Operations and Finance Manager

Company Description

Young Giants is an education service specialising in support for learners who are missing education. Changing outcomes, changing lives by re-engaging children and young people with their education is the driving force behind our work and we pride ourselves on taking an extremely personalised and flexible approach for our learners.

Young Giants is an incredibly positive place for both our learners and our staff. Our collaborative approach ensures educators and in-house staff feel supported as part of a team and our learners feel heard. Our staff team report high job satisfaction as we are able to bring a significant and positive impact in some extremely complex cases.

Role Description

The Operations and Finance Manager is responsible for overseeing and optimising the operational and financial functions of the organisation to ensure efficiency, productivity, and profitability. The role involves managing and assessing day-to-day operations, finance and operational forecasting, budgeting, reporting and ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures and wider regulations. This role ensures efficient service delivery, financial accuracy, attention to detail and strategic planning to support the company’s goals and growth.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in both operations and financial management and ability to challenge the status quo and communicate proactively across the team. Ideally from a service sector background, but not essential.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a young company in its early stages of growth.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management:

• Facilitating daily operations across departments to ensure smooth and efficient functioning. Addressing and resolving operational issues that impact company performance.
• Develop and implement operational procedures and strategies that align with the company’s goals.
• Utilise data and analytics to collate and raise operational performance reports that drive decision-making, identifying and acting on areas for improvement.
• Continuously evaluate systems and improve operational processes to enhance efficiency and service quality.
• Support the development and implementation of broader strategic initiatives and projects.
• Collaborate with senior management to develop business plans and strategies.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure overall compliance with company policies and sector regulations.
• Continue to be aware of any legislation changes which impact the sector and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with laws and regulations (for example employment & HR law, H&S, GDPR etc).
• Support departments with employee relations, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and performance management.

Resource Management & Allocation:

• Leverage technology to streamline service delivery and enhance user and customer experience. This will involve IT systems, communication tools, and other infrastructure necessary for efficient operations.
• Procure, manage and allocate resources effectively, including equipment, materials/buildings and technology, to ensure optimal service delivery and operational functioning.
• Optimise resource utilisation to maximise productivity and reduce costs.

Financial Management:

• Work with MD to develop financial strategies and plans to support the company’s long-term goals.
• Working with current third-party supplier to produce and proactively analyse finance reports for the benefit of the full management team
• Identify any financial risks and report to MD and senior management team.
• Monitor and control cashflow and operational costs to enhance profitability.
• Oversee accounts payable/receivable and payroll submissions, ensuring timely processing of invoices and payments and debt collecting.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal policies.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with other departments to ensure seamless operations and financial practices.
• Maintain relationships with key external stakeholders, including suppliers and clients.

Team Leadership:

• Lead and manage any reports to the position.
• With the wider senior management team, foster a positive work environment that encourages teamwork, collaboration, and professional growth.

Project Management:

• Plan, execute, and oversee projects to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure project alignment with organisational goals.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position.
• Work may involve extended hours during peak periods.
• Salary – competitive

Location:

• Home working with essential regular in-person visits to London for senior team meetings

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Proven experience in operations and finance management of SME, preferably in the service sector.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in using financial, operational and CRM software and tools.
• Strong understanding of financial principles and budget management.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance and reporting requirements
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of employment laws and regulations (preferred but not essential).
• Experience in the education sector is a plus

Young Giants is committed to building an inclusive workplace, with equity for all, whilst embracing and championing inclusion and diversity. We welcome applications from all.

Application Process

To apply, please submit a covering letter outlining how you feel your experience and skill set fit the role along with your CV. We cannot accept applications without a covering letter or those who send a generic covering letter. Applications can also be sent directly to

Estimated Timeframes:

• Application Deadline midnight 17th January 2025.
• Shortlisting w/c 20th January 2025.
• Initial and brief discovery calls will be held online with the Founder in late January/early February and final shortlisted candidate interviews will be held in-person in London mid to late February.

The role will be available from March 2025 onwards (flexibility depending on post holder’s availability).