About the Company:
Kinetic Games is a new video game development studio based in Southampton. We are a passionate team of developers using Unity to continuously improve and expand the horror experience of Phasmophobia, currently available on Steam, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
As we continue to expand our team and projects, we\'re committed to building a world-class, creative-first studio culture.
The Role:
We\'re looking for a Head of Operations to help us run a sustainable, high-functioning studio. This role is all about creating the conditions for creativity - ensuring our people, tools, and systems are all working in sync.
You’ll work directly with the CEO and collaborate closely with our HR Manager, Financial Lead, development department heads, and external partners. Whether it’s supporting studio strategy, overseeing vendor contracts, refining onboarding, or managing facilities; you’ll be at the operational heart of Kinetic Games.
If you\'re someone who loves to solve problems, optimise systems, and bring structure to fastmoving environments, this is a chance to shape how a successful studio scales.
Responsibilities:
- Managing day-to-day studio operations and facilities (including our newly refurbished office).
- Collaborate with leadership to uphold our studio vision, mission, and values.
- Maintaining operational efficiency across departments.
- Collaborating on recruitment, staff wellbeing and onboarding alongside HR.
- Own relationships with third-party providers (Legal, Insurance, IT, etc.).
- Ensuring the team have the equipment, tools, and environment they need.
- Manage contracts, vendor relationships, and compliance requirements.
- Support budgeting, planning, and reporting with our Financial Lead and CEO.
- Contribute to long-term strategy and scaling plans, policy development, and team culture initiatives.
- Organise and lead company team events
Requirements:
- Experience leading operations in a hybrid game studio (ideally 20–100 people).
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Great communication; able to work across departments with clarity and empathy.
- Comfortable working with budgets, policies, and business operations tools.
- Strong understanding of how games are made and the people behind them.
- Able to present operational plans and ideas clearly to leadership teams.
- Eligibility to work in the UK
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- 5% Employer Match Pension Scheme
- Regular social events
- Hybrid working
- Flextime
- Opportunity to travel to events such as GDC, Gamescom, Twitch Con EU & US, EGX and Develop Brighton
- Relocation Package
- Annual performance bonus
- Employee of the month vouchers
- Personal wellbeing allowance
- Referral Scheme
- Weekly Free Lunches
- Sabbatical Leave
- Training & Career Development
- Vitality Health Insurance that includes Vision, Dental and Travel
- Aviva Life Insurance
- 30 days holiday including birthday and wellbeing day
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Portsmouth
✨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 Operations at Kinetic Games!
✨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 Kinetic Games or be willing to refer you for that Head of 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 Kinetic Games who’s on the lookout for their next Head of 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 Operations role at Kinetic Games!
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 Kinetic Games. 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 Kinetic Games
✨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 Kinetic Games. 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!
