At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for a global membership organisation, ensuring smooth governance and high-quality member support.
- Company: Join a respected international trade association with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private health insurance, 25 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of an influential organisation while enjoying a dynamic and supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in senior management, exceptional admin skills, and experience in membership organisations.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence strategy and manage a small team in a fast-paced setting.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 100000 £ per year.
The company is pleased to support another distinguished client in the membership and association sector to fill their latest opportunity. Please apply if you believe you have the experience for this role or share it with someone else who might be interested in it.
About the client:
A leading international trade association representing thousands of members.
The Role:
This is a senior leadership opportunity at the heart of a respected international membership body, where operational excellence underpins the credibility, stability, and global reach of the organisation. As Head of Operations, you will take responsibility for the smooth running of governance, finance, HR, digital systems, and member-facing services — ensuring that a diverse, worldwide membership can rely on high-quality support and robust organisational infrastructure.
Your remit spans everything from overseeing the London office and managing key suppliers to strengthening compliance, modernising internal processes, and driving improvements in digital capability and cybersecurity. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, support the Board and committees, and lead a small team to deliver efficient operations that enable the organisation to thrive in a fast-moving international environment.
This is a role for someone who enjoys variety, influence, and the chance to shape how a global membership organisation delivers value. With at least 10 years’ experience in a similar role, you will be highly organised, a good team player, confident and adaptable to the diverse needs of a global organisation. This role includes line management of 2 members of staff.
Key Responsibilities:
- Governance and Council Support: Coordinate all Council and AGM meetings, manage Companies House filings, verify new directors, prepare agendas and Council papers, and organise annual nominations, ballots, and training.
- Finance: Act as an authorised banking user; support payment processing and audits; coordinate end-of-year accounts and statutory filings; minute Finance Sub-Committee meetings.
- HR, Health and Safety: Maintain staff records; manage inductions, policies, and contracts; issue salary letters and KPIs; organise performance reviews and recruitment; oversee health and safety compliance and training.
- Operations and Contract Management: Line-manage the Operations Manager; manage the listed building and service contracts; maintain multi-year maintenance plans; authorise invoices.
- Technical Support: Serve as the central contact for IT, CRM, and website providers; lead digitalisation strategy; develop AI usage guidance; manage cybersecurity and staff IT training.
- Approved Registers and Sustainability: Oversee key services, including the Approved Registers scheme; support sustainability initiatives and data collection; promote services in collaboration with internal teams.
- Membership and Insurance: Process membership applications and sanctions checks; manage member communications; lead insurance renewals and claims, including staff health coverage.
- Proofreading: Proofreading all publications prior to publication.
Additional Duties: Line manage 2 members of staff, proofread publications; attend external trade events; contribute to strategic decision-making as part of the Senior Management Team.
What is offered:
- Competitive salary
- Private health insurance
- 25 days annual leave
- Generous pension contributions
- Professional development and CPD opportunities
- A collaborative and supportive work environment
- The chance to influence strategy and shape the future of an international trade association
About You:
The ideal candidate will have:
- 10+ years’ experience at senior management level
- Relevant professional qualifications and memberships
- Experience of managing and maintaining an office building and all associated contracts
- Experience of line managing a team
- Exceptional administration skills
- Extensive IT literacy and experience of working across multiple systems, including CRM and CMS packages, video conferencing and Microsoft Office
- Experience of working in a membership organisation
- Experience of working with committees
- Ability to plan, prioritise and deliver to tight deadlines
- Excellent interpersonal and ambassadorial skills
- Experience of managing budgets
- Flexible, positive and team-centred attitude
- Willingness to travel including some evening/weekend work
To Apply: If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable company, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.
Head of Operations employer: Ad Warrior
Contact Detail:
Ad Warrior Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Head of Operations role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re all about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your 10+ years of experience make you the perfect fit for the Head of Operations role. Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your operational excellence and leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring operational excellence to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: If a cover letter is required, use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for operations and how your background aligns with our mission. This is your chance to shine!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially in a fast-moving environment!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow instructions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ad Warrior
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s mission and values. Understand their operations and how they support their members. This will help you tailor your answers to show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation's culture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams, improved processes, or handled crises in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's future plans, challenges they face, or how they measure success in operations. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role aligns with your career goals.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific operational challenges. Think about potential scenarios related to governance, finance, or HR, and prepare your approach. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.