Head of Operations

Job title: Head of Operations
Location: London / Manchester
Contract: Full time, Permanent
Days/Hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5:30pm
Reports to: CFO

General Overview
The Head of Operations at Brandsmiths will play a critical role in aligning our operational strategies with broader business objectives, fostering an environment of efficiency, scalability, and excellence. This role is central to optimising processes, implementing effective operational plans, and ensuring seamless day-to-day functioning across our London and Manchester offices. You will collaborate closely with the Senior Leadership Team to set a vision for sustainable growth while maintaining high standards of productivity, quality, and safety. As a leader, you will manage the integration of new acquisitions, ensuring that all operational aspects align smoothly with existing frameworks and objectives. The ideal candidate will bring a strong strategic background, with demonstrated success in operational leadership, post-acquisition integration, and achieving measurable improvements in business efficiency. This role will involve addressing and resolving operational challenges, managing IT and compliance frameworks, and acting as a key liaison in regulatory matters. You will drive continuous improvement by refining workflows, enhancing communication and information flow, and ensuring that business processes are robust and adaptable to support our company's ambitious growth trajectory.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategic operational initiatives that align with the company's vision and objectives.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to define operational priorities, KPIs, and milestones for success.
• Incorporate acquisition plans into overall operational strategy, ensuring that the integration of acquired entities aligns with organisational goals and maintains business continuity.
• Monitor and analyse industry trends to anticipate and respond to market changes, ensuring the company remains agile and competitive.

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of workflows to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and increase profitability.
• Oversee the operational integration of acquired companies, managing the transition of processes, technology, and culture to achieve smooth onboarding and alignment with existing standards.
• Identify areas for automation and technology adoption, leveraging data-driven insights to streamline operations.
• Ensure that quality assurance processes align with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and execute operational strategies for newly acquired businesses, ensuring smooth transitions and the adoption of Brandsmiths' operational policies and practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support the transition and integration phases of acquisitions, managing timelines, resources, and communication to ensure success.

• Manage and coach the operations team, promoting a high-performance culture through effective goal setting, feedback, and development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative environment, facilitating communication and alignment across departments to ensure cohesion and efficient project execution.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and performance management within the operations team to maintain high levels of capability and engagement.

• Oversee the creation and management of the operational budget, ensuring alignment with financial goals and resource optimisation.
• Track, analyse, and report on operational costs, making data-informed decisions to improve cost-effectiveness.
• Work closely with finance to forecast operational needs and optimise capital expenditures.

• Develop and maintain risk management policies to safeguard company assets and minimise exposure to operational risks.
• Ensure that all operational processes are compliant with legal, regulatory, and company standards.
• Conduct regular evaluations to mitigate risks and improve health and safety across the offices.

• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, vendors, and partners.
• Negotiate and manage contracts to maximise value and ensure alignment with operational goals.
• Act as a liaison between departments, ensuring efficient communication and execution of company-wide initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within a comparable industry.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, operational management, process improvement, and post-acquisition integration.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, cost control, and resource allocation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and driving performance.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the capacity to anticipate and address challenges proactively.
• Familiarity with relevant industry regulations, compliance standards, and risk management practices.
• Proficiency in data analysis, performance metrics, and project management tools.