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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead governance and operations, driving improvements and strategic planning.
- Company: Join a regulatory body for Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, ensuring high professional standards.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, hybrid working, and health perks.
- Why this job: Shape organisational culture and impact through data-driven decision-making in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance, compliance, and performance management is essential.
- Other info: Part-time options available; apply by 5th September 2025.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Head of Governance and Operations
Are you passionate about driving organisational excellence through smart governance, digital innovation, and strategic planning?
Do you thrive in a hands-on leadership role where you can shape systems, influence culture, and deliver measurable impact?
Are you confident managing risk, performance, and compliance in a fast-evolving regulatory or professional environment?
If so, this might be the perfect role for you!
The organisation
Our client is theindependentregulatory body of Patent Attorneys and Trade Mark Attorneys.
The organisation oversees the qualification and ongoing professional standards of Patent Attorneys and Trade Mark Attorneys, including education and training, maintaining the registers of attorneys, firm registration and licensing, continuous professional development, professional conduct, and disciplinary processes.
We are proud to partner with our client to identify talent for their Head of Governance and Operations post.
The role
This is a newly created, strategic and hands-on role within a small but high performing organisation that has grown significantly in professionalism, governance, and operational effectiveness. The postholder will play a pivotal part in shaping how the organisation uses data, technology, and performance insights to drive improvement and support its regulatory and educational objectives. Drawing together elements of policy, operations, and governance, the postholder will work closely with senior leaders and the Board to enhance reporting, streamline processes, and ensure that strategic goals are underpinned by robust evidence and meaningful KPIs.
The successful candidate will be comfortable working across a broad portfolio, from interrogating CRM data and identifying trends, to drafting reports and advising on performance. They will be expected to bring a data-informed, evidence-based approach to decision-making, with the confidence to challenge constructively and communicate complex insights clearly.
This is a role that requires a strong understanding of how data and digital tools can support policy and operational outcomes. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a regulatory or policy environment, with a track record of improving organisational effectiveness through insight, collaboration, and innovation. They will be adept at horizon scanning, identifying gaps in data, and working with internal and external stakeholders to fill them. The postholder will report directly to the Chief Executive and work closely with other Team members and the Board, offering a unique opportunity to add value across the organisation.
Key facts:
• Contract : Full time, permanent (part time considered, but no less than 4 days per week)
• Location : Our client\’s offices at 20 Little Britain, London EC1A 7DH. Hybrid working is currently offered but is not contractual. Team members must attend the office a minimum of 50% of their contracted hours.
• Salary : £70,000 p.a.* + benefits (including 25 days paid holiday a year + 8 bank holidays*; Christmas closure from the end of the last working day before Christmas until the first working day of the New Year; Life Insurance; Company Sick Pay and Health Cash Plan) *pro-rated if part time
Key areas of responsibility
Governance & Organisational Effectiveness
- Drive improvements in governance frameworks and performance monitoring.
- Lead responses to external performance assessments.
- Oversee administrative support, including line management of one admin assistant.
- Coordinate Board and Working Group meetings, including agenda setting and minute preparation (in liaison with external provider).
- Maintain and communicate corporate policies and procedures.
Digital Strategy & Innovation
- Develop and implement a proportionate digital strategy, including AI integration.
- Identify opportunities for automation and improved user experience.
- Ensure compliance with data protection and cyber security standards.
- Manage business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
- Support CRM reporting and system updates.
Risk & Compliance
- Lead risk management activities and maintain the corporate risk register.
- Advise senior leadership on emerging risks and mitigation strategies.
Planning & Performance
- Collaborate on strategic and operational planning processes.
- Monitor progress against business objectives and KPIs.
- Produce performance reports for the Board and oversight bodies.
Procurement & Operational Support
- Ensure procurement practices are transparent and deliver value for money.
- Support general operational functions including registration processes and public enquiries.
- Liaise with external IT and HR service providers as needed.
The ideal candidate will meet the following requirements:
- Proven track record in senior operational or corporate services roles.
- Strong background in governance, compliance, and performance management.
- Experience in strategic planning and reporting to external bodies.
- Knowledge of data protection and digital working practices (including the use of AI).
- Ability to work successfully across a broad portfolio.
- Adept at developing insights and working collaboratively to deliver improvement
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience preparing reports for senior stakeholders or oversight bodies in an organisation subject to intense external scrutiny.
Desirable experience
- Senior-level experience in legal, regulatory, or oversight organisations.
- Familiarity with environments subject to external scrutiny.
- Experience implementing AI or digital automation tools.
- Understanding of cyber security and IT risk in small organisations.
Interested?
Apply with your CV and covering letter by 5:00 pm on 5th September 2025.
Notes for applicants:
Shortlisted candidates will be informed by COB on Thursday 18th September 2025.
Interviews will be conducted on Wednesday 24th September, in person, at the client\’s offices in London (20 Little Britain, EC1A 7DH).
For a confidential conversation before applying, with FJWilson Talent, please contact us on 0203 195 3600, or email us at
Our privacy policy is available on our website:
FJWilson Talent Services is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
FJWilson Talent Services encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates who represent the full diversity of communities in the UK. Reasonable adjustments are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process
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Head of Governance and Operations employer: F.J. WILSON
Contact Detail:
F.J. WILSON Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Governance and Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory landscape relevant to Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys. Understanding the specific challenges and compliance requirements in this field will help you demonstrate your expertise during discussions with senior leaders.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience with data-driven decision-making by preparing examples of how you've used data insights to improve governance or operational effectiveness in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to align with the organisation's goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the regulatory and legal sectors. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights into current trends and challenges, which you can reference in conversations during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to digital innovation and AI integration. Given the emphasis on technology in this role, being able to articulate your vision for leveraging digital tools will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Governance and Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in governance, compliance, and performance management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive organisational effectiveness and strategic planning.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the organisation. Clearly outline how your skills and experiences align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description, particularly in digital strategy and risk management.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on achievements that showcase your ability to improve processes and implement innovative solutions. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact, such as improvements in performance or efficiency.
Prepare for Interviews: If shortlisted, be ready to discuss your approach to governance and operations in detail. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed risks and compliance in previous roles, and think about how you would apply these experiences to the new position.
How to prepare for a job interview at F.J. WILSON
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before the interview, take some time to research the independent regulatory body of Patent Attorneys and Trade Mark Attorneys. Understand their mission, values, and recent developments. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Governance Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in governance, compliance, and performance management. Be ready to discuss how you've driven improvements in these areas and how your strategic planning skills can benefit the organisation.
✨Demonstrate Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role requires a strong understanding of data and digital tools, come prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions in previous positions. Highlight any experience you have with CRM systems or performance reporting, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers. Inquire about the organisation's current challenges, their vision for the future, and how they measure success. This shows your engagement and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.
