At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and build a dynamic operations team to enhance digital services for Southwark's residents.
- Company: Join Southwark Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community impact.
- Benefits: Permanent role with competitive salary, 36-hour work week, and commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to make a real difference in diverse communities.
- Why this job: Shape a new service that directly improves lives in a vibrant London borough.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in technology operations, budget management, and a passion for team development.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Why Southwark?
This is a rare opportunity to help build something new at one of London's most ambitious boroughs.
Southwark is establishing a brand new Digital and Resident Experience Service, and as Head of Operations, you'll be one of the people shaping it from the ground up, building a team, a culture and a way of working that keeps services running smoothly for residents, communities and colleagues.
You’ll join at a genuinely exciting time for the council, as we invest in our people and technology to better serve more than 300,000 residents across Southwark's diverse communities.
This is your chance to build and grow a talented operations team, develop their skills and give them a real sense of purpose, while working alongside colleagues who care about the difference technology makes to people's everyday lives.
If you're an operations leader who wants to build something new, develop people and make a genuine impact on the communities we serve, we'd love to hear from you.
- What You’ll Be Doing
- Build and lead a multidisciplinary operations team within Southwark's Digital and Resident Experience, growing capability, developing people and creating a culture the team is proud to be part of.
- Lead the delivery of technology operations across cloud platforms, networks, infrastructure and end user computing, so that colleagues across the council can rely on the tools they need.
- Lead the council's IT service delivery functions, including the Service Desk, so that residents and colleagues experience a responsive, high-quality service.
- Maintain and test arrangements for service continuity, disaster recovery and major incident response, keeping our services resilient and dependable.
- Own the operational technology budget and lead the performance of technology suppliers and managed service providers, always with an eye to the experience of the people who rely on our services.
- What We’re Looking For
- A strong track record of leading and building technology operations within a large, complex organisation, ideally within local government or the public sector.
- Strong working knowledge of ITSM principles and modern technology platforms, and a track record of improving service quality and resilience.
- Experience of managing significant budgets, supplier relationships and workforce planning to deliver reliable outcomes.
- A genuine passion for developing people, building inclusive teams and creating a culture where colleagues can do their best work.
- A commitment to using technology to protect and improve outcomes for Southwark's residents and communities.
- Contact Information
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Naseem Golamgouse via email at . uk
- Additional Information
- Working Hours: 36 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
- Location: 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH
- Type of contract: Permanent
• Benefits and more information
- Recruitment Timeline
- Advert close date: 11:59pm on Monday 28th September 2026
- Shortlisting date/s: week commencing 5th October 2026
- Technical Interview date/s: week commencing 12th October 2026
- Final Panel Interview date/s: week commencing 19th October 2026
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities.
This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative.
We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Operations in London employer: Southwark Council
Southwark Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and collaboration. As a Legal Disrepair Specialist, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while benefiting from a range of professional growth opportunities and a commitment to work-life balance in a vibrant London location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in London
✨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 Operations at Southwark Council!
✨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 Southwark Council or be willing to refer you for that Head of Operations 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 Southwark Council who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Operations 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 Operations role at Southwark Council!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in London
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 Southwark Council. 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 Southwark Council
✨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 Southwark Council. 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!
