At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep operations running smoothly and improve team workflows with data-driven insights.
- Company: Established business with a focus on efficiency and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Great chance to mentor others and enhance your career in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of operations and make a real impact on business efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations or project management, strong organisational skills, and data proficiency.
We are working with an established business that is looking for an Operations Manager 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 close to the detail, making sure things happen, improving how teams work and using data and systems to spot where things could be running better. You will work across operations, delivery and finance, helping to make sure processes are followed, information is accurate and teams have the visibility they need to make good decisions.
What you will be doing:
- Keeping day-to-day operational activity moving across multiple teams
- Coordinating priorities, actions and deadlines and making sure there is clear follow-through
- Supporting resource and capacity planning so workloads are visible and manageable
- Maintaining and improving operational processes, workflows and reporting
- Working closely with finance and delivery teams to make sure commercial and operational information is accurate
- Producing useful reports around performance, workload, delivery and commercial activity
- Looking beyond the numbers to understand where things are working well, where there are gaps and what needs attention
- Helping teams stay on top of job management, system updates and accurate data entry
- Taking ownership of day-to-day operational systems and supporting colleagues with queries
- Reviewing existing ways of working and suggesting practical improvements where processes or systems could be more efficient
- Supporting onboarding and helping new starters get set up across systems and processes
- Supporting and mentoring a junior member of the operations team
What we are looking for:
You are likely to have experience within operations, resource, workflow, studio, project delivery, PMO or a similar role within a busy service-led environment. Experience within an agency or another project-based business would be useful, but it is not essential. We are particularly interested in someone who:
- Is highly organised and comfortable managing lots of moving parts
- Has good commercial awareness and understands how delivery, resource and financial performance link together
- Is confident working with data and reporting and can pick out useful insight rather than simply produce numbers
- Has strong Excel skills and is comfortable with formulas, lookups, pivot tables and manipulating data
- Is comfortable with different systems and has experience improving workflows, reporting structures or operational processes
- Understands resource planning, workload and capacity
- Is confident working across different teams and following up where actions are slipping
- Has a practical, solutions-focused approach and naturally looks for ways to improve how things are done
- Is approachable, calm and able to build good relationships across the business
Experience with project, workflow or job management systems would be useful, but we are open to candidates from a range of systems backgrounds. This is a good opportunity for someone who enjoys being at the centre of how a business runs, likes combining systems, data and people, and wants a role where they can make a visible difference to how smoothly things operate. Apply now for immediate consideration.
Operations Manager in Manchester 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 Manchester
✨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 Manchester
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.
