Senior Operations Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the BVCA in the newly created Senior Operations Manager role.

As the right hand person to the COO, this varied role will appeal to someone who enjoys no day being the same and is happy to roll up their sleeves whilst also contributing to the strategy of the department.

You will be responsible for leading a team and delivering the daily internal operations of the BVCA ranging from managing the ITMSP, Cyber and digital project management; facilities and office management; sourcing, negotiating and managing suppliers; ensuring the BVCA is compliant with current H&S legislation; as well as having responsibility for operational projects.

Key projects will vary each year with current projects including exploring AI roll out, introducing an internal Intranet, assessing the feasibility and readiness for an Office Move and working with our IT consultant to develop a roadmap for enhanced cyber security.

You'll ensure our operations run smoothly and the Association is fit for the current operating environment as well as future proofed and be involved in strategic projects that are key to the Association.

A strong, personable, proactive team manager this role will suit someone with a drive to deliver outcomes, who enjoys enhancing the status quo and has a willingness to roll their sleeves up to get involved where needed.

Responsibilities

• Identify and lead the implementation of technology solutions throughout the organisation
• Oversee the IT managed service provider and deployment of IT hardware and determine and monitor appropriate service levels
• Work with our IT consultant to develop a cyber road map, deliver enhancements and report on progress
• Champion our cybersecurity initiatives, ensuring the protection of our operations, data and technologies in alignment with UK-specific cybersecurity standards and framework
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure digital best practice across the Association
• Assess the feasibility and readiness for an Office Move and if deemed necessary be the key point of contact for lawyer, fit out companies and property agents
• Through the team, deliver enhancements to the office that support Hybrid working
• Responsible for Health & Safety compliance, procedures and training for the company
• Run tenders, evaluate bids and make recommendations, based on commercial and technical factors for office related services
• In conjunction with the Legal, Risk and Compliance Manager, negotiate, agree and manage contracts and relations with customers, vendors, partners and other stakeholders in and monitor the quality of service provided
• Input into Operations strategy and plans; using your working knowledge of the BVCA strategy, annual plans and key projects across the BVCA to ensure the operations department and objectives are designed to meet these needs
• Oversee and maintain a budget to help the BVCA optimise costs and benefits and ensure proper submission of invoices and record keeping of costs incurred and forecasted
• Responsible for overseeing GDPR within the Operations department
• Key point of contact in escalation process eg GDPR, Cyber incident, security incident etc
• Implement the BVCA's ESG strategy with the support of the wider team.
• Manage a team of two; Office Manager and Receptionist/Office Assistant to build a culture of business focused support and proactive engagement within the office working environment in a warm and friendly way
• Report on operational performance, including determining and producing weekly KPIs providing commentary where required
• Support other Teams or departments with additional expertise and delivery of projects and other work
• Manage the team to deal with any Operational matters ranging from Insurance claims to facilities issues

Technical Requirements

• Proven significant (10 years +) senior experience in office management or similar role
• Strong Line Management skills and proven experience of developing team members with differing levels of experience
• Knowledge of and ability to research, identify and shortlist a diverse range of technology solutions
• Experience in managing cybersecurity compliance projects within the UK and strong understanding of and interest in UK cybersecurity landscape and knowledge of cyber risks and mitigations, including the attainment of Cyber Essentials certification.
• Proven Office Move experience, including managing Legal counsel and Fit Out companies
• Strong project management skills
• Experience with implementing digital systems
• Microsoft Office suite, including advanced Outlook and Excel skills
• Advanced knowledge of Office 365 system, cloud based systems, email and data security and backup, cyber security projects and improvements, etc.
• Previous experience in H&S management
• Excellent understanding and ability to budget
• Knowledge of data analytics and reporting
• Good understanding of GDPR

Personal Attributes

• A skilled prioritiser, able to execute on multiple objectives simultaneously while ensuring key milestones are reached in a timely manner.
• Growth minded and works well under pressure, you will enjoy a fast-paced environment and will thrive on taking ownership to deliver on requirements
• Strong stakeholder management skills with an ability to build relationships at all levels to deliver effective outcomes
• Strong influencer able to negotiate with and manage suppliers
• Effective written and verbal communicator
• Ability to work independently and with teams working off own initiative when needed, but knowing when to gain senior support
• Excellent team leadership skills and ability to motivate and develop the team, whilst building and maintaining a warm, friendly and open culture
• Questioning mindset and proactive problem solving approach demonstrating evidence of a desire to enhance / make improvements
• Ability to be strategic but get involved in execution with a hands on and collaborative approach
• Experience of working in a small organisation with a willingness to roll up sleeves and help with any matter to drive the success of the Association
• 'Can do' attitude that contributes to a supportive and results driven team inspiring the same in others
• Enjoy working in an office environment and able to encourage others to do the same.

Why come work for the BVCA?

• Be part of the leading trade body for the private capital industry in the UK, supporting the growth of the industry and deepening the understanding of external stakeholders to the benefit of the industry
• Experience a friendly, engaged, and passionate work environment (with regular social activities) with a supportive culture
• A competitive salary, reflecting the technical requirements and seniority of the role, and a performance-related discretionary bonus
• Enjoy important benefits: 25 days holiday in addition to Bank Holidays; a 10% non-contributory pension; non-contractual day off for your birthday

• Life and medical benefits: life assurance (4 times salary); private medical Insurance for you ; health cash plan ; critical Illness and income protection insurance ; employee Assistance Programme - includes Mental Health support, Virtual GP, Nutrition advice and Financial wellbeing
• Other benefits: interest free season ticket loan; corporate discounts; reimbursement of up to 2 relevant professional institutes; generous support for professional and personal development, Cycle to Work Scheme

The BVCA supports an environment that is based on merit and inclusiveness, where all employees can develop their full potential, irrespective of their race, gender, marital status, age, disability, religious belief, political opinion or sexual orientation.