Operations Manager

My client is a fast growing international corporate intelligence and financial crime advisory firm based in London, who provide the highest quality due diligence, research and investigation services in supporting their clients in managing the most complex of risks across a multitude of jurisdictions. Their client base is impressive, spanning financial institutions, large multinationals, law firms and energy and healthcare companies.

Aside from the details below, I think the most important quote from my client was that this ‘role is what you make it’. This is an entrepreneurial environment within a company that takes huge pride in developing their people. This unique role will play a key part in the actualisation of their plan!

Fundamentally, this newly created role will play a pivotal role in supporting and guiding their operational teams in delivering a seamless service to their clients. They are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Operations Manager who will oversee and streamline the day-to-day work-flow operations of the company, with a particular focus on the allocation of work. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing operational processes, optimizing workflow, and playing a leading role in driving efficiency and productivity. You will be responsible for ensuring smooth and effective workflow, improving processes, managing resources, and achieving key business objectives.

The responsibilities of the role are split across several areas -

Operational Oversight

·     Manage and optimise daily operational activities to ensure smooth functioning across various teams.

·     Assist the COO in developing and implementing operational strategies, procedures, and policies to improve productivity and cost-effectiveness.

·     Monitor and evaluate certain key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to ensure performance targets are met.

Process Improvement

·     Identify operational inefficiencies and, together with the COO and key team leaders, implement improvements to streamline workflows and enhance performance.

·     Work closely with team leaders to drive improvements across teams and regional offices and ensure alignment with business goals.

·     Develop and manage project plans to ensure the timely and successful completion of operational initiatives.

Resource Management

·     Oversee the allocation of work to colleagues, ensuring that the most appropriate mix of people, at the most appropriate levels, are assigned to incoming work.

·     Ensure the effective use of resources and time to meet operational objectives, particularly the career and skills development of each team member.

·     Identify consistent resourcing shortfalls, together with the COO and relevant team leaders, and the most appropriate solutions, including forward resourcing needs.

·     Track the performance of each colleague, understanding their strengths, weaknesses and aspirations (in conjunction with relevant line managers and team leaders).

·     Identify training and development gaps and needs.

·     Identify allocation bottlenecks and find ways to resolve these.

·     Liaise with clients and third parties on incoming work and desired deadlines, both interim and final.

·     Understand the varying priorities and modus operandi of our clients.

Reporting & Communication

·     Provide regular reports on operational performance to the COO and other senior management, highlighting successes and areas for improvement.

·     Facilitate effective communication between teams to ensure smooth operations and the timely resolution of issues.

·     Act as the primary point of contact for resolving operational challenges.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate

·     Proven experience in operations management, project management, or a related field.

·     Strong leadership and team management skills with a track record of motivating and developing teams.

·     Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.

·     In-depth knowledge of operational processes, workflows, and performance metrics.

·     Strong experience with resource allocation.

·     Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization.

·     Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and experience with operational software and systems.

·     Ideally have experience in the due diligence sector or related industries.

·     Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement certifications are a plus.

·     Project management certification is also plus.

·     Maintain the highest integrity and ethics.