At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations across multiple projects, ensuring delivery and resource management.
- Company: Established specialist business in East Kent with a focus on construction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-related bonus, and workplace pension.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with the Managing Director and drive significant improvements.
- Why this job: Take on a senior role with real influence on business growth and operational success.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management within construction or engineering is essential.
Location: East Kent
Salary: £60,000–£65,000 + up to £10,000 annual performance-related bonus
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
Westin Par Recruitment Experts are recruiting an experienced Head of Operations for an established specialist business in East Kent. This is a senior leadership role for someone with a background in construction, who understands project delivery, installation, resource planning and commercial performance.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take overall responsibility for the operational performance of the business, coordinating activity across design, surveying, procurement, manufacturing, project management, installation and HSEQ. You will lead established Heads of Department, ensuring projects are properly resourced, delivered on programme and remain commercially viable.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing operational performance across multiple live projects
- Coordinating resources, labour and project programmes
- Monitoring P&L, project margins, budgets and labour utilisation
- Managing and challenging Heads of Department against agreed KPIs
- Overseeing subcontractors, installation teams and site activity
- Driving improvements in productivity, quality and delivery
- Identifying and resolving operational and commercial issues
- Supporting the Managing Director with forecasting and business growth
About You
- Proven experience as a Head of Operations, Operations Manager, Senior Operations Manager or similar
- Construction, manufacturing or engineering background is essential
- Strong understanding of project delivery, installation and site operations
- Experience managing managers or department heads
- Commercially astute with experience of P&L, project margins and operational budgets
- Confident leading across office, workshop and site environments
- Strong leadership, decision-making and problem-solving skills
- Experience within an SME or growing business would be advantageous
Package
- £60,000–£65,000 basic salary
- Up to £10,000 annual performance-related bonus
- Permanent, full-time position
- Senior role reporting directly to the Managing Director
- Significant opportunity to influence operational performance and business growth
- Workplace pension and additional benefits
Apply
If you are a Head of Operations or Operations Manager with a construction, engineering or manufacturing background looking for a senior role with genuine responsibility and influence, Westin Par Recruitment Experts would like to hear from you. All applications are handled in confidence.
Westin Par values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies, we are acting as an Employment Agency.
Due to the high volume of applicants applying for all roles, we can only reply to candidates with the most relevant skills and experience. If you have not heard back from us within 48 hours of your application, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Head of Operations employer: Westin Par
Westin Par Recruitment Experts is an exceptional employer located in East Kent, offering a dynamic work environment where senior leaders can truly make an impact. With a competitive salary and performance-related bonuses, the company fosters a culture of growth and collaboration, providing ample opportunities for professional development within the construction and engineering sectors. Employees benefit from a supportive atmosphere that values diversity and encourages innovative thinking, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Westin Par, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Head of Operations at Westin Par.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westin Par
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
