At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business operations and support the MD in building a new venture.
- Company: Join a respected HR consultancy with a growing team and exciting opportunities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 30 days leave, and private health cover.
- Other info: Work from home with weekly travel to Penrith and genuine autonomy.
- Why this job: Shape a new business stream and make impactful decisions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in business management and confident line management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Head of Business and Operations | Just People HR | Cumbria-based, home working with weekly travel to Penrith | £45,000–£50,000 + benefits | Full-time, permanent
Are you a business operations leader ready for a role where you're not just running the day-to-day, but helping build something new alongside the MD?
This is a superb business support role where you will support the MD of a well established successful SME to run and develop the business.
Foxgroves Recruitment is delighted to be supporting Just People HR, a well-established HR and employment law consultancy working with schools and academy trusts across Cumbria and the wider North West.
Small, close-knit and genuinely respected in their field, they're at an interesting point - the core consultancy is running well and growing at an impressive rate.
They have also just launched a new complimentary business into a national market which is at it's infancy but already showing signs of real success and potential.
They need someone to hold both together successfully.
This is a number two role.
You'll report directly to the Managing Director, line manage a team of five spanning HR consultancy, legal and administration staff, and take real ownership of how the business runs.
It's broad, it's hands-on, and there's a clear route to grow with it as the business does.
The Role
Running the HR consultancy business
You'll be the person who makes sure things work - day in, day out.
- Take day-to-day ownership of business operations, systems and processes
- Support the MD across planning, performance and the commercial running of the business
- Build structure as the business scales, without adding bureaucracy that doesn't earn its place
- Keep the established consultancy running smoothly while attention shifts to the new venture
- Leading the new business offer
A new complaints solution for the education sector, sold nationally. You'll own it operationally.
- Onboard new clients and make sure the experience is a good one from first contact onwards
- Deliver excellent customer service and resolve issues before they become problems
- Promote and market the offer, building awareness in a national market
- Build and maintain relationships with schools, trusts and sector contacts
- Run a seamless admin function behind it, supported by a business support administrator
- Leading the team
- Line manage five people across HR consultancy, legal and administration
- Set priorities, manage workload and support development across the team
- Create the conditions for a small team to do good work without being over-managed
- What You'll Bring
You'll be a go-getter.
This is a business that's growing, and it needs someone who pushes rather than waits - motivated, ambitious for what the business could be, and the kind of leader people want to work for.
You'll inspire the team, take the weight off the MD, and be trusted to make decisions without checking in on every one.
- Experience in business management or operations, ideally as a senior number two or running operations in a small professional services type business.
- A qualification in business administration, business management or similar (degree, HND, Level 3, CMI or ILM) would be welcome but is by no means essential
- Confident line management experience - you've led a team of at least 3 or 4 people, not just coordinated one
- A working understanding of the education sector, particularly schools and academy trusts would be advantageous but not essential
- Commercial and customer-facing instincts, with the aptitude to market and grow a new service
- A wider appreciation of HR and how consultancy businesses deliver for clients
- The self-direction to work from home in a growing business, and the judgement to know when to bring the MD in
- Based in Cumbria, and able to get to Penrith easily on a weekly or fortnightly basis
- Why You'll Love Working Here
- 30 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
- 5% employer pension contribution
- Private health cover
- Home-based working, with regular attendance in Penrith
- Genuine autonomy and the chance to shape a new business stream from the ground up
- A small, established team where your work is visible and your decisions count
Foxgroves Recruitment acts as an employment agency for vacancies on behalf of clients, following fair and inclusive recruitment practices in line with the Equality Act 2010.
All appointments are subject to pre-employment screening, including right to work checks, reference checks, and qualification verification.
Reasonable adjustments are available for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.
Head of Business and Operations in Penrith employer: Foxgroves Recruitment
Cumbria Constabulary is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for the Chief Information Officer to lead a vital function that directly impacts public safety and data governance. With a strong commitment to employee development, a flexible hybrid working model, and a supportive work culture, you will thrive in an environment that values your expertise and encourages continuous learning. Located in Penrith, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business and Operations in Penrith
✨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 Head of Business and Operations at Foxgroves 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 Foxgroves Recruitment or be willing to refer you for that Head of Business and Operations 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 Foxgroves Recruitment who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Business and Operations 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 Head of Business and Operations role at Foxgroves Recruitment!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business and Operations in Penrith
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 Foxgroves 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 Foxgroves 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 Foxgroves 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!
