Head of Operational Optimisation

This role will be working for Places Leisure part of Places for People. As the UK's leading Social Enterprise, we move lives forward every day by building, managing and supporting thriving Communities. From new homes, social housing and student accommodation to leisure, education and Community initiatives, our work makes a positive difference to millions of People across the UK. And that takes People who care about doing the right thing.

People who are ambitious, ready to grow and motivated to make a difference through the work they do.
We're looking for Colleagues who bring energy, curiosity and ownership. People who enjoy being challenged, support those around them and want to keep raising the bar. Because when we perform at our best, we create more opportunities to invest in our Customers, our Communities and each other.
Experience matters, but it's only part of the story. If you share our values and want to build a career where your work has real impact, we'd love to hear from you.
More about your role
As our newly created Head of Operational Optimisation, you will lead the development of smarter, data-led ways of managing resources and operating costs across Places Leisure. You will improve labour planning, scheduling and forecasting, helping to ensure the right Colleagues and resources are in the right place at the right time to deliver operational and commercial goals.
Working closely with operational leaders, Finance and central teams, you will identify efficiencies, reduce avoidable spend and develop practical plans that protect the Customer experience. You will also support refits, bids and growth opportunities by creating robust cost models and ensuring investment decisions are based on realistic resource and payback assumptions.
Please note that this role involves frequent travel to our Leisure sites, typically 2 to 3 days per week.
Essential criteria
Significant experience in labour planning, workforce management, operational performance, commercial finance, cost transformation or operational efficiency within a complex, multi-site organisation.
Demonstrable experience of forecasting operational demand and translating it into practical labour plans, hours and costs.
Experience analysing labour and non-labour P&L performance, identifying cost drivers and turning findings into measurable action plans.
Practical experience using DILO, time and motion studies or equivalent methods to assess operational activity, capacity and efficiency.
Advanced experience using Microsoft Excel and Power BI to build models, tools and reporting that support commercial and operational decision-making.
Desirable Criteria
Ideally you will come from a leisure, retail or hospitality background.
More about you
You will combine strong analytical ability with commercial awareness and an understanding of budgets, forecasts, payback and cost-to-serve measures. You can build practical models and reporting, explain complex information clearly and influence senior stakeholders, including at Director level. Comfortable working across Operations, Finance, Technology, Product, Customer Service and Business Development, you will be confident challenging assumptions and helping leaders take action.

You will also be curious about new technology, external insight and simpler ways of working that can improve productivity and support growth. A DBS check is not required for this role.
What you'll get
We know rewarding work deserves rewarding benefits. That's why, alongside a competitive salary, you'll have access to a package designed to support you at work and beyond.
You'll receive:
Pension with matched contributions up to 7%
Bonus scheme up to 15%
Option to buy or sell days
Car Allowance
Healthcare cashback plan for everyday medical…