At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep operations running smoothly and efficiently across multiple teams.
- Company: Fast-paced service-based business in Glasgow with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Immediate interviews available for motivated candidates ready to make an impact.
- Why this job: Be the backbone of a dynamic team and drive operational excellence.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in operations or similar roles, strong Excel skills, and a process improvement mindset.
We are working with a growing, fast-paced service-based business that is looking for an experienced Operations Manager / Operations Lead to help keep the day-to-day running of the business organised, efficient and commercially on track. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys being across the detail, keeping teams and processes moving, and using systems and data to understand what is working well and where improvements can be made. You will work closely with leadership, finance and delivery teams, helping to make sure operational information is accurate, reporting is useful, workflows are working properly and teams have the visibility they need to make good decisions.
What you will be doing:
- Supporting the smooth day-to-day operational running of the business across multiple teams
- Coordinating actions, deadlines, priorities and follow-ups to make sure things keep moving
- Owning and improving operational processes, workflows, trackers and reporting
- Working closely with delivery and finance teams to make sure operational and commercial information is accurate and aligned
- Producing and maintaining operational and commercial reports, and importantly being able to understand what the data is actually telling the business
- Identifying trends, issues and gaps across delivery, performance, resource and workflow and helping teams understand what needs to change
- Supporting resource and capacity planning across teams
- Helping to drive good job management and making sure information is being captured accurately and consistently within systems
- Taking ownership of the day-to-day administration of operational systems and tools
- Reviewing how systems and processes are set up and identifying opportunities to simplify or improve them
- Supporting teams with systems and process queries and helping embed consistent ways of working
- Line managing and mentoring a part-time Operations Executive
- Supporting onboarding and operational set-up for new starters
What we are looking for:
You will ideally have around 3 to 5 years' experience within operations, resource, workflow, studio, PMO, project delivery or a similar role within a fast-paced service-based business. Agency experience would be useful, particularly within a creative, digital, marketing, communications or similar environment, but it is not essential. We are particularly interested in someone who:
- Is highly organised, practical and comfortable juggling multiple priorities
- Has strong commercial awareness and understands the relationship between delivery, resource and financial performance
- Is confident working with operational data and reporting and can turn numbers into useful insight
- Has strong Excel skills and is comfortable manipulating data, using formulas, lookups, pivot tables and reporting tools
- Is systems savvy and ideally has experience improving workflows, fields, reporting structures or system processes
- Understands resource planning, workload and capacity management
- Is comfortable working across different teams and keeping people accountable for actions and deadlines
- Has a process improvement mindset and naturally spots where things could work better
- Is approachable, calm under pressure and confident supporting colleagues across the business
Experience using an agency management or job management system would be a bonus, but we are open to candidates who have worked with other operational, project or workflow systems. This would suit someone who enjoys being the person who keeps the operational side of a business running smoothly, likes getting underneath the data and systems, and can bring structure, insight and follow-through to a busy team. Client is keen to interview ASAP, please apply now for immediate consideration.
Operations Manager in Glasgow employer: Smile Digital
Join a dynamic and innovative digital product and venture business that values meaningful client relationships and high-quality delivery. As a remote employer based in the UK, we offer a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth and encourages you to take ownership of your role in shaping new business strategies. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to building a structured sales function, this is an exciting opportunity for those looking to make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Glasgow
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Smile Digital. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Smile Digital.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Smile Digital.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Smile Digital and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smile Digital
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Smile Digital will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Smile Digital.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Smile Digital.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Smile Digital. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
