Operations Manager in Edinburgh

Company Description

Established in 2012, Academic Families supports international families to educate their children overseas, providing admissions consultancy and local guardianship support including stays with local host families and escorted half term holiday trips for a fully immersive cultural experience. We are accredited by industry leaders including the British Council, AEGIS, Boarding Schools' Association, English UK, and Youth Mental Health England. We strive to provide the premium bespoke service we would want for our own family, drawing from both our professional expertise and personal experiences of living and studying abroad. We continue to develop our international markets and services - it’s an exciting time in our business growth. We are a Safer Recruiter.

Role Description

We are recruiting a proactive and hands-on Operations Manager to lead and manage the organisation's core operational functions. This new role will assume responsibility for Compliance, IT, Human Resources, Health & Safety, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), ensuring these areas are aligned with strategic objectives and delivered to a high standard. Some experience in finance operations would be an advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
  • Provide strategic and hands-on leadership across all operational functions.
  • Develop and implement operational plans, policies, and procedures to support organisational goals.
  • Monitor performance and drive continuous improvement across teams and systems.
• Compliance
  • Ensure organisational compliance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
  • Oversee data protection practices, including adherence to GDPR.
  • Manage global trademark registration.
  • Maintain documentation and reporting to support transparency and accountability.
  • Ensure successful trade accreditations as required.
• IT, Cyber Security & Systems
  • Oversee the organisation's IT infrastructure, cyber security and digital systems.
  • Ensure systems are secure, reliable, and fit for purpose.
  • Support the implementation and integration of new technologies and platforms.
  • Manage our IT support and cyber security contract.
  • Manage staff device availability and set up.
• Human Resources
  • Lead HR strategy including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and staff development.
  • Supported by our Croner contract, ensure compliance with employment legislation and HR best practice.
  • Promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture.
• Health & Safety
  • Supported by our Croner contract, ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation and standards.
  • Maintain and update H&S policies, risk assessments, and training programmes.
  • Champion a culture of safety and wellbeing across the organisation.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Develop and maintain the organisation's AI policy, ensuring ethical and responsible use of AI technologies.
  • Identify opportunities to implement AI tools to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making.
  • Lead change management and staff training related to AI adoption.
  • Monitor AI performance, compliance, and impact, ensuring alignment with organisational values and regulatory requirements.

Person Specification

• Proven experience in a service industry operational role with responsibility across multiple functions.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organisational and strategic thinking abilities.
• Experience working in a small team environment (e.g. 20+ people), with a hands-on approach and adaptability.
• Knowledge of HR and H&S practices, regulations and compliance.
• Familiarity with AI tools and technologies, and their application in operational contexts.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Desirable

• Growth mindset and experience scaling a start-up.
• Professional qualification in business administration, finance or HR.
• Experience in AI policy development or digital transformation.
• Experience in finance operations or budget management.
• Experience in international education.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and HMRC Salary sacrifice schemes.
• 31 days annual leave + 2 volunteering days.
• Health insurance.
• Enhanced sick pay and parental pay for eligible employees.
• Free parking and various office-based perks.
• Management training programme including annual company-wide training and bonding event.
• Supportive, inclusive, and positive work environment.
• Commitment to employee wellbeing and mental health.

How to Apply

Apply via LinkedIn. Applications will be screened as received. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to Teams interviews during the week commencing 26 January.

Safer Recruitment

Academic Families is committed to Safer Recruitment. We follow safer recruitment practices to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to thorough background checks, including references and an Enhanced Disclosure check / PVG record.