About the Role
We're looking for a hands-on, commercially minded Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day operations across our online and face-to-face training brands. This is a key leadership position, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced SME environment and enjoys driving growth through both strategic planning and practical delivery.
Purpose of the Role
To take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of Smart Horizons and its brands, and to drive the business forward through strategy, leadership, and operational excellence. This is a senior leadership position accountable for performance across all departments, ensuring sustainable growth, successful integration of future acquisitions, and continuity of systems and development as the business evolves.
Key Responsibilities:
Business Leadership & Operations
· Lead day-to-day operations across the company, ensuring efficiency and high standards of delivery.
· Own budgets, P&L performance, and ensure operational and financial targets are met.
· Oversee all teams, ensuring cross-functional collaboration.
· Implement and refine processes and systems to improve scalability and efficiency.
Strategy & Growth
· Work with the Director and other key stakeholders to set and execute business strategy for revenue growth and diversification.
· Take a hands-on role in launching new services (market research, pricing, compliance, recruitment, supplier partnerships, and process design).
· Support marketing by shaping propositions and customer journeys.
· Play a lead role in assessing and integrating new acquisitions into the group, aligning teams, processes, and systems.
Technology & Development
· Take ownership of agreeing development roadmaps and priorities, preparing and implementing a succession plan.
· Ensure that software development supports the long-term needs of the business and aligns with product strategy.
· Act as the bridge between commercial teams and development to ensure technology delivers value.
Sales & Marketing
· Work closely with the marketing function to ensure digital campaigns support business objectives.
· Contribute directly to digital sales/marketing activity where required (SEO, PPC, content, proposition design, web pages).
· Ensure the sales process is aligned with marketing and customer service to maximise conversions.
People Leadership
· Lead, coach, and performance-manage staff across all departments.
· Build capability and succession plans within the organisation to reduce dependency on key individuals.
· Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Reporting & Governance
· Produce and present regular performance dashboards, KPIs, and forecasts to the Director.
· Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and internal policies.
· Contribute to governance processes and strategic decision-making.
Skills & Experience
· Proven experience in senior operations or general management, ideally in training, education, or SaaS.
· Strong commercial acumen with P&L accountability.
· Demonstrable experience launching new services/products.
· Strong knowledge of digital sales/marketing (SEO, PPC, proposition development).
· Experience working with technical/development teams and translating commercial needs into development plans.
· Track record of supporting or integrating acquisitions.
· Excellent leadership and strategic planning ability.
· Comfortable working at both strategic and operational levels.
· Strong communication and influencing skills.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £42,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Work from home
Application question(s):
* Have you previously worked in a business that delivers online training, eLearning, or digital services?
* Have you ever been responsible for P&L or budget ownership?
* What's your experience managing remote teams or working in a remote environment?
* This role requires hands-on involvement in both operational and strategic work. Can you share an example of when you implemented a new process or system that improved performance?
* How many people have you managed directly or indirectly in your previous roles?
Education:
* Bachelor's (preferred)
Experience:
* operations management or business management: 2 years (preferred)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Remote