Head of Operations at The Woodhall Estate

The Head of Operations is a critical role in the Senior Management Team at Woodhall Estate. The role overarches all departments and members of staff in respect to business management operations. The appointee will work closely and confidentially with the Managing Partner to manage our high-performance team and wider business operations across our property, farming, wildlife, environmental, forestry, visitor, events, hospitality, filming and charitable activities.

Core elements of this management role will include the delivery of human resources, risk management, health and safety responsibility, business resilience, operational resources and administration.

The appointee will also work in the Senior Management Team on the longer-term development and delivery of our CCS (Community, Conservation & Sustainability) Strategy, thereby ensuring that Woodhall Estate leads the way in the advancement and demonstration of these values in Hertfordshire and further afield.

We are looking for an experienced operations executive with specific and proven experience in HR and/or business support functions. Experience in multi-discipline teams and the rural sector is desirable but not essential.

We are open to full or part time applications, with a part time appointment envisaged at approximately 30 hours a week. There is some degree of flexibility to negotiate a mutually beneficial arrangement for the right candidate. The Head of Operations will need to be largely based onsite given the nature of the role.

Specifically, the position will be responsible for the following (non-exhaustive):

General

• Foster continued collaboration and consistency across departments.

• Directly manage the Estate Coordinator, covering business administration and co-ordination across departments.

• Chair monthly meetings and breakfasts.

• Chair weekly huddles and oversee continued teamwork in the Estate Office.

• Uphold high standards and customer service across all operations, teams and individuals.

• Budget responsibility for key elements of Central Overheads.

Human Resources and Wellbeing

Manage all HR functions on behalf of the Managing Partner to maintain high performance and standards, wellbeing and happiness, for our tight-knit team of 17 employees as follows:

• ‘Own’ and maintain the Staff Handbook and Company Policies, monitoring employment regulations and industry best practice. Implement changes when required.

• Propose new ways of optimising team performance and wellbeing, implementing new procedures, initiatives and staff benefits where agreed with the Managing Partner.

• Be the ‘go-to’ for staff queries and needs, building a strong rapport with team members and ensuring they are happy and retained.

• Oversee the annual review process, including performance appraisals, objective setting and remuneration reviews.

• Handle and attend any performance issues and disciplinary matters arising.

• Manage/approve absence including annual leave, sick leave, maternity/paternity/adoption leave and other approved leave or statutory entitlements.

• Oversee staff accommodation, allowances and expense claims.

• Champion learning and development; implement career paths for staff, arrange training and source providers where needed.

• Lead recruitment and onboarding; including advertising roles, liaising with agencies, interviewing, referencing, right-to-work checks, drafting of offer letters and contracts. Complete all new starter documentation, inductions, training and probation.

• Manage employment terminations when arising, including sourcing legal advice and attending redundancy or dismissal proceedings.

Risk Management

• ‘Own’ and maintain the Operational Risk Framework and Operational Risk Register – update and make changes in consultation with the Managing Partner and Heads of Department.

• As the appointed Competent Person, monitor and oversee the correct use of Health & Safety policies, manuals, procedures and records across departments. Examples include risk assessments, contractor information and hazard awareness, staff declarations, equipment testing, accident books, near-missing reporting, fire records and training, COSHH records etc.

• Monitor and oversee the implementation of industry-specific compliance, e.g. environmental compliance.

• Arrange and oversee annual Health & Safety audits with our Health & Safety consultants. Lead the 6-month internal audit check. Collaborate with heads of department to implement recommended improvements.

• Respond to any Health & Safety incidents, informing the Managing Partner and following-up on the required/agreed courses of action. Be the Responsible Person for reporting occurrences under RIDDOR.

• Monitor and evaluate business resilience and implement initiatives where agreed.

• Co-ordinate pandemic and emergency responses for staff and business operations.

• Be responsible for ensuring appropriate insurances are in place for estate assets and operations.

Resources, Tech & Security

Be responsible for the efficient deployment of central resources and monitoring of legal compliance as follows:

• Procurement, distribution and use of computers, phones, radios etc.
• Manage our IT contractors and seek best practice for the IT system.
• Cyber/data security mitigations and GDPR.
• In-house utility contracts and service agreements.
• Office housekeeping.
• Vehicle fleet, insurance, fuel and driver checks.
• Out-of-hours rosters
• Emergency procedures
• Keys and codes
• CCTV
• Automated gates
• Vehicle permits

Sustainability

• Support the development of sustainability strategies and performance monitoring across resources/energy/waste management.
• Propose and implement improvements to support our core values of Community, Conservation and Sustainability.
• Maintain and share up-to-date knowledge and awareness of emerging opportunities, guidance and best practice.

External

• Be an ambassador of the estate and promote excellent public relations in the community.
• Respond to any issues and manage complaints.

More information can be found on our website: www.woodhallestate.co.uk.

Kindly note that applications are being handled for us by Alice Hamley of Mission4 Recruitment. You can apply via the Escape the City portal or please feel free to get in touch with Alice on 01992 505500 or [email removed - click apply for more details]. Direct approaches cannot be accepted.