Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for Reading BID, enhancing the town centre experience.
- Company: Join Reading's Economy & Destination Agency, dedicated to improving local living and working environments.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your career in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and team supervision is essential; creativity and problem-solving skills are a must.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role covering maternity leave from October 2025 to November 2026.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job description
We are looking to appoint a Head of Operations for the Readings Business Improvement District (BID), part of Readings Economy & Destination Agency (REDA), based in the town centre. This is a fixed-term contract role, covering maternity leave from mid-October 2025 to mid-November 2026.
Reading BID aims to make Reading a safer, cleaner, greener, and more attractive place to live, visit, and work. This role is central to our success, and we seek someone dedicated to enhancing Reading town centre for all.
To find out more about REDA, visit:
About The Role
This role is the first point of contact for BID levy-paying businesses. You will build positive relationships with various town centre businesses, including retailers, hospitality venues, nighttime venues, and office-based companies. Your responsibilities include liaising with businesses, supporting enquiries, organizing ongoing initiatives, and proposing new projects and events.
Key Areas Of Responsibility Include
- Supervision of Business Wardens
- Updating CRM system
- Engaging with businesses regularly
- Introducing new businesses to BID services
- Producing weekly newsletters for BID businesses
- Managing sign-up processes for BID initiatives
- Organizing and running events and exploring new experiences in the town
Initiatives you will work on and manage include:
- Town centre trails
- Wellbeing activities for levy payers
- Training for levy payers
- Contract management for deep cleaning
- Contract management for the warden service
About You
We seek someone who knows, understands, and is passionate about Reading, with experience in improving living or working environments. You should enjoy face-to-face customer relations and be able to build and maintain good relationships within professional, retail, and office settings.
You must deliver high-quality customer service and operational standards with a helpful and positive attitude. Confidence in handling difficult situations, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a proactive, creative approach to problem-solving are essential. You should be able to work from the office in Reading most of the week, with potential for some remote work.
Skills and Experience Required
- Experience in a customer-based environment
- Basic proficiency in MS Office and CRM systems
- Experience supervising a small team (2-3 people)
- Ability to build strong relationships
- Confidence in managing difficult situations
- Initiative and creativity in problem solving
Our Offer
We provide a supportive environment for career growth, encouraging innovation and ambition within a friendly, collaborative team.
Benefits include:
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years, with options to buy additional leave
- Flexible working opportunities
- Modern workspace at Civic Offices, Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance (three times annual salary for LGPS members)
- On-site nursery (Kennet Day Nursery, rated outstanding by Ofsted)
- Season Ticket Loan
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme
For more information, contact Alexa Volker, Readings Business Improvement Districts Manager.
Closing Date: 10 August 2025
Shortlisting: 14-15 August 2025
Interviews: 21-22 August 2025
Start Date: Week commencing 20 October 2025
Note: The closing date is a guideline; the vacancy may close early once sufficient applications are received. Please apply promptly.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Operations - Readings Business Improvement District (BID) employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations - Readings Business Improvement District (BID)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Reading and its business landscape. Understanding the local economy, key players, and community initiatives will help you engage effectively with businesses and demonstrate your passion for improving the town centre.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local business owners and stakeholders before applying. Attend community events or meetings related to the BID to build relationships and gain insights into their needs and challenges, which will be invaluable in your role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your customer service skills through real-life examples during interviews. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully handled difficult situations and built strong relationships in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Head of Operations position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research current initiatives and projects within the Reading BID. Being knowledgeable about ongoing efforts will allow you to propose new ideas and demonstrate your proactive approach to enhancing the town centre during your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations - Readings Business Improvement District (BID)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read through the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and required skills. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the expectations for the Head of Operations role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for Reading and your experience in improving living or working environments. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to build relationships and manage projects effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your experience in customer-based environments and any supervisory roles you've held. Include details about your proficiency with MS Office and CRM systems, as well as any relevant initiatives you've managed.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your BID
Familiarise yourself with the Reading Business Improvement District and its initiatives. Understand their goals, current projects, and how they aim to enhance the town centre. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion for Reading and show that you're aligned with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles. Highlight your experience in customer service and how you've engaged with various stakeholders, especially in a retail or hospitality context. This will be crucial for the role as it involves liaising with local businesses.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've tackled difficult situations or implemented creative solutions. The interviewers will be looking for your proactive approach to problem-solving, so think of examples that showcase your initiative and ability to think on your feet.
✨Prepare for Team Management Questions
Since the role involves supervising a small team, be prepared to talk about your leadership style and experiences. Discuss how you've motivated team members, managed conflicts, and ensured high operational standards. This will help convey your capability to lead effectively within the BID.