Operations & Business Manager in City of London

Wanderlust, the UK’s longest-running and leading travel magazine, is looking for a highly organised and proactive Operations & Business Manager to keep our dynamic company running smoothly as we scale in the UK and internationally. The role offers varied responsibilities and is perfect for someone who enjoys wearing multiple hats, thrives in being detail orientated, and has an astute, business mind. You’ll work closely with the COO and senior leadership team to drive daily business operations, work closely with external suppliers, and support across logistics related activity. We welcome applicants from all professional backgrounds who bring strong organisational skills, commercial awareness, and a collaborative mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Operations & HR
  • Support day-to-day business operations and ensure smooth company processes.
  • Manage staff onboarding, employment contracts, and HR-related matters.
  • Oversee health and safety requirements.
  • Support recruitment processes and team planning.
  • Liaise with the IT team to ensure staff equipment is in place and technical issues are resolved promptly.
  • Ensure the office is organised, well-stocked, and prepared for meetings, events, and staff activities.
  • Coordinate office logistics and facilities as needed.
• Print Management & Distribution
  • Support the print production and smooth distribution of Wanderlust magazine and multiple bookazines and supplements throughout the year.
  • Manage internal, client, and supplier deadlines and monitor delivery.
  • Liaise with printers and distributors to ensure smooth print and distribution processes.
  • Review costs and ensure price competitiveness.
• Events
  • Support the organisation of trade, consumer, and internal events.
  • Managing logistics, suppliers, procurement, deliveries, and staff planning.
  • Support at live events as required.
• Accounts & Financial Administration
  • Work closely with the accountants on cashflow management and supplier payments.
  • Ensure costs and income are accurately recorded to support the preparation and review of management accounts.
  • Lead procurement-related tasks and the review of legal documents.
• Editorial Operations & Planning
  • Manage invoicing, contracts and payments for freelance writers, photographers, contributors and external suppliers, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely processing.
  • Act as the primary administrative liaison between the editorial team and finance, procurement and external partners.
  • Maintain clear records of freelance agreements, rates, usage rights and deliverables.
  • Coordinate practical arrangements for editorial events, conferences and industry participation, including registrations, travel logistics, accommodation and on site requirements.
  • Ensure smooth onboarding of new freelancers and contributors, including contracts, payment setup and systems access where required.
• Potential additional scope to role - Marketing & Retail Operations
  • Support subscriber management, reporting, and marketing operations.
  • Assist with the execution of subscription marketing campaigns, working closely with the wider team on creative and design elements.
  • Support the UK and international retail strategy.
  • Help drive efficient sales processes and growth of Wanderlust’s international retail presence.

About You

• 7+ years business experience.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Critically minded with a practical, problem-solving approach.
• An interest in publishing and media and someone who understands the values of Wanderlust.
• Comfortable managing multiple responsibilities across different business functions.
• Confident working with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build effective working relationships.
• Analytically and commercially minded.
• Able to participate at in-person events, involving weekend and evenings.

How to Apply

To apply, please send: Your CV. A 30-second video pitch explaining why you are right for the role. Your salary expectations and ideal working pattern. Email applications to: elliot@wanderlustmagazine.com