At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational strategy and drive efficiency in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a leading ISO consultancy firm making waves in cyber and compliance.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values innovation, inclusivity, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while shaping the future of operations in a growing company.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior operations leadership with a focus on process optimisation.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Operations Leader with a passion for driving efficiency, profitability, and strategic growth? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where you can make a real impact?
About Us: We are a leading force in Cyber and Compliance, delivering industry-leading ISO standards solutions that help businesses enhance their security, resilience, and regulatory compliance. As we continue to scale, we are seeking a VP of Operations to lead our operational strategy, financial oversight, and team leadership—ensuring we deliver exceptional service to our customers and stakeholders.
The Role: The VP of Operations for our ISO standards business is a key member of the senior leadership team in our Cyber and Compliance division reporting into the Divisional Managing Director. This role will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operational and administrative functions of the company, ensuring the business runs efficiently, meets its strategic objectives, and delivers exceptional value to its customers, employees, and investors.
What We’re Looking For:
- 5+ years of experience in a senior operations leadership role.
- A proven track record in process optimization, cost management, and team leadership.
- Strong expertise in ISO standards, cyber security, or compliance industries (preferred but not essential).
- Professional certifications in Operations, Project, or Programme Management (desirable).
- Leadership training and a strategic mindset with the ability to drive operational excellence.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a growing company making an impact in the cyber and compliance space.
- Lead a high-performing team and shape the future of our operations.
- Hybrid working environment with flexibility.
- Competitive salary, benefits, and career progression opportunities.
Our Story: IMSM Ltd is a leading ISO consultancy firm specialising in delivering high-quality ISO standards to businesses globally. We empower organisations of all sizes to unlock their potential through our professional and straightforward methodology. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, we provide fixed-fee, flexible ISO certification services tailored to each client’s needs. Our mission is to guide companies toward achieving internationally recognised standards, enhancing their operational efficiency and market competitiveness.
Our Culture and Values: At IMSM, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of continuous improvement, customer-centricity, and environmental responsibility. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service while minimising our environmental footprint. We believe in empowering our employees through professional development opportunities and promoting a collaborative and inclusive workplace.
Up for the challenge? If you share our values of Innovation, Detail orientated, Succinct, Reliable and Continuous improvement, please use the purple ‘apply now’ button to begin your application. You’ll be asked to submit a CV and covering letter outlining how you fulfil the person specification for this post. IMSM is committed to creating a culture of Inclusion and ensuring that everyone – job applicants, clients, colleagues, and anyone else we deal with – is treated fairly and with respect. We continuously review our policies and processes to support our aim to create a diverse team; however, please speak to our Talent and Recruitment specialist if there are any adjustments we need to make in order to ensure a genuine equality of opportunity.
Closing date: 2nd April 2025. Please note: Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. We may look to close the advert early, so please don't delay in submitting an application.
VP of Operations employer: WorkNest
WorkNest is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, particularly in the fast-evolving fields of cyber resilience and data protection. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities to lead impactful projects while leveraging cutting-edge AI technology. Our commitment to collaboration and strategic thinking ensures that every team member can contribute meaningfully to our ambitious goals, all within the vibrant cities of Leeds and Stevenage.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VP of Operations
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like WorkNest looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace VP of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at WorkNest. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at WorkNest
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with WorkNest’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!