At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a dynamic team across multiple London sites, driving excellence and member experience.
- Company: Runway East, a B Corp redefining flexible workspaces in London.
- Benefits: 31 days holiday, private health, gym discounts, and personal development budget.
- Other info: Join a diverse community that values spirit and passion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment with direct access to the executive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site service businesses and proven leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Min 1 day working in our Covent Garden office, 2-4 days working from London sites of your choosing, 0-1 day at home.
Reporting to Sophie Marsh, our COO.
Runway East creates flexible workspaces across London and the UK. Our mission is to be the best place for ambitious businesses to grow. We care deeply about service, detail and ownership. As a proud B Corp and a growing company, we're building something long-term - for our members and our team.
The Job
This role is the operational lead for our London portfolio, overseeing 8-10 sites, a team of General Managers and Community Associates, and the full P&L. Reporting to the COO, you’ll own everything from standards to member experience, team performance, and site profitability. You’ll be building a high‑performing ops machine and raising the bar across the board.
Who you are:
- You’re a natural cheerleader - you walk into a room and the energy shifts.
- You celebrate wins loudly, challenge low standards, and your team genuinely feels more motivated after time with you.
- You find energy in people.
- You have a proven ability to get people to follow you and you make the work fun.
- You've managed managers - ideally GMs, site leads or area managers - and you know how to lead that layer without doing the doing yourself.
- You've built your career in fast‑paced, multi‑site service businesses - hospitality, leisure, workspace, retail, or similar.
- You've worked in founder‑led, owner‑operated or scale‑up environments where you had real autonomy and ran things like they were your own.
- You understand the commercial side - specifically how all operational pieces drive occupancy and the bottom line, how to manage a P&L, and how to make trade‑offs under pressure.
- You’re direct, intelligent, and decisive - you tackle problems head‑on and don’t wait to be told.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead and develop the London team (GMs, Site Leads and managers) set expectations, build capability and hold people accountable.
- Own site standards across all London locations, keeping them showroom‑ready at all times.
- Drive member experience - from first impression to day‑to‑day service to retention.
- Manage site P&Ls and hit profitability targets.
- Build and maintain the systems, cadences and processes that build a service first culture, drive excellence and occupancy.
- Be the escalation point for London - spot issues early, take decisive action, fix things properly.
- Work with the senior team on longer‑term operational strategy as the portfolio grows.
Why join us
- Real ownership of London operations - the mandate, the team and the accountability to drive excellence.
- Direct access to the COO and exec team - you'll be heard and your decisions will matter.
- A fast-moving company where you can make your mark quickly, not wait years to have an impact.
- 31 days holiday including bank holidays, plus birthday off and an extra day per year of service.
- Private health and dental, half‑price gym, mental health support and bike‑to‑work scheme.
- Personal development budget and access to learning resources.
- Annual team trip (Barcelona, Rhodes, Vilnius, Malta - among others).
Our Commitment to Inclusivity
We celebrate diversity and believe it strengthens our community. We welcome people from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. What matters most to us is your spirit and passion. If you need specific access support, let us know—we’re here to help.
Head of Operations - London employer: Runway East
Runway East is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its team members while fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture. With real ownership over London operations, direct access to leadership, and a commitment to employee well-being through generous benefits like 31 days of holiday and personal development budgets, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced environment. Join us in redefining office spaces and be part of a proud B Corp dedicated to excellence and service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare your elevator pitch! You want to make a killer first impression, so practice a short, snappy introduction about yourself and what you bring to the table. This will help you stand out when you meet potential employers or network contacts.
✨Tip Number 3
Show up and shine! When you get an interview, treat it like a performance. Be enthusiastic, engage with your interviewers, and showcase your personality. Remember, they’re not just hiring skills; they want someone who fits their culture and can energise the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or networking events, send a quick thank-you note. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm and passion for the role. Remember, we’re looking for a natural cheerleader who can energise a team!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in fast-paced environments and how you've led teams before. We love seeing specific examples of how you've driven performance and created a positive culture in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Commercial Savvy:Don’t forget to mention your understanding of P&L management and how operational decisions impact profitability. We’re keen on candidates who can demonstrate their ability to make smart trade-offs under pressure, so share those insights!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Runway East!
How to prepare for a job interview at Runway East
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Operations, you'll need to manage P&Ls and drive profitability. Brush up on your financial acumen before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in the past and how you can apply that experience to Runway East.
✨Show Your Cheerleader Spirit
This role requires a natural cheerleader who can motivate teams. Think of examples where you've inspired your team or improved morale. Share these stories during the interview to demonstrate your ability to energise and lead effectively.
✨Understand the Member Experience
Member experience is key for this position. Familiarise yourself with what makes a workspace appealing and how to enhance that experience. Prepare to discuss strategies you've implemented in previous roles to improve customer satisfaction and retention.
✨Be Decisive and Direct
The job calls for someone who tackles problems head-on. During the interview, be prepared to discuss challenges you've faced and how you resolved them decisively. Show that you can think on your feet and make tough decisions under pressure.
