Operations Manager

National Parking Platform (NPP) - Operations Manager

The National Parking Platform (NPP) is a not-for-profit, national infrastructure organisation transforming how parking services are delivered across the UK.

NPP provides a single, open platform that connects multiple parking service providers to thousands of parking locations nationwide. By enabling drivers to use the apps they already trust, NPP removes friction, increases choice, and delivers a consistent customer experience while creating efficiency and value for local authorities and service providers alike.

Originally established by the Department for Transport and now operating as an independent organisation, NPP is governed through collaboration between Local Authorities, service providers, and the British Parking Association.

As we scale rapidly towards full national coverage, we are seeking a commercially minded Operations Manager to drive performance, efficiency, and operational maturity across the organisation.

Role Overview

The Operations Manager is a leadership role responsible for supporting NPP’s growth, reputation, and long-term sustainability.

This role connects strategy with execution ensuring the organisation operates efficiently, delivers value for money, manages risk effectively, and maintains strong governance as activity, partnerships, and revenues scale. The successful candidate will bring a commercial mindset, balancing value with operational discipline.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Delivery

• Manage and review operational frameworks that support NPP’s strategic objectives and growth trajectory.
• Set and monitor operational KPIs, driving performance management and continuous improvement.
• Embed consistent policies, procedures, and standards that underpin efficient delivery and organisational credibility.

Governance, Planning & Reporting

• Provide high-quality management information, insight, and recommendations to the Executive team and Board.
• Lead business planning, operational reporting, risk management, and internal controls.
• Ensure effective handling of complaints, escalations, and issues in line with governance and contractual expectations.

Commercial Contract & Supplier Management

• Lead the management of third-party suppliers and contracts, ensuring performance, value for money, quality, and compliance.
• Develop strong commercial relationships with partners, focusing on service delivery, continuous improvement, and mutual value.
• Support commercial decision-making through insight into cost drivers, operational impact, and performance outcomes.

Compliance, Risk & Assurance

• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, data protection, health and safety, and sector-specific requirements.
• Strengthen governance, assurance, and control frameworks to support growth and protect organisational reputation.
• Promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, and proactive risk management.

Financial & Resource Management

• Work closely with the outsourced business services organisation to ensure resources are deployed efficiently, budgets are controlled, and financial risks are managed.
• Monitor financial and operational performance measures, identify opportunities to improve efficiency and value for money.
• Support sustainable growth by aligning people, processes, and suppliers to organisational priorities.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven leadership and management experience within a complex or scaling organisation.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience managing budgets, suppliers, or contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to use performance data and insight to drive improvement and support decision-making.
• Commercial, outcomes-focused mindset combined with an understanding of public or not-for-profit accountability.
• Excellent project and operational management capability.
• Strong influencing and communication skills, including the ability to challenge constructively.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels.
• Strong stakeholder and partnership-building skills.
• Leads by example, aligning behaviour and decisions with NPP’s values and purpose.

Desirable

• Experience within parking, transport, mobility, infrastructure, or digital platform environments.
• Experience operating within regulated, public-sector, or quasi-public-sector contexts.

Terms & Conditions

• Role: Operations Manager (Full Time)
• Location: Home-based, with occasional UK travel.
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Salary: £50,000–£55,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
• Contract: Permanent