Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the London Cycle Hire Scheme's operational solutions and drive performance improvements.
- Company: Join Serco, a global leader in delivering essential public services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car, private healthcare, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a nationally recognised service and influence public mobility for the next decade.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in operations with strong data analysis skills.
- Other info: Access to diverse employee networks and extensive career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Overview: This is a senior, high-impact leadership role at a pivotal moment for the London Cycle Hire Scheme. Following the successful retention of the LCHS contract (a major long-term public sector contract) in a £220m deal, mobilisation for the 3rd Generation of the scheme has begun. We are looking to appoint a Head of Operational Solutions, Product & Performance to take ownership of critical solution workstreams during mobilisation, before transitioning into a business-as-usual leadership role that helps shape the future of the service. We need someone who can own delivery of complex operational solutions end-to-end, use data to drive mature business insights and improvement, and lead teams through change in a live, high-profile environment. The role will deputise for the Technical Director and will attend SMT. It is also a succession role, with a clear pathway to Director-level positions for the right individual.
What you’ll be doing:
- Take ownership of key programme workstreams supporting mobilisation of the contract.
- Act as the business owner for critical operational solutions, spanning hardware, software and data.
- Work closely with the Programme Director, technical leadership and client stakeholders to ensure delivery.
- Lead operational solution delivery and product ownership on contract across live operations.
- Develop Supply Chain management structures that optimise product quality and commercial outcomes whilst mirroring corporate process.
- Deliver data derived insights to support the operations teams in achieving measurable improvements in performance, quality, cost and productivity.
- Manage and develop on-site product teams and a data/analytics function (driving innovation).
- Balance service performance with strategic product evolution and supply chain effectiveness.
- Act as a trusted senior technical and operational partner to the client.
- Operate as a de facto member of the senior leadership team, shaping strategy and future capability.
What success looks like:
- Mobilisation workstreams delivered with clear ownership, pace and confidence (commercial acumen).
- Operational products and solutions that are robust, scalable and fit for purpose.
- Data and insight being used consistently to drive decisions and identify improvement potential.
- Strong, credible leadership of Strategic Supply Chain and Business Insights and Performance functions.
- Increased confidence from senior internal stakeholders, group business functions and the client.
- A smooth transition from programme delivery into a stable, high-performing BAU operation.
Requirements:
- We’re looking for a senior, hands-on leader who is comfortable moving between strategy and detail, and who enjoys owning complex operational challenges.
- A strong grounding in operations, not just theory.
- Experience owning and integrating end-to-end solutions (hardware firmware software data process).
- Provided motivational leadership to teams responsible for product, systems, analytics or operational performance.
- Used data and analytics (e.g. SQL, Python, R or similar) to define problems and shape solutions.
- Operated credibly with senior stakeholders and clients, ideally in public sector or outsourced environments.
- The confidence to get stuck in, make decisions, and take accountability.
About Serco: At Serco, not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play, from caring for vulnerable people to managing complex public services. We are a team of 50,000 people responsible for delivering essential public services around the world in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone. By joining Serco you will have unlimited access to our Global Employee Networks - SercoInspire (Gender), SercoEmbrace (Multicultural), SercoUnlimited (Disability) and In@Serco (LGBT & Networks). Serco Employee Networks, led by colleagues who are passionate about diversity, inclusion and belonging.
Why this role stands out:
- High-profile, nationally recognised service at the forefront of UK micro-mobility.
- A rare chance to shape how a major public service operates for the next decade.
- Genuine ownership, visibility and influence.
- Clear development pathway to Director-level roles.
- A role that evolves - from mobilisation leadership to long-term operational ownership.
What we offer:
- Company car / £4200 cash alternative.
- Private healthcare.
- Bonus scheme of up to 20%.
- Flexible working considered.
- Pension - 6%.
- Chance to contribute to innovation in the public services.
- A company passionate about diversity and inclusion.
- Serco discounts which include cinema, merlin entertainment and online shopping discounts, and discounts on mobile phone plans and leisure centre memberships.
- A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, Simply Health Cash Plans, and more.
- A wealth of career development training to suit your future aspirations. These range from role specific training, leadership coaching, formal study and much more to support you to build your career with Serco.
- A safe and supportive culture.
Head of Solution, Product & Performance employer: Serco Group plc
Contact Detail:
Serco Group plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Solution, Product & Performance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience in operational solutions and how you’ve used data to drive performance improvements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, go ahead and submit your application today!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Solution, Product & Performance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational solutions and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the Head of Solution role.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since data-driven insights are key for this position, don’t forget to mention any experience you have with analytics tools like SQL or Python. We love seeing how you've used data to drive improvements in past roles!
Demonstrate Leadership Experience: This is a senior role, so we’re looking for evidence of your leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've motivated teams and managed complex projects successfully in high-pressure environments.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco Group plc
✨Know the Scheme Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the London Cycle Hire Scheme and its recent developments. Familiarise yourself with the key challenges and opportunities it faces, especially in relation to the £220m contract. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and ability to contribute meaningfully.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a senior role, they’ll be looking for strong leadership qualities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change and delivered complex operational solutions. Be ready to discuss your approach to motivating teams and driving performance, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role involves using data to drive insights, come prepared with specific examples of how you've used data analytics tools like SQL or Python to solve problems. Highlight instances where your data-driven decisions led to measurable improvements in performance or efficiency.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrating your ability to operate credibly with senior stakeholders is crucial. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with clients or internal teams to achieve common goals. Be ready to discuss how you build trust and maintain strong relationships in a public sector context.
