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 Basildon
Situated in Essex, around 25 miles from central London, Basildon was established as a new town in 1948. Since then it has been a popular choice for those who commute to the capital on a daily basis, and it is one of the most populated regions in the county. It also offers a range of options for those seeking Head of Operations vacancies.
Basildon is first mentioned in the Domesday Book, but it remained a fairly small settlement until the 19th century when railway services connected it to other parts of Essex. It wasn't until after the end of WWII that it really began to grow, incorporating nearby Laindon and Pitsea as part of the new town.
These days, Basildon is classified as part of the Thames Gateway and is thus undergoing significant regeneration, with the construction of new homes and work being carried out to town centre and road infrastructure. In 2010, Basildon's own version of the Hollywood sign was erected and the local council is working on a scheme for developing the industrial areas.
For the most part, Basildon's economy relies on retail and the service sector, with the largest employer being the local council. However, a number of larger companies are based here or have large facilities in the region, including IFDS Financial, Ford, SELEX, MK Electric, Konica Minolta and Gardner Aerospace.
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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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