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 Yorkshire
A historic county in northern England, Yorkshire is well known for its beautiful green spaces, as well as its intriguing past - but it has also long been a centre for industry and commerce, making it an ideal choice for those seeking Head of Operations jobs.
During the 15th century, the region was locked in civil war against neighbouring county Lancashire. Known as the Wars of the Roses, this series of conflicts over the throne lasted for more than 85 years, although a more friendly rivalry between the regions still exists today - mainly when it comes to sport.
Renowned for its wool and textile industry, Yorkshire also gained prominence for coal mining in the 16th and 17th centuries.
As the Industrial Revolution took hold, the region flourished - this was especially true of Sheffield, which was known for its innovation in the steel industry. What's more, a series of canals and railways was also developed, simplifying the transport of goods and raw materials throughout the region.
Today, a number of large cities and towns can be found in Yorkshire, including, Sheffield, Leeds, Hull, Halifax and Bradford, and within these locations job seekers can find a variety of industries - from financial and retail, through to manufacturing and technology.
Some of the top employers in the region include Morrisons, Asda, Yorkshire Bank Leeds, First Direct, Timothy Taylor Brewery and McCain Foods (GB).
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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.
Candidates: we could be recruiting your next head of operations job right now. If you’ve got what it takes, register with us by following the link below – it could be a life-changing click.
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