At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations at a premier retail destination, ensuring high standards and exceptional customer experience.
- Company: Lakeside Shopping Centre, a top UK retail and leisure hub.
- Benefits: Senior leadership role with visibility, influence, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team and shape the future of a flagship asset.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact in a dynamic environment with ongoing investment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in customer-facing operations and strong decision-making skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Lakeside Shopping Centre is one of the UK’s most recognised retail and leisure destinations, welcoming millions of visitors each year and home to an exceptional mix of retail, dining and entertainment brands. We are seeking a dynamic and hands-on Head of Operations to play a key leadership role in shaping the day-to-day performance of the destination. This is a high-impact opportunity for an energetic operator who thrives on pace, people leadership and delivering consistently high standards in a busy, customer-facing environment.
As Head of Operations, you will be a senior on-site leader responsible for the overall operational experience across the destination. Working closely with the Centre Director and wider leadership team, you will lead operational teams, elevate service delivery, improve accountability and ensure the centre consistently looks and performs at its best. You will oversee areas including security, cleaning, duty management, customer environment, operational readiness, stakeholder relationships and peak trading delivery. This is a highly visible, fast-paced role suited to someone who enjoys being present, leading teams and driving action.
We’re Looking for Someone Who:
- Has proven leadership experience across large-scale, customer-facing operations
- Brings strong operational oversight rather than purely technical or facilities management expertise
- Understands how to lead teams, raise standards and create accountability
- Has pace, energy and the confidence to make decisions quickly
- Is passionate about customer experience and presentation standards
- Communicates confidently with retailers, partners and stakeholders
- Ideally comes from a retail, shopping centre, hospitality or similar high-footfall environment
Why Join Lakeside Shopping Centre?
- Opportunity to join one of the UK’s best-known retail destinations
- Senior leadership role with genuine visibility and influence
- Chance to make an immediate impact on a flagship asset
- Join during a period of continued momentum and investment
- Excellent long-term career platform within a leading business
If you have the leadership presence, commercial mindset and operational drive to help shape the future of Lakeside Shopping Centre, we’d love to hear from you.
Lakeside Head of Operations in West Thurrock employer: Savills
Contact Detail:
Savills Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lakeside Head of Operations in West Thurrock
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the retail and leisure industry, especially those connected to Lakeside. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for customer experience! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or during interviews, share specific examples of how you've elevated service delivery in past roles. It’s all about demonstrating that energy and commitment!
✨Tip Number 3
Be visible and proactive! If you can, visit Lakeside Shopping Centre and observe the operations. This will not only give you valuable insights but also show your genuine interest when you discuss it in interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Lakeside and ready to make an impact from day one.
We think you need these skills to ace Lakeside Head of Operations in West Thurrock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills: Make sure to highlight your leadership experience in your application. We want to see how you've successfully led teams in busy, customer-facing environments before. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to raise standards and create accountability.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and qualities mentioned in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect their experience with what we’re looking for.
Be Energetic and Engaging: Your written application should convey your energy and passion for operations. Use an engaging tone that reflects your personality and enthusiasm for the role. We want to feel your excitement about the opportunity to lead at Lakeside!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Lakeside Shopping Centre!
How to prepare for a job interview at Savills
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the operational aspects of Lakeside Shopping Centre. Familiarise yourself with their current standards, challenges, and successes. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience can elevate their operations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams in high-pressure environments. Discuss your approach to raising standards and creating accountability. Use anecdotes that highlight your ability to motivate and inspire others, as this role is all about people leadership.
✨Demonstrate Customer-Centric Thinking
Since the role focuses on enhancing customer experience, prepare to talk about your strategies for improving service delivery. Think of instances where you've successfully implemented changes that positively impacted customer satisfaction and how you can bring that mindset to Lakeside.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated and collaborated with various stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your experience in building relationships with retailers and partners, as this will be crucial for success in the Head of Operations position.