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: Opportunity for career progression to Operations Director with P&L responsibility.
- Why this job: Shape the future of operations and drive meaningful change in a thriving business.
- Qualifications: Practical experience, strong communication skills, and high emotional intelligence are essential.
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 in Redditch 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 competitive salaries, performance bonuses, and a strong emphasis on mentorship and professional development. Join us to make a meaningful impact as we drive our next phase of growth while maintaining our commitment to employee engagement and operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Redditch
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Ferris UK, their culture, and their operations. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider info about the company and might even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows you're proactive!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the key deliverables mentioned in the job description. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've implemented processes or led teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Redditch
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. In your application, highlight your organisational skills and provide specific instances where you've streamlined processes or improved efficiency. This will show us you're the right fit for this role.
Communicate Clearly:Strong communication is key in this role. Make sure your application is clear and concise, reflecting your ability to break down complex ideas into actionable steps. This will demonstrate your capability to bridge the gap between our site and office teams.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to reflect how your experience aligns with our needs at Ferris UK. Mention specific aspects of the job description that resonate with you and how you can contribute to our ambitious drive for success.
How to prepare for a job interview at We Are Workforce Ltd
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research Ferris UK thoroughly. Understand their operations, culture, and recent achievements. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Operations, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing teams, implementing processes, and driving change. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've successfully led teams and improved operations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges. Think about potential operational issues Ferris UK might face and how you would address them. This shows your proactive thinking and readiness to tackle real-world problems.
✨Showcase Your Emotional Intelligence
Highlight your emotional intelligence during the interview. Discuss how you manage team dynamics, resolve conflicts, and maintain morale. Being able to connect with people and lead with empathy is key in this role, so be ready to share relevant experiences.
