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- Tasks: Lead operational teams to maximise efficiency and meet performance targets.
- Company: Join Planteria, the UK's largest interior landscaping company with a £20 million turnover.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, onsite lunch, and potential remote work options.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-growing team driving service excellence and innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations or project leadership, ideally in construction or facilities services.
- Other info: Join a collaborative culture that values humility, positivity, and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Who we are: Founded in 1977, Planteria has evolved from a small startup into the UK largest interior landscaping company it is today, with an impressive annual turnover of £20 million. Planteria is the largest interior landscaper in the UK delivering high-end planting designs, installations and maintenance packages to offices across the UK. We have grown 30% year on year for the last 3 years with a similar trajectory for the next 3-5 years including entry into the US. It is an exciting, fast-paced time to join the leadership team to deliver on the strategic goals, delivering service excellence, and driving profitability.
The opportunity: We are seeking to appoint an experienced / energetic Operations Director (Interim) for a period of 6 months, reporting into our Managing Director and be an integral part of the Senior Leadership Team. With your valued insights and perspectives, your key focus will be to ensure that key operational teams (in particular Project Installation, Production, Floristry, Christmas Tree installation) maximise efficiency and effectiveness, meeting key performance targets and customer expectations. Also, ensure support functions (procurement, health & safety support, quality assurance and fleet management) are fully effective in their contribution to business efficiency. In addition, we will need your expertise to identify opportunities to streamline and transform the installation process to create capacity and the ability to mobilise multiple complex projects simultaneously across the country.
- Lead or contribute to the design, implementation and embedding of strategic initiatives across the business to within key measures (cost, NPS, margin, time) as determined by the Board or Leadership Team
- Transform Planteria’s Installation Team into a high performing function, able to deliver on diverse customer expectations and able to meet key performance metrics
- Lead and develop multiple operational units:
- Weekly fresh flower display production and delivery logistics
- Christmas tree installations via sub-contractors across the UK
- Production warehouse – assembly of plant displays ready for installation
- Procurement – auction buying for fresh produce and managing JIT processes
- H&S, QMS & sustainability process and audits
- Fleet management – 100+ vehicles
Location & Hours: The role is offered on an initial fixed term of 6 months, 3-4 days per week (potentially full-time for the right candidate) based out of our HQ in Henham (CM22 6AA), enjoying a rural location, where lunch is provided onsite daily and ample parking. Ad hoc working from home to be agreed with MD.
What you will need: Applications are welcomed from Operations / Project Leads or a Director with relevant experience, ideally gained from Design & Build fit-out, Facilities Services, Construction industry sectors.
Experience:
- Proven experience of having operated at a senior level (e.g. Divisional Leadership Team) in a fast-paced commercial environment
- Direct co-accountability for business performance (Circa £50-£100m revenue)
- Experience of having been a programme leader or led a series of complex projects against the achievement of challenging financial and other KPIs
- Demonstrable experience of managing / leading transformation of a commercial organisation, with evidence of a history of success
Skills:
- Strong leadership and capacity to achieve results through people. Ideally can point to successes in the purposeful development of teams and individuals
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to ensure effective stakeholder engagement, engaged teams and efficient sub-contractor management
- Ability to diagnose issues clearly, and through a commercial lens, so as to identify and resolve issues effectively and with agility
- Highly structured individual able to manage multiple projects, tasks, and deadlines
- Proficiency in project management methodologies like PRINCE2 or PMP
- Understands and applies appropriate change management practices to ensure desired change is implemented and embedded
- Ability to think and plan strategically and demonstrate pragmatism and resourcefulness in overcoming potential challenges
- Is ready to adapt and change focus according to the needs of the business. Has resilience and determination to achieve results
- Is likely to have a degree in a business-related discipline or have equivalent through experiential learning
Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with job level and experience.
At Planteria Group we live by our values which include someone who lives the company values: Humble & Confident, Positive & Energetic, One TEAM, Relentless to Improve, Create WOW. If you want to be part of a flourishing business and enjoy being part of an agile, collaborative team then we want to hear from you! Planteria promotes equality of opportunity for all as part of our inclusive culture.
Operations Director (Interim) employer: Planteria Group
Contact Detail:
Planteria Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director (Interim)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Planteria's core values and mission. During your interactions, whether in interviews or networking, demonstrate how your personal values align with theirs. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends in interior landscaping and project management methodologies relevant to the role. Being able to discuss these topics intelligently can set you apart as a knowledgeable candidate who is ready to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Planteria on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide you with insider insights about the company and its operations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to lead transformation and manage complex projects. Tailoring your stories to reflect the challenges and successes relevant to Planteria’s needs will make a strong impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director (Interim)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations and project management, particularly in fast-paced commercial environments. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held and specific achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also connects your skills and experiences to the key requirements of the Operations Director role. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have successfully led teams and managed complex projects in the past.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, highlight your leadership style and how it aligns with Planteria's values. Discuss how you have developed teams and driven performance, as well as your approach to stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Provide examples of how you have successfully implemented strategic initiatives in previous roles. Discuss your ability to think critically and adapt to changing business needs, showcasing your problem-solving skills and resilience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Planteria Group
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Planteria's values and culture. They emphasise being humble, confident, and energetic, so be prepared to demonstrate how you embody these traits in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As an Operations Director, you'll need to highlight your experience in leading teams and driving performance. Prepare specific examples of how you've transformed operational units or led complex projects to success, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect to discuss strategic initiatives and how you can contribute to the company's growth. Be ready to share your insights on improving efficiency and effectiveness in operations, particularly in areas like project installation and procurement.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Planteria is looking for someone who can diagnose issues and resolve them effectively. Think of scenarios where you've faced challenges in your previous roles and how you navigated through them, showcasing your agility and resourcefulness.
