At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise operations in a dynamic conveyancing environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking conveyancing business focused on growth and compliance.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values continuous improvement and accountability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing client experiences and driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience in UK residential conveyancing preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
The Head of Operations is responsible for the end‑to‑end operational performance of the legal delivery within this conveyancing business, ensuring the efficient, compliant, and scalable delivery of residential property services. The role focuses on optimising throughput, improving client experience, managing regulatory risk, and enabling profitable growth in a conveyancing environment. This role acts as the operational bridge between legal delivery, compliance, technology, and commercial performance.
Work Location: Hybrid but will require the person to be able to visit our office locations in Daventry, Leeds, Cardiff.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership & Delivery
- Lead all day‑to‑day conveyancing operations across teams, locations, and work types (sales, purchases and new build).
- Ensure files progress efficiently through each stage of the conveyancing lifecycle, improving velocity and reducing fall‑off.
- Embed clear service level agreements (SLAs) covering exchanges, completions, lender requirements, and client communication.
- Oversee pipeline management, capacity planning, and workload balancing across conveyancers and support teams.
- Represent the legal operations function to the Board, preparing material and attending meetings to ensure the Board are abreast of key activity and issues within this function.
- Performance Management & Scalability
- Own operational KPIs including completions, time taken to take a new file through to exchange, fall‑through rates, conversion, complaints, and cost per matter.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase margin while maintaining quality and compliance.
- Enhance the existing operating models to support seasonal peaks and market volatility typical of the UK property market.
- Review and implement scalable processes and automation to support growth without proportional cost increases.
- Regulatory Compliance & Risk
- Work closely with Compliance, the HOLP, HOFA and MLRO to embed full compliance with SRA or CLC regulatory frameworks, AML regulations, sanctions regimes, and lender requirements.
- Work closely with Compliance, HOLP, HOFA, and MLRO to maintain robust governance and risk management frameworks.
- Ensure adherence to Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) standards where applicable and maintain lender panel eligibility.
- Via the Legal Directors, ensure complaint handling, file audits, and remedial action planning all take place and are effective.
- Client & Lender Experience
- Champion a client‑centric operating model, ensuring clear communication, transparency, and consistent service.
- Strengthen relationships with lenders, brokers, estate agents, and introducers to support panel retention and growth.
- Ensure operational processes support high Net Promoter Scores (NPS) and strong online reputation management.
- People Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop our Legal Directors and Legal Managers within conveyancing.
- Build high‑performance, accountable teams with clear ownership and outcome focus.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies in a competitive conveyancing talent market.
- Embed a culture of continuous improvement and operational discipline.
- Embed our Simply organizational values to reinforce accountability for both performance and behaviours.
- Technology & Process Optimisation
- Oversee the effective use of case management systems, third party tools, onboarding tools, AML platforms, LMS and Lender Exchange systems.
- Partner with IT and Legal Services leaders to introduce technology‑enabled process improvements.
- Ensure data integrity and reporting accuracy to support decision‑making at Board level.
- Commercial & Financial Oversight
- Own operational budgets, cost control, and productivity metrics.
- Support pricing strategy by aligning cost‑to‑serve with profitability targets.
- Partner with Finance to forecast volumes, staffing needs, and revenue delivery.
Skills & Experience
- Essential
- Senior operational leadership experience within UK residential conveyancing would be preferred.
- Strong understanding of conveyancing workflows, lender requirements, and regulatory obligations (SRA / CLC).
- Proven track record of improving throughput, reducing fall‑through, and scaling operations.
- Experience managing large, multi‑disciplinary teams in a regulated environment.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen.
- Demonstrated capability of driving change and leading initiatives to achieve performance targets.
- Desirable
- Experience working in CLC‑regulated specialist conveyancing firms.
- Background in technology‑enabled or high‑growth conveyancing businesses would be preferred.
- Exposure to lender panel management and introducer‑led growth models.
Personal Attributes
- Operationally rigorous and commercially minded.
- Comfortable operating at Board level.
- Data‑driven with strong execution focus.
- Calm under pressure in peak market conditions.
- Credible leader with strong industry presence.
What Success Looks Like
- Improved completion volumes and reduced cycle times.
- Strong regulatory outcomes with minimal breaches.
- High client satisfaction and low complaint ratios.
- Scalable operations capable of handling market surges.
- Reduced dependency on reactive or inefficient practices.
- Enhanced Employee engagement and retention across our Legal population.
Head of Operations - FTC in Watford employer: Simply Conveyancing
As a leading conveyancing business, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while ensuring that our teams in Daventry, Leeds, and Cardiff collaborate effectively to deliver exceptional client experiences. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence, we offer our employees the opportunity to lead impactful initiatives and drive meaningful change within the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations - FTC in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the conveyancing industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them improve throughput and client satisfaction. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the solution they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your leadership experience and operational insights can drive performance in their conveyancing business. Keep it concise and impactful – you want to leave them wanting to know more about you.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you that Head of Operations role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations - FTC in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience in operational leadership, especially within UK residential conveyancing. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've improved operational performance and client experience in previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading teams, make sure to highlight your people management experience. Talk about how you've built high-performance teams and fostered a culture of continuous improvement. We’re all about accountability and growth!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simply Conveyancing
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the end-to-end operational performance in conveyancing. Brush up on key processes, SLAs, and how to optimise throughput. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've improved operational efficiency will really impress.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience leading multi-disciplinary teams. Think of examples where you've coached or developed team members, and how you've built high-performance cultures. Show them you're not just a manager, but a true leader who can inspire and drive change.
✨Be Ready for Regulatory Questions
Since compliance is crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss your knowledge of SRA and CLC regulations. Have examples ready that demonstrate how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, and how you’ve managed risk effectively.
✨Showcase Your Client-Centric Approach
This role requires a strong focus on client experience, so think about how you've championed client-centric models in the past. Be ready to share strategies you've implemented to enhance client communication and satisfaction, as well as how you've maintained strong relationships with lenders and other stakeholders.
