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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Bristol operations, ensuring quality service and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join the Vehicle Certification Agency, a key player in the automotive industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role with global reach and leadership opportunities.
- Qualifications: Strong technical background in automotive services and team management experience required.
- Other info: Exciting career growth potential in a collaborative and innovative setting.
The predicted salary is between 34500 - 60000 £ per year.
Based in the Vehicle Certification Agency’s Bristol Headquarters, you will be an integral part of our International Operations directorate, ensuring effective delivery and transparent leadership. Managing staff, contractors and supporting regional partners and our offices in the UK and overseas; you will uphold our global policies to achieve a quality service and strong customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Leadership - Leading the Bristol operation with enthusiasm, integrity, and decisiveness the post holder will deliver a high quality, efficient service that meets Departmental and Manufacturers expectations.
- Financial Planning - Supporting the Chief Operating Officer with financial planning with particular emphasis on financial reporting, budgetary planning, and forecasting.
- Management and resource planning - Resource planning and deployment aimed at maximizing efficiency and utilization whilst securing the necessary flexibility to support demand at peak periods.
About you
- Strong technical background with significant experience in managing teams that deliver highly technical services within the automotive industry.
- Be skilled in working in a customer-oriented environment.
- Possess the ability to adapt to changing priorities and workload.
- A good working knowledge of all aspects of vehicle technology.
- Extensive experience and understanding of UK, EU, and UN vehicle legislation.
- Expert knowledge of type approval operations and processes.
- Experience of resource and budgetary management involving scheduling of staff, external and internal projects, equipment, facilities, materials, and travel.
- Strong communication and inter-personal skills with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues and external parties.
- Strongly analytical, with well-developed problem-solving skills.
- Experience of contract management where services have been delivered through a contractual structure of prime and/or sub-contractors.
- Working experience of ISO 9001 standards, with ISO 17020, ISO 17025 and ISO 9001.
- Proficient in Microsoft platform including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Be a holder of a UK driving licence.
Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 2nd February 2026.
Head of Bristol Operations employer: Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
Contact Detail:
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Bristol Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the automotive industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Vehicle Certification Agency and its operations. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. This will help you showcase your leadership skills and technical knowledge effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've tackled challenges, especially in resource and budget management. Be ready to discuss these during interviews to demonstrate your analytical abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Bristol Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your leadership experience and technical background in the automotive industry, as these are key for the Head of Bristol Operations role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Mention your experience with financial planning and resource management, and how you can contribute to the Vehicle Certification Agency's goals.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams or managed budgets in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you've made in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of vehicle technology and the relevant legislation. Being able to discuss UK, EU, and UN vehicle regulations confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the industry but also passionate about it.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you had to make tough decisions or adapt to changing priorities. This role is all about effective leadership, so demonstrating your experience here will be key.
✨Financial Savvy is a Must
Since financial planning is a big part of this role, be ready to talk about your experience with budgetary planning and forecasting. Bring specific examples of how you've managed resources effectively and maximised efficiency in previous positions.
✨Communication is Key
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with colleagues and external partners in the past. Highlight any experiences where your interpersonal skills made a significant impact on project outcomes.
