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 Oxfordshire
Sharing borders with Warwickshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire is a county in the south-east.
Home to major settlements like Oxford, Witney, Didcot, Chipping Norton and Bicester, the county is a fabulous choice for those seeking Head of Operations opportunities.
The region has long been an important centre for education, and it is the location of the oldest university in the English-speaking world - and one of the best renowned - the University of Oxford. Established in 1167, these days the institution is responsible for much of the economic growth in the county.
Besides the students and tourism that the university brings to the region, it has also attracted a number of biotechnology businesses. Other large companies in Oxford include publishing houses Oxford University Press and Wiley-Blackwell, while the automotive industry is also thriving, with the headquarters of Morris Motors based in the city, along with a production site for Mini.
Beyond the dreaming spires of Oxford, the rest of the county is also thriving.
Didcot Power Station, for example, supplies energy to the National Grid, while other well-known companies include Kraft Foods, Wychwood Brewery and the Chipping Norton Recording Studios It's also the location of the Diamond Light Source synchrotron - a particle accelerator.
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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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