Operations Manager in Colchester

Join Our Team at DAC Planning — Operations Manager

Are you an experienced, highly organised and commercially-minded professional looking for a varied and rewarding role in a growing business? Do you want to play a pivotal part in shaping the future of an ambitious and award-winning planning consultancy? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

DAC Planning is a professional planning consultancy providing expert advice and support to local authorities, local communities and public sector bodies nationally. We hold the RTPI Small Planning Consultancy of the Year (East of England) Award 2023 and the national RTPI Excellence in Digital Planning Award 2025. We are a small, dedicated and growing team — and we are now looking to appoint our first Operations Manager to support the efficient running, growth and development of the business.

This is a genuinely exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, takes ownership and thrives in a role where no two days are the same.

The Role

The Operations Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the business, working closely with the Managing Director to ensure DAC Planning operates efficiently, consistently and professionally. This is a broad and varied role spanning operational management, financial administration, business development support, marketing and HR.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Operational management — maintaining and improving systems, processes and workflows across the business
• Financial and commercial support — overseeing invoicing, cashflow management, liaising with accountants and supporting financial reporting
• Business development — supporting the delivery of the business plan, tender coordination and client relationship management
• Marketing — leading delivery of the marketing strategy, overseeing the website, social media, newsletters and award entries
• HR support — assisting with recruitment, onboarding, staff policies, annual reviews and training

About You

You don't need to come from a planning background — what matters is your ability to help ensure that a business runs efficiently and effectively. We are looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in operations, business management or a similar senior administrative role
• Commercially and financially astute, with experience of cashflow, invoicing and financial reporting
• Highly organised, proactive and able to juggle multiple priorities
• A confident communicator with strong written and verbal skills
• Tech-savvy and comfortable working with office software and business systems
• Discreet, trustworthy and professional in handling sensitive information
• A natural problem-solver with a positive, can-do attitude

We recognise that finding someone with every attribute on our wish list will be a challenge — and we are genuinely open to what the market can offer. If you have strong core skills and the right attitude, we want to hear from you.

Hours and Location

This role is offered on either a full-time or part-time basis, and we are open to discussing what works for the right candidate. We are based in Colchester, and we would welcome candidates who can work from our office.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience and hours
• 25 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time), in addition to public holidays
• Pension contribution
• Health and wellness benefits including life insurance, an Employee Assistance Programme and a virtual GP
• Flexible working options
• A friendly, supportive team culture
• The opportunity to play a central role in shaping a growing business

How to Apply

To apply, please click here. Your covering letter should set out your relevant skills and experience and explain why you would be a great fit for DAC Planning. Please also indicate whether you are applying for a full-time or part-time position, and if part-time, your preferred hours.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 11th May 2026.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Greg Pearce on 01206 688103 or greg@dacplanning.com.

DAC Planning is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to ensuring that all employees and job applicants receive equal treatment regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability or any other protected characteristic. We believe that diversity and inclusion make us a stronger, more innovative organisation and we actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.