Operating Model Lead

ABOUT THE ROLE

WR online is undertaking a significant transformation to ensure that the e2e fulfillment is fit for the future. Over the next 3 years there are significant productivity benefits to be unlocked and we need to ensure that the e2e fulfillment allows for future customer facing propositions to be executed.

This starts with a new network strategy supported by replacement of key ageing systems.

The opportunity to unlock further benefits between these systems and a new network strategy is high but has impacts both within the online operations and up and downstream that need to be understood, designed for and well managed.

This design work will require close collaboration with the business lead, IT teams, process owners, and end-users. Regular communication and feedback loops will be essential to ensure that the design aligns with business objectives and meets the needs of all stakeholders and our customers.





Salary - £69,900.00 - £128,000.00

Contract type - This position is a Fixed Term contract until November 2026.

Working pattern/flexible working - The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach, meaning you'll be able to work a mixture between the office and home based upon your personal needs whilst balancing the needs of the business.

Location - This role is based at our Bracknell Head Office.

Key responsibilities

As an Operating Model Lead you will lead the shaping and development of key elements of the Partnership operating model (what we do, where we do it, how we do it, who does it) in response to our strategic objectives. This is across the whole Partnership considering all elements of the operating model from structures, capabilities, technology, process and governance to culture, KPIs and leadership.

As custodians of the Operating Model, orchestrating Operating Model design, you will work collaboratively (drawing on the correct leadership and inputs from other specialists as appropriate, e.g. Enterprise Agility, Tech & People professions) on specific and prioritised pieces of work, to provide insight and recommend strategic solutions. You will support implementation where appropriate to ensure the Customer, Financial and Partner outcomes are delivered in an efficient, profitable and sustainable way. You will work across strategic outcomes which are critical in the development of an operating model and assure the successful delivery of the Partnership strategy by connecting strategic outcomes with the operational running of the Partnership.

You will use your open questioning culture to build rapport with stakeholders at every level of the Partnership and lead a team of Operating Model Managers to identify both transformational change and quick wins across the operating model aligned to our strategy and desired business outcomes.

Through your Profession you will have the opportunity to develop and stretch personally and professionally to achieve your potential.

Essential skills/experience you’ll need

Proven experience in operating model design at an enterprise level.

Proven numeracy to a high level.

Demonstrable experience in negotiating with and influencing senior stakeholders.

Ideally experience of online fulfillment operation either in branch or in the online teams

Previous experience of supply chain transformations and end to end thinking

Systems thinking mindset (ability to make connections across the e2e)

Stakeholder management skills

Ideally Business Process Design experience

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Closing Date:October 21, 2025

Pay:£69,900.00 - £128,000.00 Annual

Contract Type:Temporary

Hours of Work:35

Job Level:Partnership Level 5

Where You'll Be Working:Bracknell Campus, Doncastle Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8YA

ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP

We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us.

We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.

As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect.

We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective.

As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.

Important points to note:

It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.

We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants.

We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.

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