Head of (Dual) Operations | Circa £80,000 negotiable + up to 17% bonus, car + excellent benefits | Permanent | Hybrid | Retford (Gamston) Airport
Our track testing activities play a high-profile and crucial role, driving safety improvements across the European automotive industry. To support the ongoing operations of our automotive track testing and the Gamston aviation operational functions, we have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Operational leader to deliver and showcase the unique functions, activities and capabilities of our dual site in Gamston.
As the most senior representative of the company on-site at Gamston, you will oversee and support all aspects of the facility and operations, including tenants, facilities and the Apron café. You’ll play a key role in fostering a sense of belonging for the teams at Gamston as part of the overall Thatcham community, as well as necessarily operating with a degree of autonomy, in-line with our shared goals and values.
Your mission
- Ensure operational excellence in the delivery of track testing operations, driving continuous improvement of performance and efficiency with the on-going evolution of our dual operational processes and procedures
- Oversee the safe and efficient aviation operations, supporting the Airport Manager in compliance with our CAA approved systems and processes
- Support the commercial process to ensure accurate quoting and specification of operational activities
- Maximise the provision of aviation facilities and services outside of track testing activities within the dual operations environment
- Work closely and collaboratively with the Research, Member Success and Commercial teams to fulfil the various stakeholder and project requirements
- Support the H&S and Facilities Officer on-site, fostering a culture of health & safety for all colleagues and tenants
- Ensure all incidents and non-conformances are captured, reviewed and actioned
- Provide senior level representation of the company in any interactions with external stakeholders, whilst internally communicating feedback for the Gamston site and teams with the wider business
- Actively engage and interact with the peer group of managers and leaders across the business
Skills & experience that will set you up for success in this role:
- Previous demonstrable experience managing and coaching operational teams, through direct line management and a matrix structure
- Inspirational leadership skills with the ability to create a positive, resourceful culture whilst remaining true to the company’s values and ethos
- Successful application and development of systems and processes to deliver operational requirements that align with formal standards
- Effective deployment of KPIs and metrics to indicate operational health & performance, to continually drive operational excellence
- Budgetary management at a departmental level
- Comprehensive knowledge of health & safety practices and their importance in supporting safe and effective operational activities
- Demonstrable experience problem solving and fault finding within a complex environment
- Operating within the framework of external standards and protocols
About you
You have a proven track record in transforming and leading teams to deliver consistently high-quality operations within a technical environment. With the ability to see and understand the ‘big picture’ and operate accordingly, you can evaluate difficult situations whilst continually driving efficiency and best practice. You enjoy developing strong business relationships with all colleagues and stakeholders and take pride in your supportive and approachable working style.
Perks & Benefits
Salary - Circa £80,000 negotiable, dependent on skills & experience.
- Up to 17% Annual Bonus
- Car allowance of £685 per month or Company Car
- 10% non-contributory pension
- 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays
- Private Health care for you and your immediate family
- Permanent Health Insurance (after 6 months of service)
- Group Life Assurance (equal to 4 x basic salary)
- Healthshield Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)
- Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work & tech scheme)
- Money Health Financial Wellbeing Platform
- Discounted gym membership
- Sports & Social club
- Payroll charitable giving
When we work
Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, 8:30 - 15:45 on Fridays
How we work
Our blended working approach means you’ll spend time working from our site in Gamston and from home should you wish to.
What we do
At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair.
With an on-site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre, Training Academy and Crime Lab, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry.
Our active safety track site is one of the leading accredited Euro NCAP testing facilities, trialling and assessing the very latest developments in vehicle safety and assistance technologies.
Our Values
As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.
We are proud members of the Automotive 30% Club, a voluntary network of CEOs with a shared objective of achieving a better gender balance within the automotive industry.
Thatcham Research is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community. We are committed to ensuring we have a fair and inclusive recruitment process.
Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made at any point during your recruitment journey.
All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.