At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for high-quality executive education programmes globally, ensuring excellence in delivery.
- Company: Join a prestigious organisation focused on professional development and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and collaboration across teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping executive education and enhancing participant experiences.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, communication skills, and experience in event management required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Requirements
- Experience commissioning/contracting external parties
- Experienced people manager ideally with an academic or project management background
- Demonstrable experience delivering high-quality events—virtual, hybrid and/or in person
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief senior partners
- High attention to detail and commitment to delivering excellent participant experiences
- Ability to work flexibly, proactively and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment
- Strong problem‑solving skills and professionalism when dealing with senior partners
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple project teams simultaneously involving complex participant groups
- Strong technology skills - digital / e‑platform experience, with AI
- Experience with finance and accounting systems, procurement policies and quality assurance (Desirable)
- Experience with digital transformation and change projects (Desirable)
- Degree‑level qualification (Desirable)
- Experience working in executive education, professional development, media or learning environments (Desirable)
- Familiarity with adult learning principles or working with academic/business school partners
What the job involves
The Head of Operations plays a key role in a fast‑growing portfolio of executive education within the FT. The role has a global remit across the portfolio to ensure programmes are delivered to FT’s standards of excellence.
The role will have a leadership role overseeing a globally‑dispersed team of programme managers and coordinators for the successful delivery of an annual calendar of high‑quality executive education programmes, including virtual sessions, in‑person workshops, networking events and multi‑week learning journeys.
The role will be responsible for oversight of content coordination, speaker and faculty relationship management, and for the overall participant experience, maintaining strong monitoring frameworks, feedback, and making necessary adjustments.
Working across the portfolio, the role will be responsible for managing supplier relationships, negotiating and procuring new contracts, managing programme budgets and reporting. A key remit of the role will be to drive continuous improvement and streamlining projects that enhance operations across the portfolio.
Working with the senior management group, the role will be responsible for commissioning suppliers, internal and external producers, technology providers and platforms ensuring a smooth onboarding process. The role will identify efficiencies making suggestions for improvements and where necessary procure new suppliers and platform providers, creating new processes to support these.
Contributing to continuous improvement by researching event tools, learning technologies and engagement methods, and leading projects to introduce new opportunities within the group.
Lead existing supplier relationships negotiating new contract terms and cost savings as required. Oversee the smooth processing of supplier invoices, maintain budgets and monitor programme costs.
Speaker, Contributor & Partner Management
Oversee the team who are responsible for the day to day faculty, speaker and partner management. Allocating resource as required to each programme. Act as the internal expert and provide support to programme managers for internal and external troubleshooting and resolution on finance, contracting, technology, supplier and other issues. Be the point of escalation for any issues with FT LA or partner programmes. Liaise with contributors, ensuring they are fully briefed and prepared for both virtual and in‑person formats. Particularly owning the onboarding of new faculty and speakers and ensuring consistency in the adoption of FT requirements. Moderate speaker briefings, exam board meetings, supplier check ins and technical run‑throughs where required. Coordinate with FT subject matter experts (e.g., editorial, research, production) when their input is incorporated into programmes. Have a visible presence at events and workshops, ensuring the team delivering the events are supported and that the customer experience is of the highest standard.
Overseeing Programme & Event Delivery
Lead the team responsible for delivery of all UK FT LA events and programmes, and provide advice to global FT LA programme coordinators and programme managers, ensuring consistency in adoption and delivery of FT standards and requirements. Overseeing all operational aspects of in‑person and virtual events, providing direction and advice to programme managers and coordinators as needed. Work with marketing, programme managers and third party partners to ensure coordination of event invitations, automated emails, and communication workflows for attendees. Lead the on‑the‑day delivery for physical events in the UK, ensuring a seamless participant and speaker experience. Ensure robust programme monitoring and evaluation is in place, with reporting to support programme design, marketing and user experience.
Project Management Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Work with FT Finance, Product and Tech, HR and other internal service teams and external suppliers to improve management reporting, streamline operations and enhance consistency and support across these areas for the portfolio. Work with FT Leaders Academy sales, marketing and account management teams to support demand generation, client communication and event promotion. Provide programme insights that support marketing campaigns, participant targeting and pipeline growth. Find opportunities and drive efforts to streamline activities and strengthen consistency across the portfolio.
Head of Operations (FT Leaders Academy) in London employer: The Financial Times
As the Head of Operations at FT Leaders Academy, you will join a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to delivering exceptional executive education programmes. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that values professional growth, offering ample opportunities for skill development and leadership advancement. Located in a vibrant environment, we prioritise employee well-being and provide unique benefits, including flexible working arrangements and access to cutting-edge technology, ensuring a rewarding and fulfilling career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations (FT Leaders Academy) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with potential employers on social media. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want you to be able to showcase how your skills align with their needs. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We recommend mentioning something specific from the conversation to keep you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations (FT Leaders Academy) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in commissioning and managing events. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since strong written and verbal communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of how you've successfully briefed senior partners or managed stakeholder relationships.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple projects at once. In your application, share specific instances where you’ve managed complex participant groups or coordinated various teams to deliver high-quality events.
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 role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Financial Times
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the role. Brush up on your experience with commissioning and contracting external parties, as well as your people management skills. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully delivered high-quality events, whether virtual or in-person.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since strong written and verbal communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you've briefed senior partners in the past and how you handle complex participant groups. This will demonstrate your ability to manage relationships effectively.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Prowess
Be prepared to tackle hypothetical scenarios during the interview. Think about challenges you’ve faced in previous roles and how you resolved them, especially when dealing with senior partners or managing multiple projects. This will highlight your professionalism and problem-solving skills.
✨Get Tech-Savvy
Familiarise yourself with the latest digital tools and platforms relevant to event management. If you have experience with AI or digital transformation projects, be sure to mention it. Showing that you can leverage technology to enhance operations will set you apart from other candidates.
