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 Warwickshire
Famous as the birthplace of writers William Shakespeare and George Elliot, Warwickshire is located in the East Midlands and shares borders with a number of counties including Staffordshire, Leicestershire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire.
Home to a number of large settlements like Rugby, Nuneaton, Bedworth, Warwick, Leamington Spa and Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire offers a variety of options for those seeking Head of Operations opportunities.
In addition, Birmingham is within an easy commute from the north-west of the county, making it perfect for those who wish to work in Britain's second city, but live away from the busy atmosphere.
For much of its past, Warwickshire's economy was based in the textile industry and manufacturing.
These days, the region relies heavily on industry and engineering, while the service sector, retail, power, technology and tourism are also important.
Rolls-Royce has an engineering works in the region, while the Rugby Cement Works is one of Europe's largest such facilities. Rangemaster stoves have been manufactured at the Eagle Foundry in Leamington Spa since 1851 and a number of video game designers are based in the area.
Other companies based in the region, or with large facilities here include IBM, Holland & Barrett, Volvo, ConocoPhillips and Bravissimo.
In addition, the National Grid's gas control centre is in Warwickshire, while Dairy Crest and RS Components have national distribution centres in Nuneaton.
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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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