Head of Operations

Ulster Supported Employment Ltd USEL; Belfast; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Operations to lead their dynamic team in Belfast. This pivotal role involves driving operational excellence across manufacturing, recycling, and fulfilment services. The successful candidate will play a key role in strategic planning, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission while fostering a culture of innovation and accountability. With a focus on performance management and financial sustainability, this position offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking organization dedicated to social enterprise principles. Join a team that values collaboration and strives for excellence in all operational aspects.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in senior management within complex organizations.
• Experience in managing large operational teams and budgets over £1 million.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational and commercial functions ensuring high-quality outputs.
• Drive continuous improvement through data analysis and technology adoption.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Financial Management

Operational Efficiency

Team Leadership

Partnership Development

Education

Professional Qualification in Recycling and Resource Management

Job description

Head of Operations

Ref: HOO/05/2025

Closing date: Tuesday, 20th May 2025 at 12 noon

(Interviews will be held on Tuesday, 3rd June 2025)

Job Title: Head of Operations

Location: 182-188 Cambrai Street, Belfast, BT13 3JH

Contract: Permanent

Responsible To: Chief Executive Officer

Hours: 35 (Monday to Thursday 8.15am-4.30pm, Friday 8.15am-12.15pm)

Salary: £54,292 to £61,034 per annum (salary progression subject to annual review and incremental progression)

USEL is seeking to appoint a permanent Head of Operations, offering a fantastic opportunity for a forward-thinking, people-centred leader to drive operational delivery across USEL’s services in manufacturing, recycling, and fulfilment.

As a member of the Executive Team in a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB), the successful candidate will combine commercial acumen with a strong social ethos, ensuring performance, compliance, and impact align with USEL’s mission and values.

Job Description:

1. Lead and optimise the performance of USEL’s operational and commercial functions — including Manufacturing, Recycling, Business Development, ISO systems, and Health & Safety — ensuring high-quality outputs, income growth, and operational efficiency within statutory frameworks.

2. Play a central role in shaping and delivering the organisation’s strategic and operational priorities as an active member of the Senior Management Team, contributing to long-term planning, decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration.

3. Support the ongoing commercial and organisational development of USEL by advancing best practices in operational delivery, policy design, financial planning, business performance, quality assurance, and stakeholder engagement — ensuring alignment with the organisation’s social impact mission and corporate objectives.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the operational and commercial development of the organisation by contributing to the strategic plan, driving income-generating opportunities, and ensuring alignment with USEL’s social enterprise mission and strategic goals.
• Champion innovation and commercial thinking across the business, identifying new market opportunities and evolving the business model.
• Develop and maintain impactful partnerships with public bodies, the private sector, and third-sector organisations to enhance USEL’s market presence and generate growth.
• Shape cross-organisational strategic decisions as part of the Senior Leadership Team, providing insights on performance, investments, and income diversification.
• Produce monthly performance reports for the CEO and Board, focusing on financial contribution, operational efficiency, and KPIs.
• Lead the development and submission of capital and revenue business cases in line with Better Business Case NI guidance to support strategic investments and growth.

Commercial & Operational Delivery

• Set and implement pricing strategies, profitability models, and market assessments to guide operational decisions.
• Drive continuous improvement through data analysis, technology adoption, and lean systems to increase output and reduce waste.
• Lead the design and implementation of operational policies and systems ensuring quality, compliance, and competitiveness.
• Oversee major projects, including equipment upgrades, facility expansion, and new product launches, ensuring ROI.
• Foster a culture of innovation and efficiency to support financial sustainability and social impact.

Governance & Financial Management

• Ensure departments meet or exceed financial targets, with clear accountability for income, costs, and margins.
• Manage resources to maximize efficiency, ROI, and value for money.
• Implement robust financial controls, risk management, and performance monitoring.
• Maintain compliance with legislation, governance standards, and procurement processes.
• Enhance ISO and quality management systems to support customer confidence and statutory compliance.

Leadership and People Development

• Provide inspirational leadership, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and performance.
• Lead performance management and coach staff to meet KPIs and growth targets.
• Act as a key link between operational and senior management, ensuring strategic alignment.
• Promote an inclusive, performance-driven culture where staff development and innovation are encouraged.

Essential Criteria:

At least 2 years’ senior management experience within a complex, multi-functional organisation. Candidates must demonstrate experience in at least three of the following areas:

1. Managing large operational teams across multiple service lines with accountability for performance and outcomes.
2. Developing and implementing strategic plans aligned with organisational goals.
3. Budget setting, financial control, and income delivery across units with budgets over £1 million, including performance tracking and risk management.
4. Developing policies that support growth, compliance, and operational excellence.
5. Driving operational efficiencies or transformation projects delivering measurable savings or improvements.
6. Managing or developing commercial partnerships, contracts, or services with measurable social and financial returns.
7. Leading growth or business development initiatives within a social enterprise, public, or private sector context.

Must have access to transport enabling full job requirements; if mobility is affected by disability, applicants should indicate how they will meet mobility needs.

Desirable Criteria

1. A professional qualification in Recycling and Resource Management (e.g., WAMITAB / Operations Certification).
2. Understanding of governance, statutory reporting, and performance management within a NDPB or publicly funded organisation.