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- Tasks: Lead daily operations in a fast-paced film equipment rental environment.
- Company: Join Universal Production Services, a leader in lighting and rigging for film and TV.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, performance incentives, and a collaborative work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the film industry while fostering a culture of excellence.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in operations management; strong leadership and problem-solving skills required.
- Other info: In-person interviews may be required; we value diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Based at Sky Studios Elstree, Universal Production Services is a fast-growing lighting and rigging equipment rental facility catering to the film and television production industries. We pride ourselves on delivering top-tier equipment, exceptional customer service, and operational excellence. As we continue to expand, we are seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Operations to oversee and optimise our operational processes.
Position Summary
The Director of Operations will play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient management of daily operations, maintaining the highest standards of quality, and driving growth. This position requires a strong leader with experience in logistics, inventory management, team leadership, and strategic planning in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have a background in equipment rental services, production equipment, or a similar fast-paced industry and will be passionate about streamlining operations, improving workflows, and fostering a culture of excellence. You will be responsible for the overall strategy and day-to-day operations for Set Lighting, Rigging, and Transportation teams. This will include managing a team of professionals who specialise in these areas, measuring their operational performance through KPIs. Your ability to manage complex operations, unique logistics and collaborate effectively with other departments will be critical to your success in this role. Ultimately, your goal will be to ensure that our productions are executed seamlessly, and that we continue to deliver high-quality customer service while meeting operational and financial goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Oversee daily operations, ensuring smooth execution of equipment rentals, maintenance, and returns across all lighting and rigging departments.
- Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Implement processes to monitor staffing levels dependent upon business needs.
- Explore metrics and processes and identify areas of improvement.
- Develop and report out on top financial and operational KPIs to support all business units.
- Responsible for ensuring that all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) policies and procedures are effectively implemented and adhered to across the warehouse operations, ensuring compliance with UK health and safety regulations, conducting regular risk assessments, and driving continuous improvements in workplace safety.
- Oversee the transport fleet, ensuring efficient, cost effective and compliant logistics operations, with the Transport Manager reporting directly to you.
- Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of operations staff, including warehouse, logistics, and administrative personnel.
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee hiring, training, and performance management of the operations team.
- Assist with personnel issues within the department, approval for overtime, timekeeping, holiday requests, disciplinary actions, and other related issues within the department.
- Instill, encourage, and motivate an attitude of complete professionalism and exceptional customer service.
- Inventory & Asset Management
- Implement and maintain robust inventory management systems to track equipment availability, usage, and maintenance schedules.
- Monitor equipment utilisation rates and identify opportunities for expansion or divestment of assets.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and company policies regarding equipment handling.
- Support the overall capital and expendable procurement processes across Lighting, Rigging and Transportation.
- Strategic Planning & Growth
- Collaborate with senior leadership to align operational goals with business objectives.
- Identify and implement new technologies, systems, or processes to support scalability and efficiency.
- Analyse operational data and generate reports to inform decision-making and identify areas for improvement.
- Establish KPIs to measure operational performance and ensure targets are met.
- Customer Focus
- Partner with the Account Manager customer service teams to ensure client satisfaction through timely and accurate delivery of equipment.
- Address and resolve operational issues or customer complaints promptly and effectively.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in warehouse operations management, ideally in the equipment rental, film and television production, or entertainment equipment industry would be an advantage.
- Strong leadership and team management skills with a proven ability to build and motivate high-performing teams.
- Experience with inventory management systems and logistics software.
- Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent organisational and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners.
- Knowledge of film industry standards and safety regulations related to lighting equipment is a plus.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a dynamic and growing company shaping the future of the film equipment rental industry.
- Opportunities to make a significant impact and implement your vision.
- Competitive compensation package, including salary, benefits, and performance-based incentives.
- A collaborative and innovative work environment that values your expertise and ideas.
Operations Director employer: WeAreTechWomen
Contact Detail:
WeAreTechWomen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in the film and television production industry. Understanding the specific equipment and logistics challenges faced by production teams will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the equipment rental and production sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the operational challenges they face, which can give you an edge in discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with KPIs and operational strategies in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved efficiencies or customer satisfaction in previous roles, as this will showcase your ability to drive results.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Universal Production Services and their operational processes. Understanding their business model and values will allow you to tailor your responses in interviews, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the company culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations management, particularly in logistics and inventory management. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to optimise processes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the film and television production industry. Discuss how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Operations Director role and how you can contribute to the company's growth and operational excellence.
Highlight Key Achievements: When detailing your work experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. For instance, mention any improvements in efficiency or cost reductions you have implemented in previous roles, as these will resonate well with the hiring team.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Emphasise your experience in team management and development. Provide examples of how you have successfully led teams, fostered a culture of accountability, and improved customer service in your previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at WeAreTechWomen
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Universal Production Services and their approach to operations. Understanding their values and culture will help you align your answers with what they are looking for in a candidate.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As the role requires strong leadership skills, be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop staff, as well as how you've fostered a culture of accountability and teamwork.
✨Prepare for Operational Challenges
Think about potential operational challenges that might arise in the equipment rental industry and how you would address them. Be ready to discuss your problem-solving strategies and how you would implement improvements to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.
✨Know Your KPIs
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators relevant to operations management. Be prepared to discuss how you have used KPIs in previous roles to measure success and drive improvements, as this will demonstrate your analytical skills and strategic thinking.
