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