Head of Operations

Join us as Head of Operations and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity As the Head of Operational Excellence you will lead the strategic and day-to-day deployment of Fera Groups operational business support systems/ processes across multiple sites for maximum benefit in business efficiency and resilience. This role includes leadership of the central IT Department (including cyber-security) and critical support team for all matters relating to the portfolio of Fera Groups property footprint.What youll be doing: Deliver key cross-functional objectives in Operational Excellence aligned with Feras 5 Year Growth plan including supporting financial delivery and improving utilisation rates across all operational inputs Monitor performance metrics and identify opportunities for ongoing business operational performance improvement through data analysis stakeholder feedback and innovation to maximise revenues and margin% delivered across the business Oversee efficient management of central IT infrastructure property footprint and wider operational systems ensuring system process and supply chain resilience and overseeing data integrity and compliance with regulatory standards and SLAs. Manage and mentor IT and property teams fostering a culture of excellence robust security and continuous improvement across Feras systems architecture to ensure all operational and scientific needs are met. Lead cross-functional projects including lab expansions technology upgrades and process innovation supporting the adoption of automation and drive digital transformation. Collaborate with internal stakeholders external partners and government clients to ensure successful delivery of operational requirements. Support Merger & Acquisition Due Diligence and Integration activities to optimise the roll-out of Fera best practice into newly acquired businesses (UK and overseas).What were looking for:Essential: Proven senior leadership experience in operations and IT infrastructure within a scientific technical or laboratory environment Strong knowledge of IT architecture and systems/digital platform integration (e.g. LIMS ERP cloud-based tools). Demonstrated success in delivering best in class operational efficiency leading complex projects and multi-disciplinary teams Excellent leadership communication and stakeholder engagement skills Strong analytical planning and problem-solving capabilities: Professional qualification in Project Management practice. Experience with compliance frameworks and quality systems in regulated environmentsDesirable: Experience working with government agencies or public sector clients Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma Kaisen or other continuous improvement methodologies Experience of Merger & Acquisition Due Diligence and integrationWhats in it for you 25 days holiday (rising to 29) with the opportunity to buy & sell extra leave. Flexible working hours on-site gym restaurant and free parking The opportunity to take a paid day out of the office volunteering for our charity partners or a cause of your choice Company matched pension life assurance a cycle2work scheme 15 weeks fully paid maternity adoption and shared parental leave paternity pay of two weeksand plenty more. Voluntary benefits designed to suit your lifestyle from discounts on retail and socialising to health & wellbeing travel and technology Fera operates a LTIP ( Long Term Incentive Plan) under which all employees are awarded points towards shares in the Employee Benefits Trust on an annual basis. The Employee Benefits Trust holds shares on behalf of our employee at the point of an equity event the shares will realise a cash value.What we hope youll do next:Choose Apply now to fill out our short application so that we can find out more about you. If you have any questions youd like to ask before applying you can contact Were an equal opportunity employer which means we recruit and develop people based on their merit and passion. Were committed to providing an inclusive barrier-free recruitment process and working environment for everyone. If you need the job description or application form in an alternative format or if youd like to discuss other changes or support you might need going forward please email at and well get back to you.The CompanyAt Fera were making the world a better healthier and safer place. Were a joint venture partnership between Bridgepoint and Defra and were working proactively to protect the world we live in and the food we eat. Our teams are investigating plant and bee health crop protection and sustainable agriculture. Join us and discover better as you deliver world-class science for the future. The Benefits On-site GymShopping & Transport DiscountsVoluntary Benefits to suit your lifestyleLTIP/share scheme DocumentsRequired Experience:Director Key Skills Succession Planning,Growing Experience,Expense Management,Management Experience,Rackspace,Laboratory Management,Senior Leadership,Operations Management,Relationship Management,Leadership Experience,negotiation,Taxonomy Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Yearly Salary Salary: 50001 - 999999999