Head of Operational Insight

Head of Operational Insight

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
VIVO Defence

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of operational insight to enhance decision-making and performance across the organisation.
  • Company: VIVO, a leader in facilities management for the UK military.
  • Benefits: Senior leadership salary, comprehensive benefits, hybrid work, and opportunities for innovation.
  • Other info: Join a diverse and inclusive team committed to continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Why this job: Shape strategic decisions and drive operational excellence in a high-impact role.
  • Qualifications: Experience in operational insight, analytics, and leading high-performing teams.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

Who we are VIVO provides facilities management and accommodation maintenance for the UK military and its partners. VIVO embodies both experience and innovation.

What we do We put our Customers and Families First. They are the driving force behind everything we do. We drive forward improvements for them to ensure the service they receive, whether reactive repairs or a major project, is completed safely and on time. In order to achieve this, we have 4 core values: open, caring, agile and collaborative. These are at the heart of everything we do.

Location: Hybrid with regular UK travel

Salary: Senior Leadership -level salary and comprehensive benefits package

Transform Operational Data into Better Decisions At VIVO, we deliver critical infrastructure and facilities management services across the UK Defence estate on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). Supporting complex operational environments across multiple contracts, we are committed to continually improving how we deliver for our customers through operational excellence, innovation and smarter decision-making.

We're looking for an experienced Head of Operational Insight to lead the development of a modern, enterprise-wide operational insight capability that transforms how operational performance is measured, understood and improved across the business. This is an exciting opportunity to shape how Executive Leaders make decisions by creating a consistent approach to operational reporting, analytics and business insight. You'll influence strategic priorities, improve organisational performance and help embed a culture where evidence-based decision-making drives better outcomes for our customers and our business.

The Opportunity Reporting directly to the Operational Excellence Director, you will lead VIVO's Operational Insight function, creating a single, trusted approach to operational reporting, management information and performance intelligence across the organisation. Working closely with Operational Directors, Executive Leadership, Commercial, Finance, Digital and contract teams, you'll ensure operational data becomes meaningful business intelligence that supports better decisions, identifies opportunities for improvement and provides greater visibility of performance across every contract.

This is far more than a reporting leadership role. You’ll build the capability, standards and culture that enables leaders to understand not only what is happening, but why it's happening, what it means and what action should be taken next. You’ll also play a leading role in developing modern reporting capability through automation, advanced analytics and the responsible use of AI, ensuring VIVO remains at the forefront of operational performance management.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Leadership
    • Develop and deliver VIVO's Operational Insight Strategy, aligned to business priorities and operational objectives.
    • Create an enterprise-wide vision for operational reporting, management information and decision support.
    • Establish governance, standards and reporting principles that improve consistency, transparency and confidence across the business.
    • Act as the senior authority for operational insight, providing challenge, assurance and strategic direction.
  • Operational Performance & Decision Support
    • Lead analysis that identifies operational trends, emerging risks and improvement opportunities.
    • Translate complex operational data into clear, practical recommendations for Executive and operational leaders.
    • Strengthen performance narratives so reporting drives informed decision-making rather than simply presenting information.
    • Support operational recovery plans, continuous improvement initiatives and strategic performance reviews.
  • Reporting, Analytics & Innovation
    • Develop modern dashboards, executive reporting and operational performance visualisation.
    • Simplify reporting processes and reduce manual effort through greater automation and standardisation.
    • Drive innovation through predictive analytics, automation and the appropriate use of AI to improve reporting quality, speed and decision support.
    • Promote best practice in reporting, data visualisation and business storytelling.
  • Leadership & Capability
    • Lead and develop a high-performing Operational Insight team.
    • Build organisational capability in reporting, analytics and insight-led decision-making.
    • Develop strong relationships across Operations, Commercial, Finance, Digital and Executive Leadership.
    • Create communities of practice that improve reporting standards and encourage knowledge sharing across contracts.
    • Champion continuous improvement and innovation in operational performance management.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a strategic leader who combines analytical expertise with commercial awareness and the ability to influence at the highest levels of a complex organisation. You’ll be comfortable working across multiple operational environments, challenging established thinking and helping senior leaders make better decisions through trusted insight.

You’ll bring experience of:

  • Leading Operational Insight, Business Intelligence, Performance Management or Reporting functions within a complex organisation.
  • Developing enterprise-wide reporting frameworks, dashboards and performance management capability.
  • Translating complex operational information into meaningful business recommendations.
  • Influencing Executive teams through credible analysis and evidence-based decision-making.
  • Driving organisational improvement through insight, innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Leading high-performing teams while developing capability across wider business functions.
  • Introducing modern reporting technologies, automation or AI-enabled approaches that improve operational performance.

Experience within Defence, Infrastructure, Facilities Management or similarly complex operational environments would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why Join VIVO?

This is one of the most influential operational leadership roles within the organisation. You’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Shape how Executive Leaders understand and improve operational performance.
  • Build a modern Operational Insight capability that influences the entire business.
  • Drive innovation through automation, advanced analytics and AI.
  • Improve performance across nationally significant Defence infrastructure contracts.
  • Influence strategic priorities, operational excellence and customer outcomes.
  • Leave a lasting legacy by creating a more insight-led organisation.

If you’re passionate about turning operational data into meaningful business intelligence and want to lead transformational change within a complex, high-profile environment, we’d love to hear from you.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role will be measured by your ability to create a trusted Operational Insight capability that enables better decisions across every level of the organisation. You’ll establish consistent reporting standards, improve confidence in operational information, reduce duplication and manual effort, and provide greater visibility of operational risks and opportunities. Most importantly, you’ll help create a culture where operational insight is valued as a strategic business asset-enabling leaders to make faster, better-informed decisions that improve customer outcomes, strengthen contract performance and support VIVO’s long-term success.

At VIVO, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. Therefore, we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working and operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. We are proudly a Disability Confident Leader. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.

Head of Operational Insight employer: VIVO Defence

VIVO Defence Services is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. Located in Plymouth, this role as Area Manager provides competitive benefits including a company car, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth through training and development initiatives. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, VIVO fosters an environment where every team member can contribute meaningfully while ensuring high standards of service delivery to the UK military and its partners.

VIVO Defence

Contact Details:

VIVO Defence Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Operational Insight

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 Operational Insight at VIVO Defence!

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 VIVO Defence or be willing to refer you for that Head of Operational Insight 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 VIVO Defence who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Operational Insight 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 Operational Insight role at VIVO Defence!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operational Insight

Strategic Leadership
Operational Insight
Business Intelligence
Performance Management
Reporting Frameworks
Data Analysis
Predictive Analytics

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 VIVO Defence. 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 VIVO Defence

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 VIVO Defence. 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!