At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic operations for the iconic Harry Potter brand and drive impactful initiatives.
- Company: Join a renowned entertainment company with a passion for creativity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holiday, and unique perks like creative bursaries.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of the Harry Potter franchise and shape its future direction.
- Qualifications: Experience in business management and supporting senior executives in dynamic environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
The Head of Strategy & Operations is the primary operational and strategic partner to the Managing Director responsible for the Harry Potter brand. This role exists to extend the Managing Director’s capacity: driving execution, ensuring operational excellence, and acting as a strategic partner across all Harry Potter‑related activity. It operates at the intersection of strategy, operations and coordination, supporting the internal engine behind the Managing Director’s work. Translating vision into action, setting goals, ensuring Product Development, Publishing and Brand Marketing & Communications teams all work cohesively and enabling the efficient delivery of Harry Potter team priorities.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Direction
- Act as the Managing Director’s strategic and operational partner, recognising the areas that will benefit most from your involvement and acting ahead of time to enable high‑value decisions.
- Serve as an extension of the Managing Director in internal settings, providing clear direction, maintaining alignment across teams and ensuring follow‑through on all Harry Potter‑related initiatives (including MBR preparation).
- Provide candid, commercially grounded input on priorities, risks, trade‑offs and execution plans to strengthen overall business performance.
- Lead the coordination and development of the Harry Potter Global Franchise Plan, acting as the primary contact for partners and WBD and ensuring strategic alignment throughout.
- Work closely with WBD to shape the long‑term strategy for HP.com, providing input while representing the priorities and perspectives of the Managing Director and CCO.
- Lead competitive awareness and reviews, keeping on top of the competitive landscape and highlighting opportunities or risks that could shape the Harry Potter strategy or commercial performance.
- Operational Excellence & Delivery
- Translate the Managing Director’s strategic goals into actionable plans, setting clear timelines, owners and deliverables (via Asana or equivalent) and anticipating dependencies or obstacles before they arise.
- Prepare briefing materials, decision memos and summaries for internal and external meetings (e.g., MBR, Monthly All‑Hands, Board presentations, GFP and WB partner needs), ensuring leaders are well‑informed and action‑ready.
- Track, drive and accelerate progress across all major Harry Potter initiatives, surfacing bottlenecks early and recommending solutions that minimise delay and maximise outcomes.
- Ensure decisions made by the Managing Director are clearly communicated, embedded within the organisation and followed through with measurable impact.
- Cross‑functional Leadership & Stakeholder Alignment
- Coordinate cross‑functional work streams across TBP and Pottermore, publishing and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child providing clarity, direction and proactive issue‑resolution to keep teams aligned and delivering at pace.
- Act as a trusted advisor and partner to senior stakeholders, helping streamline decision‑making, improve communication and maintain organisational alignment.
- Foster strong working relationships with internal teams and external partners, helping shape, influence and drive joint initiatives.
- Process & Organisational Effectiveness
- Own and improve core processes, leading the development and improvement of simple, effective ways of working that enhance clarity, communication and consistent execution.
- Lead the planning and execution of cross‑team events (away days, summits, monthly all‑hands, etc.).
- IP Development
- Support CCO and cross‑functional team for IP Development strategic planning.
- Partner with IP Development lead to build business plans, research needs, meet third‑party partners to build strategic documents and decks.
- Provide strategic partner support to any new IP partners.
- Support development of brand guidelines for new IP brand partnerships.
- Support any competitive reviews/research.
What Success Looks Like
- The Managing Director is enabled to stay focused on the most important strategic priorities supported by strong clarity, preparation and follow‑through.
- The organisation is aligned, focused and executing with pace.
- Cross‑functional work streams operate smoothly with fewer blockers and clearer ownership.
- The Harry Potter strategy and commercial performance benefit from informed, proactive insight and coordination.
- Processes, communication and ways of working are simpler, more transparent and more effective.
Qualifications & Experience
- Significant experience in business management or similar roles.
- Prior experience supporting a senior executive responsible for a major brand, IP or complex portfolio.
- Background in publishing, media, entertainment or IP‑driven businesses strongly preferred.
- Proven ability to manage ambiguity, complexity and multiple stakeholders simultaneously.
- Exceptional judgment, discretion and communication skills.
Personal Attributes
- Highly trusted, calm and decisive.
- Comfortable operating behind the scenes while wielding significant influence.
- Able to zoom seamlessly between strategic thinking and detailed execution.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary
- Company Bonus Scheme
- Hybrid working policy (2 days/week working from home)
- 25 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays) – with an additional day awarded each year after your 2‑year anniversary, up to a cap of 30 days.
- Progressive and inclusive policies around Carers, IVF, Menopause, Pregnancy Loss, etc.
- Enhanced maternity leave (18 weeks at full pay) and paternity leave (2 weeks immediately after birth, and 10 additional days over the following 12 months, at full pay).
- Group Pension Plan where we contribute 5% and annual pension workshops.
- Life Assurance of 4 times salary.
- Health Insurance (currently with Vitality).
- Health Shield Cashback Plan – dental, optical, physio and wellbeing benefits and much more.
- Annual Creative Bursary to spend on the creative activity of your choice.
- 2 paid days off per year to spend volunteering and giving back to your favourite cause or community project.
- Monthly Lunch & Learn events – hearing great stories from colleagues, clients and external speakers.
- Regular fundraising events to raise money for our charity of the year.
- Seasonal company parties and team lunches.
- Subsidised on‑site massages.
- Learning and Development opportunities, including an in‑house Mentoring Programme.
Head of Operations & Strategy (Brand & Franchise) (12 Month FTC) employer: The Blair Partnership
As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that champions creativity and collaboration, particularly within the vibrant Harry Potter franchise. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive benefits package, including a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and generous leave policies, alongside unique opportunities for professional development and community engagement. Join us in a role where your strategic insights will directly influence the success of one of the world's most beloved brands, all while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations & Strategy (Brand & Franchise) (12 Month FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to the Harry Potter brand. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research the Harry Potter franchise inside out and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with your answers. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it’s showtime.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows you’re keen and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a nice touch that can set you apart from the rest.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations & Strategy (Brand & Franchise) (12 Month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operations and strategy, especially in relation to brand management. We want to see how your skills align with the Harry Potter franchise and the specific role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can act as a strategic partner, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and how they relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Blair Partnership
✨Know the Harry Potter Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the Harry Potter brand. Familiarise yourself with its history, key milestones, and current initiatives. This will not only show your passion but also help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the brand's strategy and operations.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Given the role's focus on strategic leadership, be ready to discuss your previous experiences in managing complex projects and driving operational excellence. Think of specific examples where you've successfully translated strategic goals into actionable plans, as this will resonate well with the Managing Director.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Collaboration Skills
This position requires strong cross-functional leadership. Prepare to share instances where you've effectively coordinated with multiple teams or stakeholders. Highlight how you resolved conflicts or streamlined processes to keep everyone aligned and focused on common goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions that demonstrate your understanding of the role and the brand. Inquire about the current challenges the Harry Potter team faces or how they measure success in their strategic initiatives. This shows your genuine interest and strategic mindset.
