At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations, improve processes, and manage finance and HR functions.
- Company: Dynamic IT Management Consultancy transforming the UK Public Sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with flexible working options available.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make a real impact in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Our client is a specialist IT Management Consultancy supporting transformation across the UK Public Sector. They are looking for an Operations Manager to keep the business running smoothly and efficiently. This is a broad, hands-on role spanning everything from finance and HR to governance and systems — perfect for someone who thrives in a growing SME environment. You will work directly alongside the Exec Team and lead a small internal operations function of five people.
Working Patterns and Location: Hybrid – 3 days on site per week in Cheltenham.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee the day-to-day operational management of the consultancy across all internal functions.
- Develop, implement and continuously improve operational processes, procedures and KPI reporting.
- Manage the Resourcing Lead to optimise consultant utilisation, capacity planning and recruitment activity.
- Work alongside the Finance Manager to monitor budgets, client invoicing, P&L and revenue forecasting.
- Oversee HR administration, onboarding, employee lifecycle activities and company policy compliance.
- Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus; coordinate audits and certification.
- Manage business systems and operational tooling including Xero, and identify automation opportunities.
- Lead and develop the internal operations team, providing operational advice directly to the Exec Team.
Key Skills Required:
- Proven experience as an Operations Manager within a professional services or consultancy environment.
- Strong ability to manage multiple business functions simultaneously, including finance, HR and resourcing.
- Experience developing and improving operational processes, procedures and management reporting.
- Confident working closely with and advising senior leadership and executive stakeholders.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office suite including SharePoint.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills across all levels of a business.
- Experience managing operational governance, compliance and risk in a regulated or secure environment.
Desirable Skills:
- Experience with HR processes, employment legislation and people operations.
- Knowledge of data protection regulations and GDPR compliance.
- Project Management experience or a recognised qualification such as PRINCE2 or APM.
- Information Management experience within a professional services or public sector setting.
- Experience presenting to senior leadership or external stakeholders.
Our client is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Part-time opportunities/flexible working is available to suit individual needs.
You will be required to hold a minimum of SC Clearance. If you do not hold an active SC Clearance, please familiarise yourself with the vetting process before applying.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Operations Manager at Datasource Recruitment!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Datasource Recruitment or be willing to refer you for that Operations Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Datasource Recruitment who’s on the lookout for their next Operations Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Operations Manager role at Datasource Recruitment!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Datasource Recruitment. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Datasource Recruitment
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Datasource Recruitment. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
