Head of Operational Excellence

At Virgin, you will co-lead our target operating model project and oversee strategic improvement projects that shape the future of our operations. This is a high-impact role where you’ll bring together transformation expertise, stakeholder engagement, and a sharp focus on execution to deliver measurable outcomes. 

We’re looking for a talented change professional who can drive the outcomes of the target operating model, while also leading cross-organisation operations and embedding a culture of excellence across the business. 

Our Virgin Family

Join the Virgin Group – a diverse collective driving change, enhancing customer experience, and having a blast. We're daring, disrupting industries from finance to space, united as part of the Virgin Family.

Virgin Red rewards customers who live the Virgin lifestyle. Earn Virgin Points across our vast partner network, unlocking everyday rewards and exclusive experiences. As the Virgin network hub, we foster deeper customer understanding, opening doors for partners. Bold, distinctive, customer-centric – that's Virgin Red.

We’re a huge brand, but not a huge team, which means we take a hands-on approach while thinking strategically. Everyone rolls up their sleeves to get things done, making it an exciting and collaborative place to work.

Tell me more

• Shape and sharpen strategies that make our operating model stronger and deliver real value.
• Be the go-to internal consultant for our target operating model project – leading workstreams, sparking conversations, and helping us plan for what’s next.
• Bring your experience, curiosity and creative thinking to the table – blending industry know-how with fresh ideas to shape bold points of view.
• Turn projects into progress. Make sure performance is measured and improved with meaningful KPIs that keep us on track with our biggest priorities.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, keeping the energy alive through clear comms and positive change.
• Inspire and guide a team of continuous improvement leads – pulling everyone in the same direction and delivering results together.
• Build trusted relationships with our leaders. Influence decisions, spark ideas, and help set the course for what comes next.
• Team up with colleagues across Virgin to deliver strategic improvement projects that make a genuine, lasting difference.
• Create simple, smart frameworks and processes that make it easier for people to get stuff done – and get it done brilliantly.
• Facilitate workshops that cut through the noise, align stakeholders and co-create solutions that stick.
• Use insight, analysis and feedback to spot opportunities for improvement and turn them into clear, practical recommendations.
• Support leaders across the business by sharing best practice, building capability, and embedding a mindset of continuous improvement.

What you’ll need

• Demonstrated background in an operations function or fintech, start-up or consulting environment.
• Significant experience optimising processes and steering improvement programmes.
• Mastery of methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma! 
• Making partnership and stakeholder joy happen.
• Communication skills that inspire action.
• Experience managing high-performing teams.
• Comprehensive training in strategy, process excellence, project management, management, and change management.
• Business Process Modelling certifications an advantage.
• Certified professional coach credentials, especially related to continuous improvement or management development.

The extra details

Role type: Contract (6 months)
Location: London hub (approx. 2 days per week) & your home space
Salary: £110,000 - £130,000 plus bonus - We're putting our salaries out there for everyone to see - no smoke and mirrors, just honest numbers. We'll offer a salary that matches your skills, always aiming for room to grow. We're open to considering a day rate for this position.
Working hours: Full time - We embrace flexible working. Let us know what hours empower you to be at your best both professionally and personally, we’ll try to find a perfect match for you and us.
Benefits: Buckle up for an adventure with Virgin! Our benefits package isn't just a list - it's your ticket to an extraordinary career and life. Imagine unlimited leave for your globe-trotting dreams, a "Screw it, let's do it pot" to enjoy being you, and a learning budget to fuel your curiosity. We've got your back with top-notch health care, family support that goes the extra mile, and a pension plan to keep your future bright. From electric vehicles to flexible volunteering, we're not just offering a job - we're inviting you to join a community that celebrates your whole self.

Closing date: 10 September 2025

Some of the attributes that define a Virgin person just can’t be quantified in words. We pride ourselves on welcoming people from all walks of life, with all sorts of skill sets. Most recently, we successfully campaigned to add ‘Dyslexic Thinking’ as a skill on LinkedIn. We truly value passion for Purpose and Sustainability, welcoming creative thinkers and innovators. Any uniqueness is a strength and will be considered an asset to our workforce. If there is something you would like us to consider, to tailor the hiring process to the way you work best, please don’t hesitate to let us know. 

Ready to turn your career into the ultimate adventure? Virgin's got the map, the compass, and the crew. Your great adventure awaits!