Operations Manager in Biddestone

The Role

I am recruiting a Head of Operations (Operations Manager, Operations Director) on behalf of Bourlet Consulting, a leading independent Chartered Financial Planning firm based in beautiful offices near Corsham, Wiltshire (SN13). Working closely with the Managing Director, the successful Head of Operations will work both strategically and operationally, embedding robust business strategies that realise the company’s vision and installing and maintaining systems and processes that support and drive business performance and growth. The role involves leading the day-to-day running of the business, with responsibility for people, process, planning and business performance, and overseeing the delivery of the 3rd‑party compliance, marketing, and IT functions.

The Person

The successful Head of Operations will have proven experience gained in a similar role (Operations Manager, Operations Director). They will be an inspirational leader with broad commercial and operational experience and a track record of success, likely gained guiding an SME through growth. Financial services experience is not essential, but the successful candidate is likely to have gained their experience working in a professional services environment. The Head of Operations is a newly created position and a critical hire for the business, as the successful candidate will play a key role in helping the business grow from a turnover of £2 to £4 million over the next five years.

Salary and Benefits

Salary £(phone number removed) (dependent on experience) plus an exceptional benefits package including 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays, hybrid working, 4× salary death‑in‑service, income protection benefit, pension and free parking. We are happy to facilitate a degree of home working and flexible or part‑time working arrangements if required (shorter working days, 4‑day week, etc.).

The Company

Bourlet Consulting are expanding and progressive Chartered Financial Planners who invest in, value and support their team. Established in 2003, the firm has seen year‑on‑year revenue growth every year. This has been achieved through building a reputation for excellence, integrity, professionalism, and going the extra mile for clients. Delivering holistic financial planning has always been, and will always remain, core to the firm’s values. The business is currently a team of 13 who look after approximately 250 families and assets of £230 million.

3>Head of Operations Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Act as an integrator between the Managing Director and the rest of the team, devise and deliver the Business Plan in line with company core values, prioritise, drive, coordinate and document, and ensure regular communication with the team to maximise engagement.
• People Leadership: Line‑manage staff; oversee recruitment, onboarding, training and development; establish performance objectives to ensure business goals are achieved; oversee workflow and workload; deliver appraisals; take responsibility for staff well‑being; facilitate communications and inspire a culture of belonging, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Finance/Business Performance: Monitor financial performance against agreed budgets; produce MI to facilitate decision‑making.
• Operations: Review, monitor and enhance business policies, processes, procedures and create internal service standards in relation to client satisfaction, profitability and efficiency.
• Compliance: Manage the relationship with the external Compliance Consultant and, under their guidance, ensure a robust control process is in place and that all business activities comply with legal & regulatory requirements and ethical standards, and ensure the timely and accurate completion of FCA regulatory returns.
• Marketing: Manage the relationship with the external Marketing Consultants to develop a strong brand and implement a professional marketing plan.
• IT: Ensure that technology is fully utilised to drive efficiency and manage the relationship with the external IT Consultants, ensuring data and IT services are well‑managed.
• Project Management: Drive and monitor various business projects to ensure they are delivered and completed in the most efficient manner.

Head of Operations Skills and Experience

• Proven experience gained in a similar role (Head of Operations, Operations Manager, Operations Director), ideally gained in a professional services environment, guiding an SME through growth (experience of financial planning is not required).
• Experience of operating at senior management level, with accountability for both devising strategy and delivering and embedding change and process improvements that maximise business performance.
• Leadership experience, with exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to lead, manage, motivate, develop, inspire and influence at all levels.
• Intelligent, highly numerate and commercially astute, embracing change and adept with technology.
• Solutions‑oriented with excellent time‑management skills and the flexibility and pace required to prioritise and add value in a fast‑paced, small‑team environment, and the ability to instil this in others.
• Communication and relationship‑building skills of the highest standard, with a caring, quality‑focused approach and the highest levels of integrity.

Dawn O’Shea is recruiting the Head of Operations (Operations Manager, Operations Director) directly on behalf of Bourlet Consulting, so NO AGENCIES PLEASE. If your CV is short‑listed, you will be contacted within 14 days to discuss your application in more detail.