Head of Operations
Ask a hundred companies what their head of operations does and you’ll get a hundred answers. And that’s a clue to what the role entails – it’s a job that’s focused on a specific area with the intention of making it run to the board’s aims, i.e. with maximum productivity, efficiency, compliance and performance.
Often, the operations head will have a slightly different title, such as head of HR operations or head of IT operations, as the generic title would not accurately describe the day to day tasks of the role. Essentially, though, you are overseeing the way a particular process, or a range of interconnected processes, work, and ensuring they operate smoothly within the context of the business.
The head of operations slots into the corporate infrastructure below board level, but there will be crucial managerial responsibilities, and the larger the company, the more vital and pressurised your decisions and management will be.
The skills required
Needless to say, there are a lot of skills that are transferable between head of operations jobs in different companies, such as the ability to manage large and complex teams, to interpret strategic aims and convert them into actionable plans, and to report back to the board accurately, candidly and clearly.
It’s likely that the core functions of the business will rest on your shoulders, so this isn’t a role for the indecisive or the weak-hearted, but nor is it a position that suits risk-takers, as everything you do should be planned and justified. Overseeing operations will naturally require excellent communication skills and an ability to delegate and trust subordinates appropriately.
Head of Operations Jobs in Herefordshire
Herefordshire, located in the West Midlands, is a historic English county that shares borders with Shropshire, Gloucester and Worcestershire, as well as Wales.
The region, which has largely been rural throughout its history, has an economy mainly based in agriculture - and it even gave its name to one of the world's most common breeds of cow. Over the years, manufacturing and the service sector have also grown in importance in the county.
Settlements include Leominster, Ross-on-Wye, Bromyard and Kington. The county town is Hereford; it's a cathedral city and also the only city in Herefordshire, making it a good location for those seeking Head of Operations positions.
Herefordshire has long been known as an important location for the production of cider. H.P. Bulmer, which is owned by Heineken International, is a major employer in the region. It manufactures brands including the eponymous Bulmers, as well as Woodpecker and Strongbow. Other companies with cider or ale breweries in the county include Wye Valley, Weston's and Spinning Dog.
Meanwhile, Amcor is a packaging company based in Ledbury and Cargill Meats Europe operates in the region. Other products that Herefordshire is known for include leather, nickel alloys and chemicals, while the Rotherwas Industrial Estate is home to a number of heavy and light engineering companies, as well as various other businesses.
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Find heads of operations at Cast UK
Your business depends on finding the absolute best people to head up your operations, so you need to cast your net widely to ensure you’ve explored all options. That’s why partnering with Cast UK as your recruitment consultancy makes perfect sense. We deal with professional level level talent, delivering excellent interview-ready shortlists to businesses of all sizes and types. Call 0333 121 3345 to talk to a cons today.
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