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 Lancashire
Situated in the North West of England, Lancashire - sometimes called the County of Lancaster or simply Lancs - includes cities like Preston , Chorley, Burnley and Lancaster. Meanwhile, Blackpool and Blackburn are unitary authorities that are often grouped with the area.
Founded in the 12th century, the region played a pivotal role in the Wars of the Roses in the 1400s.
During the Industrial Revolution, the county began to grow in prominence, especially in regards to the shipping, coal, textile and metal industries. The Manchester Ship Canal passes through the region on its way to Merseyside, while a number of other canals create a network of waterways that were especially important during the late 1800s and early 20th century.
Today, Lancashire is home to a huge number of companies ranging from manufacturing to financial, education to travel and energy to defence, making it a great choice for those seeking Head of Operations jobs.
Indeed, some of the top name brands that can be found in Lancashire include Leyland Trucks, Baxi, Crown Paints, Hanson plc and Thwaites Brewery, as well as Xchanging and National Savings and Investments. There's also BAE Systems Global Combat Systems, which produces military vehicles, and Rolls Royce.
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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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