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 Wolverhampton
A West Midlands city that was historically part of Staffordshire, Wolverhampton is said to be named after King Wulfhere after he established an abbey in the seventh century. The city first became prominent as a market town around the 1100s and it was known for its wools and textiles, although it was not granted a royal charter for a market until 1258.
From the 16th century, Wolverhampton started manufacturing items like keys, locks, brassware and ironwork.
During the Industrial Revolution, the city grew significantly, as local mines produced vast quantities of coal, limestone and iron ore. Other goods manufactured in Wolverhampton during this time included steel and japanned ware.
Later, Wolves gained a reputation for producing motorcycles and cars, and the first vehicle to beat the 200 mph land speed record was built in the city.
These days, Wolverhampton is an excellent spot for those looking for Head of Operations roles. It is mainly known for engineering works, with a specialty in aerospace and precision components - companies in these industries include HS Marston, MOOG and Goodrich. The service sector is also an important part of the city's economy and it is one of the largest retail centres in the region.
Birmingham Midshires is based in Wolverhampton, while Marston's operates a brewery in the city that produces Banks's, Hanson's and Mansfield beers. Other large businesses include Beatties, Chubb Locks, Tarmac and Carillion.
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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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