Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Cornell Search

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive operational excellence and build systems for sustainable growth.
  • Company: Fast-growing consumer scale-up backed by VC, based in London.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and clear career progression.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team with opportunities for leadership roles.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of a high-growth business and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: 3-6 years in consulting or operations with a builder's mindset.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Cornell is currently partnered with a VC-backed consumer business entering its next phase of scale. With rapid expansion, new product launches, and increasing operational complexity, the business is investing in operational leadership to build the infrastructure required for sustainable growth.

The Opportunity

The business is hiring a high-impact Operations Manager to help build the infrastructure that will support the next phase of growth. This role is ideal for someone with a consulting, Chief of Staff, or high-growth startup background who thrives in ambiguity and enjoys building systems from scratch.

Key Responsibilities

  • Drive operational excellence across the organisation, building dashboards, reporting tools, and performance metrics that ensure visibility and accountability.
  • Lead, coach, and develop a growing operations team, acting as a point of escalation and ensuring smooth execution across functions.
  • Strengthen relationships with partners, providers, and clients, ensuring operational reliability as the business expands.
  • Work cross-functionally with product, commercial, and leadership teams to support new launches, optimise workflows, and remove bottlenecks.

Qualifications

  • 3–6 years’ experience in strategy consulting, operations, Chief of Staff, or high-growth startup environments.
  • Experience within a consumer, DTC, FMCG, marketplace, or retail business.
  • Exposure to scaling businesses (Series A-C or equivalent growth stage).
  • Experience leading or mentoring teams in a scaling environment.
  • A builder’s mindset - comfortable designing processes, implementing systems, and iterating quickly.

Why This Role?

  • Direct exposure to leadership in a high-growth, VC-backed business.
  • Opportunity to shape infrastructure ahead of the next phase of expansion.
  • Clear pathway toward Head of Operations / COO-level responsibility over time.

About Cornell

Cornell is a specialist VC and growth search firm. We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices. All successful applicants will receive a response within 3-5 working days.

Operations Manager employer: Cornell Search

Cornell offers an exceptional work environment for the Operations Manager role, situated in the vibrant city of London. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company provides direct exposure to leadership in a high-growth, VC-backed setting, allowing you to shape the operational infrastructure crucial for the next phase of expansion. The hybrid work model promotes a balanced lifestyle while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact.
Cornell Search

Contact Detail:

Cornell Search Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its culture, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and have your own ready to go.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio or examples of your work, bring them along. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges in the past and how you can bring that expertise to the Operations Manager role.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows you’re genuinely interested in the position. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager

Operational Excellence
Dashboard Development
Reporting Tools
Performance Metrics
Team Leadership
Coaching and Mentoring
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Workflow Optimisation
Process Design
System Implementation
Adaptability in Ambiguity
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Experience in High-Growth Environments
Consumer Market Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Operations Manager. Highlight your experience in building systems and leading teams, as these are key for us at StudySmarter. Use specific examples that showcase your impact in previous roles.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you're excited about this opportunity and how your background aligns with our needs. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we want to see the real you!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t shy away from sharing instances where you've tackled challenges head-on. We love candidates who thrive in ambiguity and can build processes from scratch, so give us the juicy details on how you’ve done this before.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cornell Search

✨Know Your Numbers

As an Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to drive operational excellence. Brush up on key metrics and performance indicators relevant to the consumer sector. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to make decisions in past roles.

✨Showcase Your Builder's Mindset

This role requires a builder’s mindset, so come prepared with examples of processes you've designed or systems you've implemented. Highlight your experience in scaling businesses and how you tackled challenges during that growth.

✨Cross-Functional Collaboration

Since the job involves working with various teams, think of specific instances where you've successfully collaborated across functions. Be ready to explain how you optimised workflows and removed bottlenecks in previous roles.

✨Leadership and Mentoring Experience

You'll be leading a growing operations team, so share your experiences in coaching and developing others. Discuss your leadership style and how you've fostered a culture of accountability and performance in your teams.

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