Head of Operations

Head of Operations

Location: London

Our client is one of the UK's leading parking management companies, delivering innovative parking solutions across retail, commercial, healthcare, residential and mixed-use developments.

We are seeking an experienced Head of Ops to lead operational performance across the South region portfolio. This is a senior leadership position responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring exceptional customer service, maintaining compliance, and leading a high-performing regional management team.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience managing geographically dispersed teams within a field-based operational environment and will be passionate about continuous improvement, people development and delivering outstanding client service.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

Lead the day-to-day operational performance of multiple regions across the South of the UK.
Provide leadership and support to Regional and Area Operations Managers.
Ensure consistent delivery of operational standards across all contracts.
Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiency and profitability.
Monitor KPIs and operational performance across the business.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the operation.

Client Management

Build and maintain strong relationships with key national clients.
Attend client review meetings and present operational performance.
Resolve complex operational issues and customer escalations.
Identify opportunities to grow existing client relationships.
Support contract mobilisation and retention activities.

People Leadership

Lead, coach and develop Regional and Area Managers.
Create a high-performance culture focused on accountability and customer service.
Support recruitment, succession planning and talent development.
Conduct performance reviews and regular operational meetings.
Promote employee engagement and wellbeing.

Compliance & Health & Safety

Ensure full compliance with company policies and statutory legislation.
Drive a positive Health & Safety culture across all operational activities.
Ensure audits, inspections and corrective actions are completed.
Oversee contractor management and compliance standards.
Ensure all operational teams work within regulatory requirements.

Commercial Performance

Manage regional operational budgets.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Monitor financial performance and support budget planning.
Work closely with finance and commercial teams to maximise profitability.
Support business development through operational expertise.

Project Management

Lead operational mobilisation of new contracts.
Support implementation of new technologies and operational systems.
Manage operational change programmes.
Deliver improvement projects across multiple business functions.

Experience Required

Essential

Significant senior operational leadership experience within a multi-site environment.
Very confident on Excel (and knowledge of AI pref)
Experience managing large field-based operational teams.
Strong client relationship management skills.
Budget and commercial management experience.
Excellent leadership and people development capability.
Experience driving continuous improvement.
Strong understanding of Health & Safety legislation.
Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

Experience within parking management, facilities management, security, transport, logistics or field services.
IOSH or NEBOSH qualification.
Project Management qualification.
Degree or equivalent management qualification.

Key Skills

Strategic operational leadership
Multi-site management
Performance management
Commercial awareness
Stakeholder management
Financial management
Leadership and coaching
Negotiation and influencing
Continuous improvement
Change management
Customer relationship management
Excellent communication skills
Problem solving and decision making

Ideal Background

We would welcome applications from senior leaders with experience in:

Parking Management
Facilities Management
Field Operations
Security Services
Logistics
Transport
Retail Operations
Property Management
Utilities
Environmental Services
Infrastructure ServicesMilitary veterans with experience leading geographically dispersed teams, managing operational performance and delivering customer-focused services are encouraged to apply.

Forward Assist Recruitment is operating as an Employment Agency. We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidate

Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities employer; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds