At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational planning and performance, driving data-led decision making.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on workforce insights and performance.
- Benefits: Up to £67k salary, flexible working, generous leave, and private medical cover.
- Other info: Hybrid role with travel to Durham, Glasgow, or Blackpool; diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising services and driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in workforce planning and analytics in fast-paced environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a role in workforce planning, operational performance and insights where, as part of the SLT, you can add real value to an organisation? The Head of Insights & Performance leads the operational planning and performance function, providing leadership to workforce planning, forecasting and operational analytics teams across the Customer Enablement Hub. The role is responsible for enabling data‑led operational decision making through workforce planning, forecasting, performance insight and operational analytics. Working closely with operational, commercial and support leaders, the role drives consistency in planning approaches, identifies operational risks and opportunities, and supports the optimisation and transformation of services through actionable insight and workforce strategy. This is a hybrid variable role requiring occasional travel to our Durham, Glasgow or Blackpool office if required.
What you will be doing:
- Lead the Operational Planning & Performance function
- Set priorities and standards for workforce planning and operational analytics and responsible for reports that feed into our commercial outcomes
- Ensure consistent forecasting, reporting, and planning approaches across services
- Translate operational data into insights for senior leadership and advise leaders on service performance, capacity, and workforce risks
- Support decision‑making on recruitment, productivity, and service changes
- Oversee demand forecasting and workforce planning strategy and ensure performance reporting drives operational improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, cost, and service performance
What you’ll bring:
- Experience leading workforce planning, operational performance, reporting or analytics functions within Shared Services, BPS or operational environments
- Strong understanding of workforce planning, forecasting, capacity management and operational performance principles
- Experience leading planning, reporting or analytics teams in fast‑paced operational environments
- Experience using operational insight and analysis to support business planning, service improvement and decision‑making
- Experience establishing consistent planning, reporting and governance approaches across multiple teams or services
- Experience supporting operational improvement, transformation or service change initiatives
- Experience working with operational, commercial, finance and support stakeholders to support business outcomes
- Understanding of customer operations, contact centre or operational service delivery environments
- Advanced capability in reporting, data analysis and operational analytics tools such as Excel, Power BI or equivalent platforms
It would be great if you have:
- Relevant Financial Services or regulated environment experience
- Professional certifications in Workforce Management and/or Reporting
Employment Type: Full‑time, Permanent
Location: Hybrid variable requiring some travel to offices in Durham, Blackpool or Glasgow
Security Clearance Level: SC clearance
Salary: Up to £67k depending on experience
Benefits: £5,400 car allowance, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy additional days, private medical, life assurance, pension, and generous flexible benefits fund
Although this role is advertised as full‑time, we believe that flexibility at work can promote work/life balance, increase your motivation, reduce stress and improve performance and productivity. We support different ways of working and can offer a range of flexible working arrangements. So, if you’re interested and need to work flexibly, we encourage you to apply and talk to us about what might be possible. We welcome applications from people with a diverse variety of backgrounds and identities. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation or marital status. We participate in the Disability Confident scheme and are committed to offering an interview to any candidate with a disability, who meets the minimum criteria for the role. If you believe this could apply to you, please let us know when completing your application.
Head of Insights & Performance in North East employer: Sopra Steria
Sopra Steria is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Data Security Technical Lead to influence enterprise-wide data security strategy while working remotely. With a strong focus on professional development, competitive benefits including a generous car allowance and private medical insurance, and a collaborative work culture that values innovation, employees are empowered to grow their careers in a supportive environment dedicated to making a real difference in national security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Insights & Performance in North East
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Head of Insights & Performance at Sopra Steria!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Sopra Steria or be willing to refer you for that Head of Insights & Performance position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Sopra Steria who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Insights & Performance star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Head of Insights & Performance role at Sopra Steria!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Insights & Performance in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Sopra Steria. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sopra Steria
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Sopra Steria. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
