✨HEAD OF OPERATIONS RETAIL BEDFORDSHIRE Upto £60,000k We are looking for an experienced and driven Head of Operations to take full ownership of all operational activities within a busy shopping centre in Bedfordshire. This is a senior, hands-on role requiring strong leadership, commercial awareness and a proactive approach to risk, compliance and service delivery. You will lead and coordinate all day-to-day operational functions across the centre, ensuring the highest standards of safety, presentation, compliance and customer experience. Working closely with the Centre Director, you will play a key role in delivering the centre’s business plan and long-term operational strategy. With a number of lifecycle and investment projects planned over the coming years, this role requires confidence in managing risk, business continuity and complex operational programmes. ✨KEY RESPONSIBILITIES PEOPLE - Take ownership of recruitment, development, retention and performance management plans Motivate and lead service partners to deliver consistently high standards Support and collaborate with colleagues, fostering a strong “one team” culture Build effective relationships with internal teams, occupiers, contractors and key stakeholders Deputise for the Centre Director when required, ensuring clear communication on all operational matters COMMERCIAL & FM - Develop and manage all operational budgets, ensuring effective cost control and value for money Closely monitor service charge expenditure and oversee ad hoc and project works Develop and deliver the Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programme, prioritising major works and minimising disruption Coordinate tendering and contract management for hard and soft services Actively manage service partners against agreed KPIs Support the shop fitting process from instruction through to retail delivery Ensure occupier queries are addressed efficiently through the appropriate teams QUALITY & PRESENTATION - Maintain a positive image of the centre at all times Carry out regular internal and external inspections, ensuring issues are resolved effectively and permanently Work closely with service partners to maintain presentation standards and drive service improvements Lead and coordinate on-site projects, acting as the key operational liaison Maintain accurate records and produce reports for the wider business as required COMPLIANCE & RISK - Proactively manage operational risk alongside the Centre Director Ensure life safety systems and procedures remain current and effective Maintain audit-ready compliance systems and records Oversee environmental and sustainability initiatives aligned with Responsible Property Investment principles Manage insurance-related matters on site Ensure KPIs set by the client are achieved Maintain utility and technical data across relevant systems and reporting platforms Provide accurate data for industry and client reporting requirements (e.g. GRESB, ROSPA) YOUR IDEAL EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE - Strong background in facilities management or a service-led operational environment Proven experience delivering complex projects within tight parameters NEBOSH qualified Solid understanding of statutory compliance, contract law and service charge management Good technical knowledge of building construction and plant systems Confident user of IT systems including Word, Excel and databases Duty Management YOUR IDEAL SKILLS & QUALITIES - Analytical Thinking Commercial Awareness Decision Making Planning & Organising Results Focused Guest Focused Team Working If you're looking for a new role, please send your CV to sally.ridgway@foundationrecruitment.com