Head of Operations in Reading

Head of Operations in Reading

Reading Full-Time 59576 - 68231 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Project People

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operational strategy and drive excellence in a dynamic delivery environment.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on growth and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Other info: Be part of a high-performance culture with excellent career advancement opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming operations and enhancing customer experiences.
  • Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in complex operational environments is essential.

The predicted salary is between 59576 - 68231 £ per year.

We are seeking an experienced

Head of Operations to define and execute the operational strategy for a complex network delivery environment.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring exceptional delivery performance, improving customer outcomes, and delivering sustainable business growth.

As a key member of the leadership team, you will translate business objectives into clear operational plans, optimise delivery capability, and ensure the effective deployment of people, processes, technology, and strategic partners.

The successful candidate will provide leadership across programme and delivery functions, creating a high-performance culture, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring operational commitments are achieved while supporting long‑term transformation and growth.

This role will act as a trusted partner to senior leadership, shareholders, customers, and external stakeholders, ensuring operational performance, governance, and strategic priorities are effectively managed.

The role will have 3 day hybrid working each week in Reading.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define and deliver the operational strategy, aligning activity with wider business objectives and growth plans.
  • Lead complex operational and delivery portfolios, ensuring performance, commercial outcomes, risk management, and customer commitments are achieved.
  • Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement, effective governance, process optimisation, and the use of data and technology.
  • Lead and develop high‑performing, multi‑functional teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Manage budgets, supplier relationships, and operational performance to deliver value and efficiency.
  • Establish effective reporting, controls, and governance frameworks to monitor performance, risks, and opportunities.
  • Lead transformation initiatives that improve customer experience, operational capability, and business effectiveness.
  • Champion safety, compliance, inclusion, and employee engagement across the function.

The ideal candidate will have

Experience & Expertise

  • Significant senior leadership experience within telecommunications, infrastructure, technology, engineering, or similarly complex operational environments.
  • A strong track record of leading large‑scale operations and delivering strategic business outcomes.
  • Experience managing budgets, commercial performance, operational risk, and third‑party relationships.
  • Proven success delivering change, transformation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders in a fast‑paced environment.
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Head of Operations in Reading employer: Project People

Project People is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee experience and professional growth, making it an ideal place for HR professionals looking to make a meaningful impact. Located in the vibrant city of Glasgow, we offer a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and continuous improvement, alongside a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Our commitment to developing talent ensures that employees have ample opportunities for advancement within a supportive and dynamic environment.

Project People

Contact Details:

Project People Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Reading

Operational Strategy Development
Leadership Skills
Performance Management
Continuous Improvement
Risk Management
Budget Management
Stakeholder Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!

Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Project People.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Project People. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!

Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!

How to prepare for a job interview at Project People

Showcase Your Leadership Style

You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Project People, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.

Brush Up on Management Theories

Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Project People, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.

Craft Your Vision for the Company

Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Project People could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.

Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture

In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Project People as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.