4,121 Head Of Operations Benelux jobs in the United Kingdom

Our client is seeking a highly accomplished and visionary Strategic Operations Director to lead their global operational initiatives. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while driving significant impact across the organisation. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing strategic operational plans, optimising business processes, and ensuring efficient resource allocation to achieve company objectives.

Your core responsibilities will include assessing current operational workflows, identifying areas for improvement, and designing innovative solutions to enhance productivity and reduce costs. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including finance, technology, and human resources, to align operational strategies with overall business goals. Developing key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor operational performance and drive continuous improvement will be a critical aspect of this role. You will also be responsible for managing large-scale projects, overseeing budget adherence, and mitigating operational risks. Experience in change management and fostering a culture of efficiency and accountability within a remote workforce is essential.

The ideal candidate will possess a Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field, coupled with a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership capacity. Proven experience in developing and executing successful strategic operational plans in a complex, international environment is mandatory. Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills are required. You must demonstrate a strong understanding of process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) and a track record of successfully implementing them. Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills are crucial for this role, particularly in a remote setting. The ability to lead and inspire remote teams, drive consensus, and manage complex projects autonomously is paramount. Experience with various ERP and CRM systems is highly desirable.

This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned operations leader to shape the future of a dynamic organisation. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for operational excellence and thrive in a remote work environment, we encourage you to apply.

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly growing organisation, is seeking a visionary Strategic Operations Director to join their leadership team in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK . This senior management role will be instrumental in shaping and executing the company's operational strategy, driving efficiency, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all departments. You will be responsible for overseeing a diverse range of operational functions, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance to support the organisation's ambitious growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement long-term operational strategies aligned with the company's overall business goals.
• Oversee and optimize day-to-day operations across departments such as supply chain, logistics, customer service, and project management.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operational team, fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitor operational performance, reporting on progress to executive leadership.
• Manage operational budgets, ensuring financial targets are met and resources are allocated effectively.
• Drive innovation in operational processes and technologies to maintain a competitive edge.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations and company policies.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, partners, and clients.
• Champion a culture of excellence, quality, and customer satisfaction throughout the organisation.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Extensive experience (10+ years) in senior management roles with a strong track record of success in operational leadership.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective operational strategies in a complex environment.
• Expertise in process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and inspire at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Experience managing significant budgets and P&L responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience in change management and driving organisational transformation.
• Familiarity with modern ERP systems and operational software.

This is a strategic leadership opportunity to significantly influence the direction and success of a forward-thinking company. The role offers a hybrid working model, with the requirement to be present in our Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK office for key meetings and collaborative sessions.

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Strategic Operations Director to lead and optimize its remote operational functions across the UK. This is a critical leadership role, demanding exceptional strategic thinking, robust process improvement capabilities, and a proven track record of managing diverse teams in a virtual environment. You will be instrumental in shaping the future direction of our operational strategies, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and alignment with overarching business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive operational strategies that align with the company's long-term goals, with a strong emphasis on remote work enablement.
• Oversee the day-to-day management of all operational departments, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement in a remote setting.
• Identify and address operational bottlenecks and inefficiencies, implementing innovative solutions and best practices to streamline processes and enhance productivity.
• Lead the development and execution of key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor operational effectiveness, providing regular reports and insights to senior leadership.
• Manage departmental budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and resource optimization without compromising quality or service delivery.
• Drive the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance operational capabilities and support remote team collaboration.
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, ensuring seamless integration and communication across all levels.
• Mentor, coach, and develop a high-performing remote team, fostering professional growth and engagement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and company policies, adapting them for a remote operational context.
• Champion a culture of innovation and continuous learning, staying abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies relevant to remote operations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing operational strategies, particularly within fully remote or distributed work environments.
• Expertise in process improvement methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate remote teams.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management.
• Proficiency in relevant operational software and collaboration tools.
• Proven ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Experience in managing change and driving organizational transformation.
• Must be based in the UK, with the ability to work autonomously and effectively from a remote location.

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in a forward-thinking organization committed to embracing the future of work. If you are a strategic leader with a passion for operational excellence and a deep understanding of remote team dynamics, we encourage you to apply.

Our client, a pioneering leader in the sustainable energy sector, is seeking an accomplished and visionary Strategic Operations Director to join their fully remote, executive leadership team. This pivotal role is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the operational efficiency and strategic direction of the organization's global initiatives. You will be instrumental in shaping and executing business strategies that drive growth, enhance profitability, and ensure sustainable long-term success. Working entirely remotely, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage key performance indicators, and identify opportunities for innovation and process improvement across all operational facets. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in strategic planning, operational management, and financial oversight within complex organizational structures. Strong leadership, exceptional analytical capabilities, and a proven ability to drive change in a distributed environment are essential. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on a company committed to transforming the energy landscape, all from a fully remote position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement long-term strategic operational plans aligned with company goals.
• Oversee daily operations across multiple departments and geographic regions.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive operational excellence.
• Identify and implement strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.
• Lead and mentor a diverse team of operational managers and staff in a remote setting.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, ensuring financial targets are met.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization.
• Manage risk assessment and mitigation strategies for operational activities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and industry standards.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to set strategic objectives and priorities.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
• Prepare regular reports on operational performance for the board of directors.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in operations management and strategic leadership.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex operations and driving significant business growth.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management.
• Exceptional leadership, team-building, and motivational skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in utilizing digital collaboration tools and managing remote teams effectively.
• Experience in the energy sector or a related technology-driven industry is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.

This is a highly influential role offering the ultimate flexibility of a remote work environment. Join a forward-thinking organization at the forefront of renewable energy innovation, contributing to critical strategic decisions from Aberdeen, Scotland, UK .

Our client is seeking a visionary and results-oriented Strategic Operations Director to lead and transform their operational functions. Based in Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK , this senior leadership role is critical to driving efficiency, scalability, and sustainable growth across the organization. You will be responsible for developing and executing operational strategies that align with the company's overall business objectives, ensuring seamless integration of processes and systems.

Key responsibilities include overseeing all operational departments, such as supply chain, logistics, manufacturing, customer service, and IT infrastructure. You will analyze current operational performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement innovative solutions to enhance productivity and reduce costs. This involves developing and managing operational budgets, establishing key performance indicators (KPIs), and monitoring progress against targets. You will lead and mentor a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability. Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including senior management, departmental heads, and external partners, is crucial.

The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of business operations, with a proven ability to drive significant operational change and achieve measurable results. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills are essential. You must be adept at managing complex projects, implementing new technologies, and optimizing workflows. Excellent communication and negotiation skills are required to effectively manage diverse teams and external relationships. A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership capacity, is required. An MBA or a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Operations Management, Business Administration, or Engineering is highly preferred. Experience in driving digital transformation within operations is a significant advantage. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to make a substantial impact on the strategic direction and operational excellence of our client.

Our client is seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking Strategic Operations Director to lead and redefine their operational excellence. This is a pivotal, fully remote role requiring a leader who can drive strategic initiatives, optimize complex processes, and foster a high-performance culture across distributed teams. You will be responsible for developing and implementing long-term operational strategies that align with the company's growth objectives. This includes overseeing supply chain management, logistics, process re-engineering, and resource allocation on a global scale. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of operational best practices, change management, and data-driven decision-making. You will collaborate extensively with senior leadership across all departments, providing insights and driving improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate customer satisfaction. A strong track record in managing large-scale operational transformations and a passion for innovation are crucial. This position requires exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills, essential for thriving in a remote-first environment. You will have the autonomy to shape operational strategy and influence the direction of the company from anywhere in the world. While this role is fully remote, it is conceptually tied to our operations based in **Birmingham, West Midlands, UK**.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategic operational plans to achieve business goals.
• Oversee and optimize global supply chain, logistics, and operational processes.
• Lead significant change management initiatives to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Drive cost reduction programs without compromising quality or service.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of operations.
• Manage budgets and resource allocation for operational departments.
• Identify and implement new technologies and methodologies to enhance operational capabilities.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the operational teams.
• Report on operational performance and strategic initiatives to executive leadership.

Qualifications:

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in senior operational leadership roles.
• Proven success in developing and implementing strategic operational plans.
• Demonstrated expertise in supply chain management, process optimization, and change management.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a data-driven approach.
• Experience managing large budgets and distributed teams.
• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
• Ability to thrive in a fully remote, high-stakes environment.

Our client, a rapidly expanding international consultancy firm, is looking for a highly experienced and visionary Strategic Operations Director to lead their operational excellence initiatives. This is a fully remote position, enabling you to drive significant change and strategic alignment from anywhere in the UK. You will be responsible for developing and implementing operational strategies that enhance efficiency, optimise resource allocation, and support the company's long-term growth objectives. This role requires a strong understanding of business operations, strategic planning, and performance management, coupled with exceptional leadership and communication skills.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and executing comprehensive operational strategies aligned with the company's overall business goals.
• Overseeing and optimising business processes across all departments to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Leading cross-functional teams to identify and implement operational improvements and best practices.
• Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitoring operational performance against targets.
• Developing and managing departmental budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and cost control.
• Identifying opportunities for technological integration and innovation to streamline operations.
• Leading change management initiatives to ensure smooth adoption of new strategies and processes.
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Conducting market research and competitive analysis to inform strategic decision-making.
• Mentoring and developing a high-performing operations team.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and industry standards.
• Reporting on operational performance and strategic initiatives to senior leadership.
• Driving a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the organisation.

The ideal candidate will hold an MBA or a Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in operations management, strategic planning, or a similar senior leadership role is required. Proven experience in driving significant operational improvements and managing change in complex organisations is essential. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and analytical skills are paramount. You must have a strong track record of developing and implementing successful business strategies and managing large teams. Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills are necessary for collaborating with stakeholders across the organisation and presenting to executive leadership. This role is based in **Edinburgh, Scotland, UK**, but offers the unique advantage of being a fully remote position, providing unparalleled flexibility and autonomy to manage your responsibilities effectively.

Job Description: Strategic Operational Manager Reporting to: General / Accountable Manager Location: Castle Air Academy, Gloucestershire Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent ___ Primary Objective of the Role To support the Accountable Manager in delivering strategic, operational, and financial goals across Castle Air Academy, Gloucester and support the CTKI and FSTD Manager roles. This high-impact role acts as a strategic coordinator, analytical advisor, and operational enabler. It ensures the smooth execution of key initiatives, regulatory compliance, and commercial performance as the Academy scales. The postholder will be a proactive, analytical individual able to anticipate needs, manage complexity, and contribute meaningfully to strategic initiatives within a dynamic aviation training environment. A strong ability to build trust across stakeholders, both internal and external, is essential. ___ Key Competencies & Behaviours 1. Strategic Thinking & Commercial Acumen Definition: Understands broader business goals, identifies growth opportunities, and supports strategic decision-making. Behaviours: • Anticipates business needs and proactively gathers insights (e.g., new courses, training contracts, fleet strategy). • Synthesises financial data (e.g., course-level breakeven, margin modelling) into executive-ready outputs. • Tracks KPIs for scaling and profitability; identifies cost drivers and margin risks. • Benchmarks course pricing and supports commercial strategy and decision-making. • Contributes data to board briefings, management reviews, and business plans. ___ 2. Aviation Industry Awareness & Regulatory Insight Definition: Understands helicopter flight training operations and associated UK CAA regulatory frameworks. Behaviours: • Prepares documentation and audit materials for CAA inspections and internal reviews. • Interprets and briefs changes to UK aviation regulations (e.g., Part-FCL, ORA, ORS4/5/9). • Supports maintenance of CAA-approved manuals (e.g., TM, OM, SMS, CMM). • Liaises with regulators and external ATOs to maintain operational compliance. ___ 3. Project Coordination & Execution Definition: Manages Academy strategic and operational projects from planning to completion. Behaviours: • Creates and monitors project plans. • Develops and tracks Gantt charts and dashboards for strategic initiatives. • Tracks and oversees project milestones and risks—e.g., training throughput vs revenue goals. • Coordinates project delivery across training, operations, finance, and marketing. ___ 4. Stakeholder Management, Communication & Relationship Building Definition: Builds trusted relationships and represents the Academy professionally across internal and external interfaces. Behaviours: • Demonstrates a personable, professional and customer-oriented approach. • Prioritises long-term stakeholder and client relationships. • Acts as liaison for key partners, regulators, prospective clients and cadet sponsors. • Prepares communications, stakeholder briefings, and board papers. • Manages sensitive communications tactfully (e.g. pricing, complaints, regulatory discussions). ___ 5. Operational Agility & Problem Solving Definition: Responds flexibly to changing needs and applies sound judgement under pressure. Behaviours: • Handles critical tasks or escalations discreetly and efficiently. • Supports continuity of operations while progressing strategic priorities. • Diagnoses operational or compliance gaps and recommends improvements. ___ 6. Information & Workflow Management Definition: Structures and manages the flow of communications and data to and from the AM. Behaviours: • Screens and prioritises meeting requests and correspondence based on relevance and urgency. • Maintains briefing packs and high-level reporting for strategic meetings. • Organises shared digital workspaces and maintains compliance-ready records. ___ 7. High-Level Discretion & Professional Integrity Definition: Handles sensitive matters with complete confidentiality and loyalty. Behaviours: • Acts as a trusted advisor to the AM, raising concerns respectfully and offering solutions. • Maintains confidentiality on finance, HR, and regulatory matters. • Upholds the Academy’s brand, values, and professionalism in all dealings. ___ 8. Change Readiness & Growth Mindset Definition: Embraces change and seeks to improve operations through innovation and feedback. Behaviours: • Identifies inefficiencies and suggests improvements across departments or processes. • Promotes a culture of agility, learning, and cross-functional support. • Takes ownership of internal transformation projects (e.g. onboarding digitisation, simulator expansion programme). ___ 9. Time Management & Prioritisation Definition: Plans and executes tasks efficiently in a fast-paced training environment. Behaviours: • Maintains a forward-looking executive calendar aligned to key Academy cycles. • Plans ahead for strategic priorities, while handling urgent tasks effectively. • Resolves scheduling and deadline conflicts with foresight and professionalism. ___ Desired Qualifications & Experience • Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior executive support, operations, or strategy coordination role. • Proven ability to learn and adapt quickly in regulated or complex industries. • Strong business acumen, ideally with relevant postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MSc/MBA in Business, Management, or related field). • Excellent organisational, written, and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing materials for executive-level meetings. • High proficiency with collaborative digital project management tools and financial modelling platforms (e.g., the complete MS Suite, Smartsheet, Trello, SharePoint, Asana, Notion). • Demonstrated interest in aviation, education, or training sectors and a willingness to develop deeper regulatory and operational understanding. Please click apply

Job Description: Strategic Operational Manager

Reporting to: General / Accountable Manager

Location: Castle Air Academy, Gloucestershire

Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent

___

Primary Objective of the Role

To support the Accountable Manager in delivering strategic, operational, and financial goals across Castle Air Academy, Gloucester and support the CTKI and FSTD Manager roles. This high-impact role acts as a strategic coordinator, analytical advisor, and operational enabler. It ensures the smooth execution of key initiatives, regulatory compliance, and commercial performance as the Academy scales.

The postholder will be a proactive, analytical individual able to anticipate needs, manage complexity, and contribute meaningfully to strategic initiatives within a dynamic aviation training environment. A strong ability to build trust across stakeholders, both internal and external, is essential.

___

Key Competencies & Behaviours

1. Strategic Thinking & Commercial Acumen

Definition: Understands broader business goals, identifies growth opportunities, and supports strategic decision-making.

Behaviours:

• Anticipates business needs and proactively gathers insights (e.g., new courses, training contracts, fleet strategy).

• ynthesises financial data (e.g., course-level breakeven, margin modelling) into executive-ready outputs.

• T acks KPIs for scaling and profitability; identifies cost drivers and margin risks.

• B nchmarks course pricing and supports commercial strategy and decision-making.

• C ntributes data to board briefings, management reviews, and business plans.

___

2. Aviation Industry Awareness & Regulatory Insight

Definition: Understands helicopter flight training operations and associated UK CAA regulatory frameworks.

Behaviours:

• P epares documentation and audit materials for CAA inspections and internal reviews.

• I terprets and briefs changes to UK aviation regulations (e.g., Part-FCL, ORA, ORS4/5/9).

• S pports maintenance of CAA-approved manuals (e.g., TM, OM, SMS, CMM).

• L aises with regulators and external ATOs to maintain operational compliance.

___

3. Project Coordination & Execution

Definition: Manages Academy strategic and operational projects from planning to completion.

Behaviours:

• C eates and monitors project plans.

• D velops and tracks Gantt charts and dashboards for strategic initiatives.

• T acks and oversees project milestones and risks—e.g., training throughput vs revenue goals.

• Coo dinates project delivery across training, operations, finance, and marketing.

___

4. Stakeholder Management, Communication & Relationship Building

Definition: Builds trusted relationships and represents the Academy professionally across internal and external interfaces.

Behaviours:

• D monstrates a personable, professional and customer-oriented approach.

• P ioritises long-term stakeholder and client relationships.

• A ts as liaison for key partners, regulators, prospective clients and cadet sponsors.

• P epares communications, stakeholder briefings, and board papers.

• M nages sensitive communications tactfully (e.g. pricing, complaints, regulatory discussions).

___

5. Operational Agility & Problem Solving

Definition: Responds flexibly to changing needs and applies sound judgement under pressure.

Behaviours:

• H ndles critical tasks or escalations discreetly and efficiently.

• S pports continuity of operations while progressing strategic priorities.

• D agnoses operational or compliance gaps and recommends improvements.

___

6. Information & Workflow Management

Definition: Structures and manages the flow of communications and data to and from the AM.

Behaviours:

• S reens and prioritises meeting requests and correspondence based on relevance and urgency.

• M intains briefing packs and high-level reporting for strategic meetings.

• O ganises shared digital workspaces and maintains compliance-ready records.

___

7. High-Level Discretion & Professional Integrity

Definition: Handles sensitive matters with complete confidentiality and loyalty.

Behaviours:

• A ts as a trusted advisor to the AM, raising concerns respectfully and offering solutions.

• M intains confidentiality on finance, HR, and regulatory matters.

• U holds the Academy’s brand, values, and professionalism in all dealings.

___

8. Change Readiness & Growth Mindset

Definition: Embraces change and seeks to improve operations through innovation and feedback.

Behaviours:

• Ide tifies inefficiencies and suggests improvements across departments or processes.

• P omotes a culture of agility, learning, and cross-functional support.

• T kes ownership of internal transformation projects (e.g. onboarding digitisation, simulator expansion programme).

___

9. Time Management & Prioritisation

Definition: Plans and executes tasks efficiently in a fast-paced training environment.

Behaviours:

• M intains a forward-looking executive calendar aligned to key Academy cycles.

• P ans ahead for strategic priorities, while handling urgent tasks effectively.

• R solves scheduling and deadline conflicts with foresight and professionalism.

___

Desired Qualifications & Experience

• M nimum 5 years’ experience in a senior executive support, operations, or strategy coordination role.

• Pro en ability to learn and adapt quickly in regulated or complex industries.

• S rong business acumen, ideally with relevant postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MSc/MBA in Business, Management, or related field).

• E cellent organisational, written, and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing materials for executive-level meetings.

• H gh proficiency with collaborative digital project management tools and financial modelling platforms (e.g., the complete MS Suite, Smartsheet, Trello, SharePoint, Asana, Notion).

• D monstrated interest in aviation, education, or training sectors and a willingness to develop deeper regulatory and operational understanding.

Please click apply