Title: Operations Director
Location: UK (remote)
Employment type: Full time, 37.5hrs pw, Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Salary: £60,000-80,000 per annum, DOE
Application Deadline: 31st August 2025
Start Date: ASAP
To ensure your application is received and acknowledged, you must apply exactly as outlined in the ‘How to Apply’ section of the job specification. Applications submitted only through LinkedIn may not be registered.
Job Overview
As Operations Director at HRS Communications, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and developing the Operations team while working cross-functionally to turn strategy into action across the organisation. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will oversee the integration of people, systems, and processes to enable efficient and sustainable operations. You will work closely with the Business Support Coordinator—whom you will line-manage—to ensure the day-to-day operations of the organisation runs smoothly and efficiently.
This is a high-impact leadership role that combines strategic oversight with hands-on, proactive execution. You’ll be responsible for leading operational planning, optimising workflows, ensuring compliance, and supporting business-critical functions such as HR, legal, IT, and internal communications.
We’re looking for a confident, solutions-focused leader who can bring clarity to complexity, streamline delivery, and foster a high-performing, values-led culture. You’ll have a proven track record of embedding systems, managing change, and delivering operational excellence at a senior level whilst taking a hands-on approach, actively engaging in delivery alongside the team when necessary —with a strong background working in a purpose-driven agency environment.
You will not be responsible for financial strategy or accounting—this sits with our Finance Director —but you will work closely with the FD to align operational workflows and reporting.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Operations Leadership
· Lead the development and continuous improvement of operational strategy in collaboration with the CEO, proactively bringing innovative ideas to enhance efficiency and drive business growth.
· Translate high-level business plans into structured, scalable operational processes.
· Oversee day-to-day operations and delivery workflows to ensure consistent and effective service across the agency.
· Represent Operations at SLT and monthly management meetings, contributing to business planning and company-wide decision-making.
Business Operations
· Lead agency-wide capacity planning, resource management, and operational forecasting.
· Codify and maintain Standard Operating Procedures, workflows, and operational documentation across departments.
· Oversee key third-party relationships (e.g. IT, legal, HR advisors) to ensure aligned and cost-effective support.
· Delegate administrative and routine operational tasks effectively.
People & HR Oversight
· Provide strategic oversight of HR systems, policies, and employee lifecycle processes.
· Oversee recruitment coordination, onboarding/offboarding, and freelance/supplier onboarding (delivered by Business Support Coordinator).
· Lead internal comms, culture initiatives, and DEI efforts across the team.
Compliance, Legal & Risk
· Own internal legal and compliance processes, working with legal partners to ensure appropriate contracts, documents and policies are in place and regularly reviewed.
· Ensure data security, confidentiality, and document retention protocols are robust and up to date.
· Maintain the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and oversee company risk assessments and health & safety compliance (especially for remote working).
· Manage company insurance and contractual documentation in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
· Maintain company file structure & manage client confidentiality and data retention requirements
Financial Operations Support
· Partner with the Finance Director to implement and optimise operational financial tools and workflows.
· Track staff utilisation and lead resourcing reporting.
· Maintain operational financial trackers and assist in KPI monitoring and internal reporting.
Technology & Systems
· Lead digital transformation, including introducing new tools and software (e.g. agency management platforms, AI adoption).
· Oversee onboarding, training, and troubleshooting for internal systems and software.
· Manage all software subscriptions and work alongside our IT partners to uphold cybersecurity and data protection standards.
Team Leadership & Development
· Line manage the Business Support Coordinator, providing mentorship, feedback and professional development opportunities.
· Encourage, nurture, and continuously improve team culture and ways of working, demonstrating genuine care and commitment to the growth and wellbeing of the people within HRS.
Skills & Experience Required
· 7+ years' experience in senior operational / management roles, preferably in a small-to-mid sized business or agency setting
· Proven track record of leading operational strategy, business transformation, and process improvement
· Experience managing multi-functional teams and external service providers
· Demonstrated ability to design and embed efficient systems, policies, and tools
· High proficiency with cloud-based tools such as Office 365, Asana, Xero, Breathe, HubSpot (or equivalents)
· Comfortable leading within a remote team environment and managing hybrid delivery models
· Excellent communication skills and a proactive, problem-solving approach
· Financial acumen and experience supporting budgeting, procurement, and utilisation tracking
· Strong attention to detail, project management skills, and ability to handle multiple priorities
Desirable Attributes
· Previous experience in a communications, marketing, or creative agency
· Strong background working in or with administration teams
· Interest or background in nutrition, life sciences, or public health
· Experience leading digital or AI-driven operational initiatives
· Familiarity with UK employment law, HR best practices, and compliance requirements
· Working knowledge of agency management platforms
· Familiarity with CRM, HRIS, or finance systems
Why Join Us?
Fully remote, flexible working (UK-based teams)
Annual team away days and wellbeing initiatives
20 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
After completing your first year with us, you'll earn an additional day of leave each year - up to a max of 4 extra days!
Additional day leave for your birthday!
A staff budget to utilise your professional training and development
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining why you’re interested in the role to admin@hrscommunications.com by 31st August 2025.
For further details on our hiring process, please see our website careers page.