At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee daily operations, finance, HR, and ensure smooth project processes.
- Company: Join Saqi Books, a dynamic publishing company with a collaborative spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by streamlining operations in the publishing industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations or business administration, ideally in publishing.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an Operations Manager to oversee the day‑to‑day operations of Saqi Books and our publishing services activities. This is a hands‑on role for someone who enjoys building efficient systems, coordinating multiple priorities and ensuring that projects and processes run smoothly.
Working closely with the Managing Director and Publishing Director, you will oversee both finance and HR administration along with operational systems, helping to ensure that teams have the support, information and infrastructure they need to work effectively. You will be highly organised, comfortable juggling competing priorities and proactive in identifying and resolving operational issues before they become problems.
What You’ll Do- Oversee day‑to‑day financial administration, including invoicing, supplier payments, cash flow monitoring, royalties and liaison with our external accountant.
- Manage HR administration across the business, including contracts, onboarding and induction, payroll coordination, pensions, probation tracking and recruitment administration.
- Liaise closely with our external HR consultant on policies and people matters.
- Manage the operational infrastructure of the business, including IT systems, software subscriptions, premises and compliance requirements.
- Maintain and improve operational systems and processes.
- Coordinate activity across editorial, sales, marketing and production teams to ensure projects and schedules remain on track.
- Compile reports, maintain records and support budgeting, forecasting and planning processes.
- You’ve worked in an operations, office management or business administration role, ideally in publishing, media or a small organisation.
- You’re highly organised, detail‑oriented and comfortable managing multiple priorities at once.
- You’re financially literate and confident supporting budgeting, reporting or financial administration.
- You have experience of HR administration, including recruitment, onboarding and payroll coordination.
- You enjoy building systems and processes that help teams work more effectively.
- You’re a strong communicator who can work confidently across different teams and functions.
- You’re proactive, resourceful and comfortable taking ownership of problems and seeing them through.
- You handle sensitive commercial and personnel matters with discretion and good judgement.
- Experience of publishing workflows and royalty administration would be an advantage.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are underrepresented in publishing.
Operations Manager in London employer: Saqi Books
At Saqi Books, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. As an Operations Manager, you will benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and development, with opportunities to enhance your skills in finance and HR administration within the dynamic publishing industry. Our commitment to diversity and equal opportunities ensures that all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully to our mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in London
✨Dive Into the Publishing Community
Get involved with local or online publishing communities. Join forums, attend literary festivals, or participate in panel discussions. This can be a goldmine for meeting industry professionals and hearing about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow leading publishing media channels on social media, like Twitter and Instagram. See what tactics and content formats are currently trending. This knowledge can help you tailor your discussions when you're networking or at interviews with companies like Saqi Books.
✨Make Your Passion Visible
If you have a blog or a social media presence focused on books or publishing, use it! Share your thoughts on recent publications, trends in the industry, or interviews with authors. This can showcase your passion and knowledge, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Hunt for Opportunities on Company Websites
While job boards are useful, don’t forget to go directly to company websites, like Saqi Books. They often post openings there first. Plus, you might find job descriptions that give insight into what skills they really value, which can help you ace that interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Style:In the publishing-media world, your writing style is your signature. Make sure your CV highlights relevant writing experiences, whether that's published articles, blog posts, or even social media content. Give us a glimpse of your voice and flair for storytelling right from the start!
Include Relevant Projects:Don’t just list your roles; include specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills in editing, research, or content creation. If you've contributed to a magazine or worked on a publication, make that front and centre! It shows you've got hands-on experience in the industry, which we absolutely love.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Let’s be honest: a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity. Take the time to craft a letter that speaks to why you’re passionate about this role at Saqi Books. Mention what excites you about the publishing-media industry and how your skills align with the job description. We want to see that enthusiasm!
Format Matters!:In the publishing-media sector, presentation is key. Ensure your CV and cover letter are well-organised and visually appealing. Use headings, bullet points, and a clean layout. This isn't just about aesthetics — it shows your attention to detail and professionalism, which we really appreciate at Saqi Books.
How to prepare for a job interview at Saqi Books
✨Know Your Stuff: Be Ready on Industry Trends
Get yourself clued up on the latest trends in the publishing-media world. Think about how digital transformation is impacting the industry, and be ready to chat about relevant examples. This shows you're not just passionate but also informed!
✨Showcase Your Creativity with a Portfolio
Bring along a portfolio that showcases your writing, editing, or design work. Since it’s a full-time role, they’ll want to see how your style fits their brand at Saqi Books. Tailor your presentation to their projects for maximum impact.
✨Brush Up on Editing Techniques
Expect some technical questions about editing styles, proofing techniques, and style guides. They might ask you to solve a practical problem or provide feedback on a piece—know the tools and software commonly used in the industry, and be prepared to discuss them!
✨Express Your Passion for Storytelling
In the publishing-media field, storytelling is key. Be ready to discuss what stories inspire you and why you want to join the team at Saqi Books. Let your enthusiasm shine through; they want to know you're genuinely interested in contributing to their narratives!
