certifications or training that demonstrate your commitment to compliance.