Location: London (Hybrid Working) 2 days in London !!
Role Overview
We are seeking a commercially minded, people-focused Operations Manager to lead the operational infrastructure of a growing London-based specialist business. This is a broad, hands-on role with responsibility across HR operations, recruitment, finance administration, office & IT management, employee engagement and operational process improvement.
The successful candidate will combine strong HR and operational capability with financial acumen, excellent communication skills and a proactive, AI-driven approach to improving efficiency and business operations. This role offers the opportunity to be part of the Leadership Team and contribute to strategic business decisions.
Key Responsibilities
HR & People Operations
- Own HR operations including policies, contracts, benefits, employee communications and compliance
- Lead performance review cycles, objective setting, competency frameworks and career pathways
- Implement and coordinate Learning & Development initiatives and employee development programmes
- Manage employee relations matters including probation, performance management and grievances
- Oversee employee engagement initiatives including surveys and feedback processes
- Maintain HR records including annual leave, sickness and visa tracking
Recruitment & Onboarding
- Manage end-to-end recruitment processes including agency management, screening, offers and contracts
- Coordinate onboarding and offboarding processes
- Partner with the Team Assistant on interview scheduling and candidate experience
Finance & Business Operations
- Manage operational finance activities including invoicing, expenses, reconciliations, payroll coordination, VAT and reporting using Xero
- Support budgeting, OPEX management and financial planning cycles
Office, IT & Operational Infrastructure
- Oversee office operations, facilities and hybrid working arrangements
- Negotiate lease agreements, supplier contracts and workplace service agreements
- Manage operational vendors, IT coordination, systems, tooling and internal processes
- Maintain SharePoint and support process improvement, data quality and operational workflows
- Manage operational contracts including insurance and supplier renewals
AI & Efficiency
- Drive adoption of AI tools and automation across HR and business operations
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reporting and operational effectiveness through technology
Team & Leadership Support
- Coordinate company events, socials and strategy days
- Line manage the Team Assistant, including development, workload and performance management
- Act as a trusted operational partner to the Leadership Team
Candidate Profile
Essential Skills & Experience
- Experience in an Operations Manager, HR Operations or People Operations role within an SME or scaling business
- Strong HR operational knowledge with experience acting as a senior HR contact
- Hands-on UK payroll and employment compliance experience
- Strong financial and operational management capability, including Xero experience
- Experience implementing Learning & Development programmes and career frameworks
- Experience negotiating office leases and supplier agreements
- Strong written communication and policy drafting skills
- Recruitment and line management experience
- Highly organised, commercially aware and able to operate autonomously
- Active user of AI tools to improve operational efficiency
Personal Attributes
- High emotional intelligence and strong stakeholder management skills
- Pragmatic, proactive and solutions-focused
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
- Able to balance people-focused decision-making with commercial awareness
