Operations Manager in Chelmsford, Essex

Pursuit Group is a well-established and highly respected independent boutique recruitment agency based in Essex, proudly serving candidates and employers across Essex and London for over 25 years. With a reputation built on professionalism, integrity and a genuinely consultative approach, we have placed more than 5,500 candidates and forged long-term partnerships with clients across multiple industry sectors.

We operate through two specialist divisions:

• Pursuit Resources – placing office support, administrative and professional candidates at all career levels in permanent and temporary employment.
• Pursuit Executive – focused on senior, board-level and executive appointments.

This is an exciting moment in Pursuit Group's journey. As part of our next phase of growth, we are investing in our leadership and are now looking for an exceptional individual, with a strong track record in recruitment, to join us as Operations Manager. Someone who will take the helm of our day-to-day operations and help us grow the business to the next level alongside the Managing Director.

This is a rare and genuinely exciting opportunity for an experienced recruitment professional to drive genuine growth and build a solid team within a reputable and well-regarded recruitment business. With a loyal client base, a strong brand and access to 40 years+ experience within the industry by working closely with our MD, you will have a solid foundation from which to make your mark.

We have been reshaping the way we work to adapt to a modern recruitment market. In doing so, our MD has identified that in order to succeed, there needs to be a strong operational and commercial lead within the business to allow her to focus her energy on high-level business development and client relationships. This role exists to provide this support from within, to grow the business and the team and to continue to deliver the exceptional service Pursuit is known for.

As a boutique agency, every member plays an active role in delivery. This role requires a hands-on leader who leads from the front – billing, placing and winning business alongside the team, while also coaching, developing and inspiring those around them with the full support of our MD.

Key Responsibilities - Operations Manager

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the business.
• Drive commercial performance across both Pursuit Recruitment and Pursuit Executive divisions, building a team around the success and setting clear goals and supporting consultants to achieve them.
• Driving the growth of the Temp Desk as an immediate priority, prior experience within the temporary recruitment industry is a distinct advantage.
• Mentor, develop and motivate the recruitment team (existing and future), fostering a positive, high-performance culture aligned to our core values.
• Take responsibility for team KPIs, activity levels and quality of output to ensure we continue to deliver an exceptional service to our clients and candidates.
• Work closely with the MD to develop and implement growth strategies, embrace new technology and industry advances.
• Maintain and develop key client relationships with both existing and new business, ensuring Pursuit's reputation for quality and service is upheld.
• Oversee recruitment processes end-to-end, supporting consultants and stepping in where needed.
• Contribute to new business development activity to support the ongoing growth of the client portfolio.
• Identify operational improvements and efficiencies to help the business scale effectively.
• Alongside leading and managing the day-to-day operations of the business, you will remain actively hands-on as a billing consultant - working your own desk, winning new business and making placements.

What We Are Looking For

• We are looking for an experienced Recruitment Manager / Operations Manager who is ready to take their career towards a more entrepreneurial, high-impact environment.
• You must have a strong track record as a recruiter and be comfortable in a hands-on, billing capacity.
• You will be expected to lead by example whilst you work closely with the MD to grow the business and the team around you.
• Solid background in recruitment, ideally with experience managing or mentoring a team, and a strong personal billing track record.
• A natural leader who gets the best out of people through coaching, encouragement and accountability.
• Experience with running a commercial Temp desk is a distinct advantage.
• Commercial mindset with a strong understanding of what drives a successful recruitment business in the current market.
• Excellent relationship builder – with both clients and candidates.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and keep the business running smoothly.
• Ambitious and motivated by growth – both personal and organisational.
• Values-driven, with a commitment to quality, professionalism and a relationship-led, face-to-face approach.
• Experience in the Essex / East Anglia market would be advantageous but is not essential.

What We Offer

• A senior role with real influence in a well-established, growing independent business.
• The opportunity to genuinely shape the future direction of Pursuit Group.
• A warm, supportive and professional team environment.
• Competitive base salary to reflect experience and seniority of the role’s responsibilities.
• Car allowance.
• Share Scheme.
• Benefits package including membership to a health care and well-being plan (after 6 months probation), competitive pension contribution scheme, 28 days holiday.
• Genuine Career progression as the team grows.
• Uncapped commission and bonus structure.
• The backing of a brand with a 25-year track record and a loyal client base in which to make an immediate impact / billing opportunity.
• Direct access to and mentorship from our experienced MD.

For any further questions about this Operations Manager opportunity, and to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Lorraine Phair, Managing Director on lorraine.phair@pursuitgroup.co.uk | 01245 362500