At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve operational services in public spaces and buildings.
- Company: Witney Town Council, dedicated to community well-being.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and strong leadership abilities.
The predicted salary is between 35412 - 39152 £ per year.
Witney Town Council is looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead and continuously improve the delivery of high-quality operational services across the town's public spaces, buildings and estates. This is a key leadership role with responsibility for grounds, cemeteries, buildings, civic events and frontline operational teams — helping to keep Witney safe, welcoming and well cared for.
About the role
- You will lead day-to-day operational services across:
- Recreational grounds, parks and open spaces
- Children's play areas, sports pitches and fine turf
- Cemeteries and burial grounds
- Council buildings and estate assets
- Seasonal floral displays and landscaped features
You'll manage teams, contractors, budgets and assets, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and in full compliance with legislation and council policies. You'll also play a visible role in supporting civic events and responding to emergencies, adverse weather and public safety issues.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and motivate operational teams, supervisors and depot staff
- Plan and deliver cyclical, seasonal and reactive maintenance programmes
- Ensure high standards of health & safety, dignity, presentation and accessibility
- Oversee building maintenance, inspections and contractor management
- Manage cemeteries and burial services sensitively and lawfully
- Support civic events including Remembrance Sunday and Christmas lights
- Manage budgets, resources, KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives
- Act as a key operational contact for councillors, partners and the public
What we're looking for
- Essential:
- Proven operational management experience in a relevant service area
- Strong leadership, planning and people-management skills
- Solid knowledge of Health & Safety legislation (including PUWER & LOLER)
- Experience managing budgets, contractors and operational assets
- Practical understanding of grounds, estates or building maintenance
- Full UK driving licence and flexibility for out-of-hours work
- Desirable:
- Local authority experience
- Knowledge of cemetery or bereavement services
- Professional memberships (e.g. IOSH, ILAM, BALI, ICCM)
- Relevant H&S or management qualifications
What we offer
- Permanent role, 37 hours per week (with flexibility required)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- 24 days annual leave rising to 29 days
operations manager in Witney employer: Witney Town Council
Witney Town Council is an exceptional employer, offering a permanent Operations Manager role that allows you to make a tangible impact on the community. With a strong focus on employee development, a supportive work culture, and a commitment to high-quality public service, you'll enjoy a fulfilling career while benefiting from a generous local government pension scheme and increasing annual leave. Join us in creating a safe and welcoming environment for all residents in Witney.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land operations manager in Witney
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the local government or operations field. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Witney Town Council and its operations. Understand their values and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've motivated teams and improved operational efficiency in past roles. Use metrics and outcomes to back up your claims – numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace operations manager in Witney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in operational management, leadership skills, and any specific knowledge of health and safety legislation that matches what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or managed budgets in the past, and don’t forget to mention your passion for maintaining public spaces!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just duties. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve improved services or managed projects effectively—numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Witney Town Council
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of an Operations Manager, especially in relation to public spaces and buildings. Familiarise yourself with local council operations, health and safety legislation, and how to manage teams effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully motivated teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you led a project or improved operational efficiency, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing emergencies or responding to public safety issues. Practise your responses to these scenarios, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure.
✨Highlight Your Budget Management Experience
Since budget management is crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience in managing budgets and resources. Bring examples of how you've successfully allocated funds and achieved KPIs in previous roles to show your financial acumen.
