Operations Manager - Sevenoaks

Operations Manager

Reporting to the operations director

My client is looking for an Operations Manager to join their friendly team.

Reporting to the Operations Director your role will be to ensure the smooth running of all operational needs with efficiency.   

Provide leadership to a team of on-site support staff, ensuring the seamless delivery of essential services across estates and facilities management, health and safety, security, transport, administration, and procurement.

Responsible for driving operational efficiencies, maintaining the highest standards of service, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of my client’s business.  

THE ROLE

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

To provide direction, support and assistance to the on-site support departments including Catering, Transport, Estates and Grounds and Domestic Services and ensuring that managers and teams are working effectively and efficiently.

To carry out line management duties for your direct reports e.g. recruitment, appraisals, performance management etc.

To manage operational budgets.

Monitor compliance with all necessary health and safety regulations.

Support events and external bookings to ensure that they are facilitated to professional and safe standards, ensure bookings do not clash or overlap and de-conflict wherever possible.

Respond to emergencies/fire alarms/intruder alarms/security/incidents/first aid/flood and liaise as appropriate with the Estates and Grounds departments.

Oversee the management of the visitor and staff parking across the site, including safe parking arrangements external events, ensuring appropriate access arrangements are in place.

Ensure that the vehicle fleet is maintained and fit for use by a regular servicing

Prepare for and pro-actively respond to adverse weather conditions (e.g. water, flood, snow, ice). Ensure supplies of appropriate equipment are available.

Organise annual Fire Risk Assessment and Health & Safety Audits. Produce Action Plans to resolve any identified improvements.

Support fire drills, maintain records including tests of fire alarms and checks of fire exit routes and fire doors in accordance with statutory and policy requirements.

Participate in Emergency Response Team meetings.

Maintain waste storage areas and equipment and deal with the disposal of waste in accordance with relevant statutory requirements.

Support with administration as required.

Ensure door access arrangements are in place for staff in respect of main buildings and departments.

Conduct onboarding and induction training for all new staff.

Arrange appropriate training for the wider staff e.g. Fire training, and for your teams, as required.

Oversee the delivery and performance of the in-house catering team and outsourced cleaning services, addressing issues as necessary, and maintaining existing contracts in line with operational requirements.

Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by your line manager.

Maintain high professional standards punctuality, appearance and conduct.

Ideal Candidate:

Highly organised and solutions-focused leader, with experience in operations management.

This role requires someone who has empathy, who is kind and sensitive to existing staff needs. A likeable and approachable personality.

Having excellent communication and problem-solving skills, the ability to build strong working relationships, and a proactive approach to managing challenges.

This is a rare opportunity to join my client and a significant impact.

Follow the aims and ethos of my client including policies and procedures.

Relevant professional qualifications.

Proven experience of operational management

Experience of leading and managing a multi-disciplinary team including successfully managing change.

Experience of exceptional levels of customer service and operational effectiveness.

Knowledge of education-related regulations and compliance.

Experience of developing effective systems and procedures.

Experience of managing budgets.

The ability to negotiate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure collaboration at all levels.

Skills and Personal Attributes

Strong emotional intelligence with an ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders including staff, and external stakeholders.

Diplomatic, tactful and able to work collaboratively.

Fully computer literate and confident with various computer systems (Microsoft Office, OneDrive, Teams etc.).

A reflective, forward-looking approach, always prepared to evaluate outcomes and to lead improvements as necessary.

Exceptional organisational abilities with a thorough approach to ensuring the completion of initiatives and projects.

Ability to motivate a team and enthuse colleagues to drive forward change; experience in driving cultural and process change is essential.

Ability to work under pressure, managing competing priorities and producing and delivering pragmatic solutions.

High level of personal drive, self-motivated and a proactive and ‘can do’ attitude with a positive outlook.

High level of professionalism and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

RENUMERATION AND BENEFITS

Annual salary of £35,000-£40,000, dependant on skills, qualifications and experience. The benefits of working here go beyond expectation, with outstanding facilities, friendly staff provide a welcome environment to work in.

Hours of work: 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday - Contributory Pension with 9% provided by employer. Cycle to work scheme. Free Parking.  25 days holiday