At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations, ensure compliance, and support engineering teams in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Elliott Wood, a purpose-led engineering consultancy focused on innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible working, health cover, bonus schemes, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to transforming the built environment for the better.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced role that values creativity and efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations, strong organisational skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
About Us
Elliott Wood is a forward‑thinking and purpose-led engineering and built environment consultancy. We believe in a bigger and better idea of engineering, driven by strategic consultancy and married with creative and technical expertise. Together we act as originators, advisors and doers for the built environment and beyond. As a certified B Corp, our role is to inspire clients and organisations to think differently about their projects and buildings - not just aesthetically and commercially - but for the benefit of the planet and people who use them every day.
Job overview
We are looking for an Operations Manager to join us on a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover contract, supporting the Head of Operations & ESG in driving efficiency, compliance, and consistency across the business. This is a varied and hands-on role, combining operational oversight, team leadership, and project delivery. You will play a key role in strengthening processes, ensuring compliance with key standards, and enabling our engineering teams through effective business support. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy improving how things work, and are confident balancing detail with big-picture thinking, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Responsibilities
- Support the Head of Operations in delivering key operational initiatives and projects
- Lead and embed compliance processes, including GDPR, ISO standards, and internal audits
- Maintain business accreditations (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, Acclaim) and coordinate audits and reviews
- Monitor and improve operational processes, ensuring efficiency and consistency
- Oversee supplier approvals, data accuracy, and reporting (e.g. CMAP, Power BI)
- Manage office operations, including maintenance, facilities coordination, and compliance checks
- Support Health & Safety processes, including risk assessments and DSE compliance
- Line manage the Business Admin team, ensuring effective support to the wider business
- Provide hands-on administrative support where required and ensure continuity across the team
- Deliver key projects, including compliance training and improvements to business support functions
Skills and Experience Required
- Experience in operations and/or administration roles, ideally within a professional services environment
- Experience managing or supporting ISO compliance, audits, and governance processes
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience using Power BI
- Experience coordinating facilities and premises management activities
- Experience creating and reviewing risk assessments (e.g. office, fire safety, pregnant workers)
- Confident managing data, reporting, and business systems
- Experience handling calls and providing high-quality internal or external customer support
About You
- Strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills
- Proactive, “can-do” attitude with a willingness to take ownership
- Highly organised with strong time management and the ability to manage competing priorities
- Flexible and adaptable, able to respond to changing demands and deadlines
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with a practical, common-sense approach
Why Elliott Wood
If you are a highly organised, proactive and talented operations professional who aims to influence those around you with the same level of understanding and empathy that you bring to your work, we invite you to join us. We hope you share our interest in the transformative impact infrastructure can have on the built environment and are enthusiastic about playing an integral role in our ongoing practice and growth strategy.
We offer
- A hybrid working environment.
- Active encouragement and support to pursue further job-related education and/or skills training.
- An extensive range of benefits from health insurance to gym cover, bonus and more.
Some of our Benefits
- Flexible working and hybrid working
- Life and income insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Private Health Cover
- Health Cash plan - offering over £1k of cash and discounts to support day-to-day health and wellbeing treatments
- Monthly contribution to fitness related expenses
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- Regular career and development conversations
- Access to our weekly Academy Learning Programme
- 25 days annual leave (with an option to buy up to 5 extra days) and increasing with service
- Opportunity to be gifted up to 4 ‘me days’ per year
- Tax free savings for Cycle Scheme and Childcare fees
- Enhanced maternity leave (up to 26 weeks full pay) and paternity leave (4 weeks full pay)
Elliott Wood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Office Manager employer: Elliott Wood
Elliott Wood is an exceptional employer that champions a forward-thinking and purpose-led approach to engineering and the built environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer a hybrid working environment, extensive benefits including private health cover and a discretionary bonus scheme, and active support for professional development. Our inclusive culture fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Office Manager
✨Leverage Your Network
Tap into your existing network in corporate circles—friends, former colleagues, or even acquaintances from industry events. A temporary role often isn't widely advertised, so having someone inside a company like Elliott Wood can give you the inside scoop or even a referral.
✨Stay Alert for Short-term Opportunities
Many corporate leadership roles are filled during peak business cycles or project launches. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements or staffing needs from companies like Elliott Wood; they might be looking for temporary support during busy times.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In temporary roles, adaptability is key. When you're chatting with potential employers, emphasise your ability to quickly adjust to new challenges and demands. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully managed change or stepped into new projects on short notice.
✨Join Corporate Management Forums
Get involved in online corporate management forums or local business groups. Networking in these spaces can help you discover temporary opportunities as well as gather insights about industry trends. Plus, being active in these communities can help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable candidate when applying to places like Elliott Wood.
We think you need these skills to ace Office Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:For a role in corporate leadership management, it’s crucial to emphasise your past leadership experiences. Mention specific projects where you led teams or initiatives, detailing the outcomes and skills you developed. This shows that you understand what it takes to guide a team and deliver results.
Show Your Adaptability for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary position, employers will be looking for someone who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in a temporary role at Elliott Wood and how your previous experience equips you to adapt quickly to new challenges.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications in project management, team leadership, or similar areas, definitely include them in your CV. These credentials can set you apart from other applicants, showing you’re not just qualified but also committed to your professional growth.
Tailor Your CV to the Company Culture:Take some time to research Elliott Wood's values and leadership style. Adjust your CV language and examples to reflect their culture, demonstrating that you're not only a good fit for the job itself but for the organisation as a whole. This adds a personal touch that can really make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elliott Wood
✨Show Off Your Leadership Stories
For a temporary role in corporate leadership management, we want to hear your stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led teams or projects successfully, particularly under tight deadlines or challenging situations. This isn't just about what you did, but how your actions positively impacted the team or the business.
✨Be Ready for Situational Questions
Expect situational interview questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think of common scenarios in corporate settings, like managing a conflict or implementing a new strategy, and practice articulating your thought process and outcomes. This will help show off your ability to navigate corporate complexities.
✨Talk Strategy, Not Just Tasks
In a temporary leadership role, understanding the bigger picture is crucial. Brush up on strategic management principles and be prepared to discuss how you can quickly adapt and contribute to the company's objectives. Consider how you would initiate change or drive efficiency within a limited time frame—this will show that you're ready to hit the ground running!
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the temporary nature of this position, we need to see how adaptable you are! Think of examples where you've had to adjust your leadership style or approach based on team dynamics or company culture. We want to know how you can blend in quickly while still making an impact during a short-term engagement.
