At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Systems Operations team to optimize and automate Yoto's internal systems.
- Company: Join Yoto, a fast-growing audio platform for kids, inspiring creativity without screens.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, generous holidays, share options, and wellness perks like private medical insurance.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven company that values innovation and family-friendly culture.
- Qualifications: Proven IT experience, automation skills, and a knack for data analysis are essential.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 75000 £ per year.
Operations · Yoto HQ – UK · Hybrid
Head of Systems Operations
We’re looking for a Head of Systems Operations to shape the future of systems at Yoto and significantly impact our internal operations.
About Yoto
Yoto is a screen-free interactive audio platform for kids. We make carefully connected audio players that kids control, with no microphones, cameras or ads. We have a catalogue of audio that inspires creative play and learning with 1,000+ titles in our card store from top creators, publishers and labels – think Disney, Marvel, Roald Dahl and Universal Music. We also create Yoto Originals like this one .
- Voted the 14th fastest-growing private software technology company in Britain, in The Sunday Times 100 Tech 2025.
- Featured in Bloomberg’s 25 UK startups to watch in 2023.
- Ranked 9th in Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in 2024; and featured in the Sifted 100 fastest-growing startups across the UK&I by revenue growth.
- Second fastest growing tech company in the UK, in Deloitte Fast50 2023.
- Named one of TIME Magazine’s Top 100 Inventions of 2020.
- We’re 170+ employees spread across the UK, US and France.. and growing!
We’re on a mission to be the soundtrack of childhood, and help families on their own unique adventures. By creating products that inspire independent play, we help families discover and grow with an inspiring world of audio – and we would like you to help us achieve it!
Yoto’s Systems Operations Team
Forming part of the global Yoto Operations team, the Systems Operations team will be responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of information between our software tools as well as streamlining and optimising all systems usage across the business. Working closely with all teams in the wider business, the Systems Operations team will ensure our systems meet the business’s requirements as we scale and ensure that we are able to grow sustainably. The Systems Operations team will be key in driving operational excellence – focussing on automating manual processes allowing Yoto to expand without continuous hiring, and the seamless integration between all of Yoto’s key platforms.
What you’ll be doing:
- Auditing all existing systems across the business – gaining a deep understanding of our various needs and existing challenges, identifying opportunities and establishing existing core capabilities.
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to define the Systems Operations roadmap and making recommendations for sustainable scaling and automation.
- Planning, scoping, and presenting proposals for new projects, ensuring clear communication with all development teams.
- Reporting on progress and project spend to the Operations Director and preparing annual budgets.
- Managing the System Operations team covering integration engineering, internal services maintenance, external integrations and overall systems management – defining clear roles and responsibilities within the team, and prioritising projects.
- Leading continuous improvement activities, including retrospective evaluations of systems performance and project implementations.
- Assuming responsibility for systems compliance, in partnership with Legal.
- Coaching and mentoring your direct reports, conducting performance reviews.
- Hiring and scaling the team in line with business needs.
- Presenting on System Operations activities to the wider company.
- Positioning System Operations as a trusted, strategic enabler for Yoto, leading the charge for industry leading technology adoption and automation.
What you’ll bring:
- Proven experience in an IT or Systems management role, ideally in a start-up or scale-up environment.
- Success in process automation – identifying repetitive tasks and implementing automation solutions using tools such as Python, RPA (Robotic Process Automation), or relevant scripting languages to enhance efficiency.
- Proficiency in utilising data analysis tools and software, such as SQL, Excel, or specialised platforms, to interpret complex datasets and inform strategic decision-making.
- Active engagement with the latest industry-specific technologies and tools, with a track record of integrating these innovations to optimise workflows and drive productivity.
- A keen eye for recognising areas where technological advancements can be applied to improve existing processes, coupled with the initiative to propose and implement effective solutions.
- Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with cross-functional teams, sharing technological insights and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
- Experience working with internal and external agile engineering teams.
- A service driven attitude towards all work – ensuring we provide the best service possible, as efficiently as possible, to all customers, whether they are external or internal to Yoto.
- A natural at ruthless prioritisation, focusing on high-impact opportunities that drive outcomes, not just outputs.
- Comfortable working in a hybrid environment using a variety of cloud-based software solutions.
- A friendly, positive, personable approach with a hands-on mentality, willing to roll your sleeves up.
Practical skill/experience needed:
- Extensive NetSuite and Shopify experience – essential to the role.
- Experience working with an iPaaS integration platform, ideally Celigo.
- Experience of working in a multi-platform system environment.
- Excellent Excel or Google Sheets skills.
Salary: £75,000 – £85,000 based on experience.
What you can expect from Yoto:
- Flexibility: Hybrid working with a choice based approach – we would love you to come into the office as much as possible, with a minimum of once a week. Take advantage of our ‘work from anywhere’ policy to work from a different location for up to 6 weeks every year. Summer Hours policy to use between the months of June and August.
- Financial: Generous share option programme so you’ll be invested in Yoto’s success. Receive Income Protection, covering long term sickness for up to 2 years and company sick pay that increases with length of service. Life Assurance cover from day one of your service. Workplace Pension offering up to to 3% employer contributions, following probation. Generous employee referral bonus scheme.
- Health & Wellness: Private Medical Insurance via Aviva, or a Wellbeing Allowance to be used for memberships, subscriptions, treatment or therapy. Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) through WeCare and unlimited access to Dental advice and guidance via Toothfairy. Bike to work scheme to promote healthier lifestyles.
- Time Off: 25 days of holiday per year, plus bank holidays. On top of this, you also receive your birthday off, plus 1 extra day of holiday for every year worked after you hit your 2 year anniversary, up to 5 extra days. After 4 years of service, you are also eligible for our sabbatical policy offering up to 3 months’ of unpaid sabbatical.
- Helping Families: Variety of family-friendly leave, including enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, fertility, pregnancy loss and carers leave. Unlock savings with our workplace nursery scheme, designed to support parents of preschool-aged children.
- People & Planet: Up to 2 volunteer days a year. A Book Allowance of up to £50 a year to contribute to your professional development.
- Fun Perks: You receive your very own Yoto player and starter pack of cards! Regular company socials and celebrations, including our annual YotoFest!
Equity and Diversity
At Yoto, we love creating a world where childhood is rich with discovery and joy. We’re also passionate about building a workplace where everyone can thrive – both professionally and personally. We value flexibility and give our team the freedom to balance life and work in ways that suit them.
We’re committed to fostering a safe, diverse, and inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued and supported. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion group holds bi-monthly forums to elevate diverse voices and perspectives, ensuring everyone at Yoto feels heard, respected, and appreciated.
We don’t just embrace differences – we celebrate them. We share audio content from a vibrant and diverse community of creators (check out our DEI selection ), and we are building a team that reflects that same diversity. We invite candidates from all walks of life to explore opportunities with us and join a company that champions flexibility, equity, and inclusion.
- Department
- Operations
- Locations
- Yoto HQ – UK
- Remote status
- Hybrid
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Head of Systems Operations employer: Yoto
Contact Detail:
Yoto Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Systems Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with Yoto's mission and products. Understanding how our audio platform works and the impact it has on children's learning will help you align your vision with ours during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience with process automation and system integration. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented automation solutions in previous roles, especially using tools like Python or RPA.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams. Think of instances where you've effectively communicated technical insights to non-technical stakeholders, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your knowledge of industry-specific technologies and tools. Being up-to-date with the latest trends in systems operations will position you as a strategic enabler for Yoto's growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Systems Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand Yoto's Mission: Before you start writing your application, take some time to understand Yoto's mission and values. Highlight how your experience aligns with their goal of creating a screen-free interactive audio platform for kids.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your relevant experience in IT or Systems management, especially in a start-up or scale-up environment. Emphasize your success in process automation and any experience with tools like Python or RPA.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, discuss specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence in previous roles. Mention your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and your service-driven attitude towards work.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Clearly outline your technical skills, particularly your extensive experience with NetSuite and Shopify. If you have worked with an iPaaS integration platform like Celigo, make sure to include that as well.
How to prepare for a job interview at Yoto
✨Understand Yoto's Mission
Before the interview, familiarize yourself with Yoto's mission to inspire independent play and learning through audio. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with this mission and how you can contribute to their goal of being the soundtrack of childhood.
✨Showcase Your Automation Skills
Since the role emphasizes process automation, come ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented automation solutions in previous roles. Highlight your experience with tools like Python or RPA, and be prepared to discuss the impact these solutions had on efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Yoto values effective communication and collaboration across teams. Prepare to discuss instances where you've worked with diverse teams to achieve a common goal. Emphasize your ability to share technological insights and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
✨Prepare for System Auditing Discussions
The role involves auditing existing systems and identifying opportunities for improvement. Be ready to talk about your approach to understanding system needs and challenges, as well as any relevant experiences you've had in assessing and optimizing systems in a business environment.