About Handlebars
Urbanisation continues at pace and our cities are both congested and polluted. Transport must deliver its share of carbon neutrality. A mobility revolution is underway and it’s as profound as when cars first hit our streets. Transport is electrifying, vehicle ownership is declining and micro-mobility (bikes and scooters) is tackling our shorter journey needs.
In the UK, cycling for leisure has grown dramatically over the past twenty years. However, commuting via bicycle remains low. Most cities are lucky to see between 2-4% of journeys by bike. This is now changing with cities targeting dramatic improvements in cycling infrastructure in order to achieve their transportation strategies. The bike is set for its next dramatic resurgence, from fleets to private ownership, manual and electric.
But despite the above trends, city bike shops (unable to compete with online sellers) are closing down at an alarming rate. The result? A large and growing gap in bike service capacity and quality.
Handlebars
Handlebars was incubated by JustPark; the UK’s largest marketplace for parking and now a business focused on repurposing under-utilised space to facilitate new mobility adoption.
Handlebars is able to build extremely capital efficient networks of service “Pods” out of underutilised real estate (commercial buildings, parking). This city coverage is vital for both individual cyclists and fleet operators. Handlebars has also recognised that existing customer experiences at workshops can be significantly enhanced using modern technology.
The Opportunity
Since October 2019 the business has been piloting its first two sites and building its core processes. Based on the learnings and tests completed, the business is now entering the next phase of growth to complete its first city network in London. Once this network is stabilised the business will scale in other key cities.
Job Summary
Handlebars is looking to fill a really important position, Head of Operations, to help take our business to the next level. Working closely with Founder/CEO, you’ll assume a central role in this growing business and take direct responsibility for all things operational. Your impact is about making us efficient, effective and able to grow at a fast pace.
Ultimately, you’ll be responsible for ensuring all of our operations run smoothly; that all of our staff are productive; and that our customers are happy.
Key responsibilities:
- P&L responsibility and operating our existing locations
- Opening up new ones
- The hiring, training and performance managing of new team members;
- Implementing tech solutions (for staff use only);
- Designing and refining our operational processes and procedures;
- Contributing to business development strategies ;
- Work with senior management to formulate strategy;
- Oversee expenses and budgeting to help optimise each workshop location and design policies that align with our overall strategies;
- Coordinate customer service operations and find ways to ensure customer retention;
- Manage contracts and relations with customers, suppliers, partners and other stakeholders;
- Contribute to quality assurance efforts;
- Report on operational performance and suggest improvements.
Key requirements:
- A minimum of five years working in an operational intensive distributed network business. Known for its quality process execution
- Minimum of four years in a management role
- Good familiarity with all business functions including HR, finance, supply chain and IT
- Good with numbers and have experience with financial planning
- Commercially astute, you will have a sharp eye for optimisation of costs as well as a track record in customer service.
- Creative problem solver with excellent communication, leadership and influencing skills
- A collaborative team player – concerned with team success as well as individual performance
- Positive and enthusiastic self-starter with high-energy levels
- It would help if you have a passion for bikes.
Salary:
- Competitive + share options
Benefits: