Head of Operations - Leasing

Country: United Kingdom

Santander Consumer Finance is one of the UK’s Leading Motor Finance companies and we are expanding our Contract Hire and Leasing Operation in our Milton Keynes office. We are now looking for a Head of Operations to oversee the function and ensure the delivery of service is in line with strategic objectives.

This is a pivotal role at a critical time for delivery so the successful candidate will come from a Leasing and operational background with extensive leadership skills to manage 5 direct reports with an extended team exceeding 40+ FTE including supplier oversight.

This role will be based out of Milton Keynes with travel to Newport Pagnell and Redhill as required. Remote workers will unfortunately not be considered.

Responsibilities will include:

Lead the Leasing team to be a high performing team and to achieve the business plan and promote customer centric valuesPositively communicate day-to-day operational messages and develop an environment where ideas and initiatives are encouraged and valuedOwnership and support of the delivery of results with process & service in terms of timing, cost and qualityContributes to an integrated resource plan which achieves maximum people productivity at the most effective cost and optimises processes, systems and technologyEffective development and use of MI to monitor and check productivity and performance of teams as well as monitoring quality of current processesProactively seek to improve the level of service standards providedSet, measure and put in place actions to achieve agreed service standards for service delivery improvementRecommends and implements productivity, process and service enhancementsCommunicate improvements to ensure staff (and stakeholders where required) understand and commit to supporting themTo lead projects or participate in cross-functional projects in order to implement new or amend existing working practices/processesDevelops or supports creation of project plans ensuring delivery of projects are on time which meets the project success criteria.  Manages project implementation into the New Business functionEnsure service delivery is maintained within budget and headcount control for all cost centres within the function. Assists in managing the cost base and in producing the required cost ratiosAdhering to our commitment to Consumer Duty ensuring we put our customers’ needs first and set higher and clearer standards of consumer protection

What we’re looking for:

Previous experience of directly leading multi-functional teams and being able to achieve results through peopleDemonstrates a deep understanding of the Leasing product portfolio such as Salary Sacrifice and Public Sector but also including all add on services such as SMR, Rental, Accident Management, Fleet Admin services etcAbility to coach and mentor other managers, and manage the knowledge base of the functional areaSets high expectations and generates enthusiasm and commitment to team goals and activities.  Enhances team cohesion and confidence in respect of the team goals and activitiesAn understanding of Balance Sheet and P&L accounting skills and related controlsThe ability to assess, manage and control credit risk within the business functionExperience in managing high value budgets with a proven track record of successful budgetary oversight and controlExperience of the Regulatory environment associated with consumer credit activitiesAbility to interact and influence Senior Management on equal termsExperience in successful project implementationsDemonstrates a customer centric approach representing the business with internal and external customersMust possess first class written and verbal communication skills and be able to effectively communicate with and present to both internal and external stakeholders across all levels of the business

We have a range of benefits available which include:

Competitive salary of £75 – 90,000 dependent on experience30 days holiday per annum, plus bank holidaysAnnual bonus based on personal and company performanceCar allowancePrivate medical coverGenerous pension contributionsEmployee assistance programmeSharesave schemeGym passes at a reduced rate for 3,000 gyms, leisure centres etc

Inclusion

At Santander we’re creating a thriving workplace where all colleagues feel they belong and are supported to succeed.  We all help to make Santander a workplace that celebrates diversity and attracts, retains and develops the most talented and committed people through living our values of Simple, Personal, and Fair.

At Santander Consumer Finance we have a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, bullying, harassment (including sexual) or victimisation of any kind.

Should you want to be considered for part time hours, please let us know and we can assess your requirements.

What are the next steps:

If you are interested in this role and believe you have the skills, experience, and knowledge then we’d love to hear from you. Please go ahead and click apply which will take you through some questions and allow you to submit your CV and covering letter.