Head of Operations

Head of OperationsPermanentLocation: Alsager, Cheshire (5 days a week onsite)Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 (+ benefits)Skills: Operations Management, Warehouse Management, Budget Management, P&L, KPIs, Continuous Improvement, People ManagementWe're working with an established technology services business that is looking for an experienced Head of Operations to take ownership of its day-to-day operational performance and help drive the next stage of improvement and growth.This is a senior, hands-on leadership role with responsibility for operational delivery, people leadership, budgets, KPIs, process improvement and commercial performance.The successful candidate will act as the de facto deputy to the Managing Director and will play a central role in leading the senior leadership team. The role reports directly to the MD and carries responsibility for overall warehouse and onsite operational performance.The roleYou'll join a relatively small, operationally focused business where there is genuine scope to make an impact.A key priority will be to review how the operation currently works, identify where processes can be improved and put more structure around performance, productivity and accountability.Responsibilities will include:Leading day-to-day operational performance across the businessLeading and coordinating the senior leadership team against agreed objectivesReviewing and improving warehouse workflows, stock movement and space utilisationIdentifying opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency and profitabilityDeveloping and documenting operational processesDefining, implementing and managing operational KPIsPreparing and managing operational budgetsTaking ownership of operational costs and resource planningLeading continuous improvement and operational change projectsManaging, developing and motivating operational teamsAddressing performance issues and building a culture of accountabilityWorking closely with the Managing Director on operational strategy and investment decisionsEnsuring appropriate standards across quality, security, health & safety and complianceThe formal brief includes ownership of budgets and KPIs, managing operating costs, delivering efficiency improvements and implementing stronger operational processes.What we're looking forWe're looking for an experienced operational leader who is comfortable working in a hands-on SME environment.You're likely to have:Strong Operations Manager, Head of Operations or General Management experienceExperience leading warehouse, logistics, distribution, manufacturing or service-led operational teamsExperience managing teams of up to approximately 50 peopleStrong budget and P&L management experienceA track record of improving operational performance and productivityExperience developing and managing KPIsStrong process improvement and continuous improvement experienceGood commercial judgement and confidence making decisions based on cost, service and profitabilityStrong people-management and performance-management skillsExperience working with senior stakeholders and influencing at leadership levelThe ability to challenge existing ways of working constructivelyA practical, analytical and structured approach to problem solvingThe specification particularly emphasises leadership, P&L management, KPI ownership, operational improvement, commercial awareness and stakeholder management.This role would suit someone who enjoys joining a business where there is plenty to improve rather than simply maintaining an established operation.You'll have the autonomy to streamline processes, improve commercial performance and help shape how the business operates going forward.There is also genuine scope for the role to grow in seniority as the business develops.