Head of Operations

Location: Cambridge (Hybrid)

Salary: Circa £65,000 DOE

The Biodiversity Consultancy, a pioneering organisation in biodiversity and nature, is in a pivotal phase of growth and transformation. We are seeking a highly skilled and professional Head of Operations who will oversee business reporting, as well as our systems and processes, with the aim of improving both effectiveness and profitability. They will also have line management responsibility for the Business Operations Team, and line management of the IT Manager.

This role reports to the CFO of the Biodiversity Consultancy.

Main Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Lead on data collection, collation and interpretation from across the organisation and production of dashboards (and related reporting) reflecting the key metrics for operational performance.
• Design, implement, and refine operational systems, policies, and processes to enhance efficiency, productivity, and quality. This will include working on the review of the current (not functioning) ERP system, working with an expert contractor to decide on the future ERP solution.
• Oversee development and maintenance of business systems (finance, timesheets, sales pipeline, HR etc) and responsibility for the quality of business support and other operational systems.
• Drive operational excellence and effectiveness and facilitate changes to bolster operational agility, efficiency and profitability, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure that operational activities remain on time and within budget.
• Direct the daily functions of the Business Operations team, providing operational support to the consultancy teams and to support corporate activity (eg travel, meetings and conferences, facilities, office management).

Business systems and IT

• Oversee TBC’s IT function (hardware, software & services), ensuring all business and IT systems are fit for purpose and supporting business objectives.
• Supporting the IT Manager in the development of the long-term infrastructure and systems strategy, and well as overseeing continuous improvement in the service to the TBC team.
• Overview responsibility for the security of the IT and data infrastructure; including dealing with third party data in a secure way (PCI, GDPR etc) as well as maintaining controls to best place the company to manage the threat of external security risks such as cyberattacks and similar.

Stakeholder Management and Internal Collaboration:

• Act as a key liaison between various internal departments, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, understanding their needs and aligning consistent operational execution.
• Engage with external stakeholders as required (eg commercial and IT advisors).

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire the Business Operations team and the IT Manager, adopting an environment of continuous learning and development.
• Identify and nurture leadership potential within the team, providing opportunities for growth and career advancement.
• Implement performance management processes that align with company objectives and individual career goals.

Required Experience

• A minimum of 5 years of hands-on operational management experience within a professional services or consulting environment.
• Will have led complex financial and other reporting processes.
• Experience in implementing operational change and efficiency improvements.
• Experience with a range of business / ERP systems including involvement in specification and implementation.
• Experience with development and review of business processes, process automation, operational scaling, and customer experience optimization.
• Experience leading change and transformation programmes from design through implementation.
• Strong team leadership abilities with a focus on building high performing teams.

Required Skills

• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions, with a problem-solving attitude towards operational challenges.
• Understanding of a range of business ERP systems, with ability to engage with system technical detail.
• Familiarity with financial planning and budget management.
• Expert Excel user capability.
• Capability in other business tolls – eg Power BI
• Excellent communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Comprehensive understanding of consultancy, HR, finance, IT, and customer service operations.
• Interest in environmental conservation or biodiversity is beneficial.