At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations, implement processes, and mentor a talented team in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Ferris UK, a successful family-run SME in the construction industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, company car allowance, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture with ambitious goals and excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Shape the future of operations and make a real impact in a thriving business.
- Qualifications: Practical experience, strong communication skills, and high emotional intelligence.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: West Midlands, UK
Are you a hands-on leader ready to put your stamp on a business from top to bottom? Having grown organically into a highly successful operation with over 60 staff, we are now preparing for our next phase of growth, which includes future business acquisitions. However, we have reached a critical inflection point: to successfully execute this next phase of growth, the Directors must back from daily operations. We have outgrown our original processes. We are now looking for a pragmatic and organised leader to work with our talented team to professionalise our operations across the entire business. This role comes with a clear, defined pathway to Operations Director (with future P&L responsibility) for the right candidate who proves they can successfully build and run this operational foundation.
The Package
- £55,000 - £75,000 basic salary (tailored to whether you are stepping up or already proven at this level).
- Performance bonuses tied to operational milestones.
- Company car allowance.
Who We Are
We are Ferris UK, a highly successful, family-run SME construction company specialised in servicing the insurance home claims industry. With circa 60 employees split across our office and trade teams, we pride ourselves on a close-knit, supportive culture coupled with an ambitious drive to succeed. Having experienced rapid growth over the past 10 years, our Directors are now focused on high-level strategy - meaning we are looking for you to drive our next phase of operational excellence.
The Challenge (Your Role)
This is a key leadership role within a fast-paced environment where you will have the autonomy to shape operations, influence our culture, and deliver meaningful change. You will lead and integrate 3 core areas of the business: Construction Delivery, Customer Service, and Compliance. Strong communication and organisation skills, and the ability to build and manage robust processes is paramount.
Key Deliverables
- The "Tidy Up" (Process Implementation): Enforcing consistent processes across the business. You will take planned processes, communicate them clearly, secure buy-in from the team, and successfully embed them into daily routines so they become habit.
- Cross-Workforce Leadership: Bridging the gap between our site and office teams. You will manage and unify both construction (trade) and administrative (office) teams, acting as a visible, hands‑on manager rather than just issuing orders from a desk.
- Training, Onboarding and Retention: People are our most valuable asset. You’ll be tasked with overhauling, building, and managing robust staff induction and ongoing training programmes to ensure our high standards remain uncompromising as we grow, and our best people remain engaged and happy.
- Mentorship and Development: We have some incredibly talented rising stars currently in place. They have raw talent and drive, but need your seasoned management experience to mentor them, help them lead effectively, and reach their full potential.
The Right Fit
Practical experience and cultural fit are prioritised over paper qualifications. To succeed here, you must be:
- SME Ready: You must be comfortable and effective working without massive corporate support structures.
- High Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Diplomatic but firm; capable of enforcing rules and holding staff accountable without creating unnecessary friction.
- Resilient & Consistent: Possesses the grit to follow up on the mundane details and repeatedly enforce standards until they become habit.
- A Broad Communicator: Capable of translating strategy from the Directors and breaking it down into practical, actionable steps for both a site foreman and an administrative coordinator.
Helpful / Desirable Qualifications (Not strictly mandatory)
- Health & Safety: IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH General/Construction Certificate.
- Leadership: ILM (Level 5+) or CMI management qualifications.
- Process Methodology: Lean Six Sigma (Yellow/Green Belt) or general project management certifications (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile) demonstrating a structured approach to work.
How to Apply
If you are an ambitious operations professional ready to put your stamp on our business and build the foundations for our next phase of growth, apply today and let’s have a sensible conversation.
Head of Operations employer: We Are Workforce Ltd
Ferris UK is an exceptional employer located in the West Midlands, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture within a family-run SME construction company. With a clear pathway for career advancement to Operations Director, employees benefit from performance bonuses, a company car allowance, and a strong emphasis on mentorship and professional development. Join us to make a meaningful impact as we drive operational excellence and continue our ambitious growth journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Ferris UK, their culture, and their operations. This way, when you get that interview, you can show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely understands their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. This insider info can give you a leg up in interviews and help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you would handle challenges related to process implementation and team management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to take on the challenge of driving operational excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Style:When writing your application, let us see your unique leadership style shine through. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams and implemented processes in the past. We want to know how you can bring that hands-on approach to our operations!
Be Pragmatic and Organised:We’re looking for someone who can professionalise our operations, so make sure your application reflects your pragmatic mindset. Highlight your organisational skills and any experience you have in streamlining processes. This is your chance to show us how you can tidy things up!
Communicate Clearly:Strong communication is key in this role. Use your application to demonstrate how you can break down complex strategies into actionable steps. We want to see that you can bridge the gap between our site and office teams effectively.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically for us at Ferris UK. Mention our values and how they align with your own. Don’t forget to apply through our website – we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at We Are Workforce Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Ferris UK's operations and culture. Understand their current processes and think about how you can improve them. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented operational changes in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role is all about leadership, so be prepared to share your approach. Discuss how you’ve bridged gaps between teams in previous roles and how you plan to unify construction and administrative teams at Ferris UK. Use real-life scenarios to illustrate your points.
✨Emphasise Emotional Intelligence
Highlight your high emotional intelligence during the interview. Talk about how you handle difficult conversations and enforce rules while maintaining a positive team atmosphere. This will show that you can manage people effectively without creating friction.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to face practical questions or scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would tackle the 'Tidy Up' process implementation or develop training programmes. Being able to articulate your thought process will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
