Head of Operations (Materials & Logistics)
Share this role
- Employer:
- AQA
- Location:
- Hybrid working, 2 days a week in Milton Keynes or Manchester
- Salary:
- £83,578 - £93,714
- Closing date:
- 12 noon, Tuesday 22nd April 2025
- Job Ref:
- GSe120465
Associated documents
Description
Make your mark on UK education!
AQA, the UK's leading examination board, is seeking a visionary Head of Operations to lead our Materials & Logistics department. This is your opportunity to join an organisation that makes a genuine difference to millions of learners across the country.
About the Role: You'll take charge of a critical operation that handles over 12 million examination scripts annually, ensuring flawless delivery of GCSE and A-Level assessments. Leading from either our Milton Keynes or Manchester sites, you'll be a key member of the Operations Senior Leadership team, driving excellence across our logistics and materials functions.
In this role, you will provide strategic leadership for our Materials & Logistics teams while managing multi-million pound operational budgets. You'll be responsible for driving continuous improvement across our print and logistics operations, leading and developing a large team that includes both permanent and seasonal staff. A crucial part of your role will be ensuring robust risk management and maintaining the highest quality standards across all operations.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes flexible hybrid working arrangements, outside of the peak summer series, and an excellent pension scheme with up to 11.5% employer contribution. You'll enjoy 25 days of annual leave plus Christmas closure, with holiday entitlement increasing with service. Our commitment to staff wellbeing is demonstrated through our extensive benefits package, which includes the Headspace App, private medical insurance, and a Health Cash plan. We also offer practical benefits such as our Cycle to Work scheme.
The ideal candidate will bring proven leadership experience in logistics operations, combined with a strategic mindset and experience in operational planning. You'll need strong stakeholder management skills and a data-driven approach, with the ability to handle complex information effectively. We're particularly interested in candidates who have a track record of driving cultural change and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
AQA is committed to creating a positive impact on education. Join us in making a difference to learners across the country.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson: Sophie Hester, sophie.hester@gatenbysanderson.com
To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.
How to Apply
To apply please submit:
- A CV (maximum 3 pages)
- A supporting statement of maximum 3 pages addressing your motivation for the role and providing specific examples of questions outlined below.
- Detail a situation where you successfully led a team to achieve significant improvements in performance. What was your approach, and what measurable outcomes were delivered?
- Describe how you developed and delivered a strategic plan for transforming logistics or supply chain operations. How did you ensure buy-in from stakeholders across the organization, and what lasting impact did this initiative have on operational efficiency and the company's competitive position?
- Share your experience of embedding a culture of continuous improvement. What specific changes did you implement and how did you ensure their sustainability?
- An Equal Opportunities monitoring form on the GatenbySanderson website, this will appear on screen as part of the application process
- The contact details for two referees who can comment on your ability to undertake this role. Please note: no references will be taken without your prior approval
Applications must be submitted online only by the deadline of 12 noon, Tuesday 22nd April 2025. Applications submitted after this time will not be accepted.