At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations transformation and portfolio management for a global leader in natural soda ash production.
- Company: Join WE Soda, the world's largest producer of natural soda ash with a strong international presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and contribute to sustainability initiatives.
- Why this job: Drive operational excellence and innovation in a dynamic, evolving business environment.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in manufacturing or related industries, with strong leadership and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70089 £ per year.
WE Soda is the world’s largest producer of natural soda ash, a critical raw material used in a wide range of industrial applications, including glass, detergents, and chemicals. With our headquarters in the United Kingdom and production facilities in Türkiye and the United States, we operate across a broad international footprint. Our products are in high demand worldwide, and we currently export premium natural soda ash to more than 80 countries, reflecting our commitment to operational excellence and our ability to meet the diverse needs of a global customer base.
The Operations Transformation & Portfolio Management Director is responsible for establishing and leading the Operations transformation portfolio, ensuring operational improvement initiatives, capital projects and strategic programmes are prioritised, governed and delivered in alignment with the Company's operational strategy.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the role will establish portfolio governance, project management standards and delivery disciplines across Operations, Engineering, Sustainability, Maintenance, Technical Services and Research & Development. Acting as a key partner to the executive leadership team, the role will oversee the successful delivery of the Operations portfolio, driving operational excellence, productivity, cost optimisation and long-term value creation while working collaboratively with IT, Finance, Commercial and other business functions.
While the initial focus of the role is on Operations, the successful establishment of this function is expected to provide the foundation for a future enterprise-wide transformation and portfolio management capability as the Company continues to grow and mature.
Operations Portfolio Management & Governance- Establish and progressively develop the Operations Transformation & Portfolio Management function, defining the organisational structure, governance, capabilities and operating model required to support the Company's transformation agenda.
- Lead the Operations portfolio management framework.
- Develop governance processes for project prioritisation, approval, resource allocation and decision-making.
- Lead regular portfolio reviews, providing clear reporting on progress, risks, budgets and business outcomes.
- Monitor portfolio performance to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and achieve agreed objectives.
- Optimise the allocation of resources across the Operations portfolio to maximise business value.
- Develop and maintain project management standards, methodologies, tools and templates.
- Establish project governance, stage-gate processes and delivery frameworks.
- Provide functional leadership, coaching and guidance to project managers and programme leads.
- Promote best practice, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement in project delivery.
- Develop project reporting standards and performance metrics to support effective governance.
- Strengthen project management capability and maturity across the Operations function.
- Lead operational transformation initiatives across manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, technical services and R&D.
- Improve productivity, operational performance and cost efficiency.
- Support the implementation of best practices and standardised operating processes.
- Provide portfolio oversight of capital investment projects delivered by Operations.
- Monitor progress against approved business cases.
- Drive improvements in productivity, asset reliability and operational efficiency.
- Improve production planning, maintenance effectiveness and resource utilisation.
- Deliver measurable cost savings and operational performance improvements.
- Lead programmes supporting sustainability, energy efficiency, water stewardship and resource optimisation.
- Support the development and implementation of new technologies and operational improvements.
- Facilitate collaboration between Operations, Engineering, R&D and Commercial teams.
- Collaborate with Finance on investment planning and business cases.
- Coordinate with Supply Chain, Procurement and Commercial on cross-functional operational initiatives.
- Collaborate with the CIO organisation on enterprise-wide transformation initiatives where operational programmes have broader business or technology implications.
- Successful establishment and continuous improvement of the Operations Transformation & Portfolio Management framework and governance model.
- Successful delivery of the Operations portfolio against agreed business objectives.
- Delivery of strategic projects that achieve approved business case objectives and planned benefits.
- Achievement of capital project budget, schedule and quality commitments.
- Percentage of projects delivered on time, within budget and to agreed scope.
- Measurable improvements in operational productivity, efficiency, asset reliability and cost optimisation.
- Improvement in project governance, portfolio management capability and organisational project management maturity.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, business or a related discipline. Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred. Typically, 15+ years of experience in manufacturing, chemicals, mining, industrial processing, energy or similarly complex industries. Proven experience leading strategic projects, capital programmes and transformation initiatives. Experience leading operational excellence, manufacturing improvement or capital investment programmes. Experience establishing, transforming, scaling or leading a Project Management Office (PMO), Enterprise PMO (EPMO) or similar portfolio management capability is highly desirable. Strong commercial and financial acumen. Fluency in English is essential; Turkish language capability is highly desirable.
Strategic, commercially astute and results-oriented leader with the ability to translate operational strategy into successful programme delivery and measurable business outcomes. Excellent communication, stakeholder management and collaboration skills, with the ability to lead and influence across a complex international organisation. Proven ability to lead organisational change, build project management capability and drive a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. Resilient, adaptable and comfortable operating in a dynamic, evolving business environment, maintaining composure under pressure. High levels of integrity, professionalism and personal accountability, with a commitment to delivering sustainable business value and operational excellence.
Operations Transformation and Portfolio Management Director in London employer: WE Soda
WE Soda is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters operational excellence and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and collaboration across diverse teams in our UK headquarters. Our culture prioritises sustainability and continuous improvement, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the global soda ash industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Transformation and Portfolio Management Director 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 Operations Transformation and Portfolio Management Director at WE Soda!
✨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 WE Soda or be willing to refer you for that Operations Transformation and Portfolio Management Director 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 WE Soda who’s on the lookout for their next Operations Transformation and Portfolio Management Director 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 Operations Transformation and Portfolio Management Director role at WE Soda!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Transformation and Portfolio Management Director 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 WE Soda. 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 WE Soda
✨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 WE Soda. 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!
