Role description: Foundations > Operating Systems Lead
OPERATING SYSTEMS LEAD | P5
System Owner Design it. Connect it. Make it hold.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Turn strategy into systems that actually work. As Operating Systems Lead, you own how Quadmark’s internal operating system works in practice — workflows, systems, controls, and how they connect. You lead BlueBird, our programme to make the business more joined‑up, scalable, and reliable. You are not writing strategy. You are making it real. This role is for those who want to turn complex, messy reality into something clear, usable and resilient.
WHAT THIS ROLE IS REALLY ABOUT
Own the operating system: turn priorities into workflows, systems and ways of working that hold under real conditions. Bring the operating picture together – ensuring systems, data, controls and delivery stay connected rather than drifting apart. Identify where work breaks down and fix it in a way that last. Balance structure with usability – clear without heavy.
Ensure change sticks – not just launched but used. Make trade‑offs about where to focus, what to simplify and what to leave alone.
WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE IN PRACTICE
Reporting to the Head of Strategy & Systems, you own the part of the model that turns priorities into systems, workflows and working practices. You bring together IT, Trust and Project Management – alongside the Internal Enablement Lead and external partners – to ensure changes are implemented, embedded and aligned with how Quadmark operates in practice.
BlueBird & workflow redesign
* Lead BlueBird as the flagship ‘Make Real’ programme.
* You identify the highest‑friction workflows and redesign them end‑to‑end.
* You build a clear picture of how work actually happens – including workarounds, gaps and risks.
* You simplify, connect and clarify – reducing duplication, rework and reliance on memory.
* You focus on the vital few changes that will have the biggest impact.
Operating system coherence
* You make the system work as one.
* You ensure systems, data, controls and workflows connect cleanly.
* You improve how information flows so people can find and trust what they need.
* You create clearer sources of truth and reduce fragmentation.
* You improve visibility and decision‑readiness so the business can see what is happening and act early.
Practical AI adoption
* You introduce AI where it improves the work.
* You redesign workflows so human and machine work fit together properly.
* You ensure accountability, judgement and quality remain clear.
* You focus on usefulness, not novelty.
Trust, delivery & partners
* You hold the system together.
* You ensure trust, delivery and operational change stay aligned.
* You act as the internal counterpart to external technical partners.
* You translate technical input into practical business decisions.
Embedding change
* You make change stick.
* You build controls into normal workflows.
* You work with Enablement to ensure adoption is real.
* You watch how things are used and improve what doesn’t hold.
You do not own every change in the business – you focus on the changes that have been prioritised, ensuring they are implemented, embedded and sustained in practice.
YOU WILL KNOW YOU ARE SUCCEEDING WHEN
The business runs more clearly, consistently and reliably.
* Workflow clarity – key workflows are easier to follow, visible and more consistent.
* Operational efficiency – less manual work, duplication and workaround behaviour.
* System usability – systems support real work, not just ideal processes.
* Trust & control – governance and controls are effective without adding drag.
* Adoption – new ways of working are used consistently in practice.
* Nothing important relies on memory or heroics.
YOU WILL THRIVE HERE IF
* You bring structure without adding bureaucracy and can turn messy, real‑world work into something clear and usable.
* You stay calm and practical when things are unclear or under pressure, and you naturally see how small details connect to the wider system.
* You improve how work gets done without making it heavier.
* You lead through clarity and follow‑through, working easily across teams and bringing people into alignment.
* You have strong judgement and can be trusted to make the call.
* You move things forward without waiting for perfect conditions, and you communicate simply and clearly so others can act.
* You care about making work easier, not just more controlled.
* You are interested in AI and automation, but focused on where it genuinely helps – prioritising what works in practice over what looks impressive.
THE ONE THING
Build an operating system that holds under pressure – so good work is easier, safer and more repeatable.
YOUR FIRST 90 DAYS
* First 30 days – Understand: map how the system actually works. Identify friction, gaps and risks.
* Days 31–60 – Diagnose: prioritise the workflows and changes that will have the biggest impact.
* Days 61–90 – Build: start redesigning and implementing improvements that make the system clearer and more reliable.
THE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE YOU NEED
* Experience in senior operations, implementation, transformation, systems or programme roles.
* A strong track record of improving how work gets done across teams.
* Experience leading complex operational change and turning it into clear, usable day‑to‑day practice.
* Good judgement when balancing pace, practicality, risk and usability.
* Experience working across systems, process and people together.
* Confidence working with senior stakeholders and handling ambiguity well.
* Experience improving governance, controls, risk management or evidence readiness (valuable).
* Experience working closely with external technical partners or consultancy support (valuable).
* Experience shaping the practical use of AI, automation or digital workflow change in a business setting (highly valuable).
* Experience in scaling businesses, consultancies, professional services or similarly fast‑moving environments (especially useful).
* Strong follow‑through, maturity and sound decision‑making.
* Experience managing people and building a joined‑up delivery rhythm across related responsibilities.
WHAT YOU GET
We built the benefits package around what you’ll need to do your best work.
* Travel Insurance – We believe in the importance of face‑to‑face time at Quadmark, and we want our approach to allow you to spend time with each other, and with clients, when you need to.
* Flexible, remote‑first working, with offsites too – Life happens and we get that – if you need to flex, we’ll always aim to support that. Work from wherever you do your best thinking. Quarterly in‑person team days keep the relationships real.
* Private Medical Insurance – In the UK, we partner with Vitality. Our health and life cover comes with great rewards that help you stay healthy. Because we want you to feel your best.
* EAP and mental health support – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme and mental health resources.
* Enhanced leave – Depending on your location, it’s enhanced beyond statutory. We offer 25 days leave in the UK specifically. For everyone, we shut down for the holidays too – that’s 3 extra days paid leave at the end of the year.
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