Operating Systems Lead

Role description:
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Operating Systems Lead

OPERATING SYSTEMS LEAD | P5

System Owner Design it. Connect it. Make it hold.

Turn strategy into systems that actually work. As Operating Systems Lead, you own how Quadmark’s internal operating system works in practice — workflows, systems, controls, and how they connect. You lead Blue Bird, our programme to make the business more joined‑up, scalable, and reliable. You are not writing strategy. You are making it real. This role is for those who want to turn complex, messy reality into something clear, usable and resilient.

Own the operating system: turn priorities into workflows, systems and ways of working that hold under real conditions. Bring the operating picture together – ensuring systems, data, controls and delivery stay connected rather than drifting apart. Identify where work breaks down and fix it in a way that last. Balance structure with usability – clear without heavy.

Ensure change sticks – not just launched but used. Make trade‑offs about where to focus, what to simplify and what to leave alone.

Reporting to the Head of Strategy & Systems, you own the part of the model that turns priorities into systems, workflows and working practices. You bring together IT, Trust and Project Management – alongside the Internal Enablement Lead and external partners – to ensure changes are implemented, embedded and aligned with how Quadmark operates in practice.

• Lead Blue Bird as the flagship ‘Make Real’ programme.
• You identify the highest‑friction workflows and redesign them end‑to‑end.
• You build a clear picture of how work actually happens – including workarounds, gaps and risks.
• You simplify, connect and clarify – reducing duplication, rework and reliance on memory.
• You focus on the vital few changes that will have the biggest impact.

• You make the system work as one.
• You ensure systems, data, controls and workflows connect cleanly.
• You improve how information flows so people can find and trust what they need.
• You create clearer sources of truth and reduce fragmentation.
• You improve visibility and decision‑readiness so the business can see what is happening and act early.

• You introduce AI where it improves the work.
• You redesign workflows so human and machine work fit together properly.
• You ensure accountability, judgement and quality remain clear.
• You focus on usefulness, not novelty.

• You hold the system together.
• You ensure trust, delivery and operational change stay aligned.
• You act as the internal counterpart to external technical partners.
• You translate technical input into practical business decisions.

• You make change stick.
• You build controls into normal workflows.
• You work with Enablement to ensure adoption is real.
• You watch how things are used and improve what doesn’t hold.

You do not own every change in the business – you focus on the changes that have been prioritised, ensuring they are implemented, embedded and sustained in practice.

The business runs more clearly, consistently and reliably.

• Workflow clarity – key workflows are easier to follow, visible and more consistent.
• Operational efficiency – less manual work, duplication and workaround behaviour.
• System usability – systems support real work, not just ideal processes.
• Trust & control – governance and controls are effective without adding drag.
• Adoption – new ways of working are used consistently in practice.
• Nothing important relies on memory or heroics.

• You bring structure without adding bureaucracy and can turn messy, real‑world work into something clear and usable.
• You stay calm and practical when things are unclear or under pressure, and you naturally see how small details connect to the wider system.
• You improve how work gets done without making it heavier.
• You lead through clarity and follow‑through, working easily across teams and bringing people into alignment.
• You have strong judgement and can be trusted to make the call.
• You move things forward…