Head of Operations in London

Head of Operations in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operations, turn strategy into execution, and build scalable processes.
  • Company: Disruptive tech startup revolutionising the OTC trading markets.
  • Benefits: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
  • Other info: Ideal for those who thrive in ambiguity and love problem-solving.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in a fast-paced industry.
  • Qualifications: Strong operational skills, strategic thinking, and a hands-on approach.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.

About Zuma Labs

Zuma Labs is a disruptive technology startup building force multipliers for systemic industries. Our first two products, Venetian and Squawk, target the over-the-counter (OTC) trading markets. We work closely with our customers and count a large, publicly traded brokerage among our partners. Trading technology is an old industry… and we’re here to change that. Like many startups, we value creativity, entrepreneurship, and real passion for problem‑solving. But what we’re really looking for are born‑and‑bred hackers, people with a healthy disrespect for the status quo and the drive to build something better.

Role Overview

We’re looking for a Head of Operations who thrives in ambiguity, moves fast, and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves. This is a highly hands‑on leadership role for someone resourceful and execution obsessed. You’ll be responsible for turning strategy into execution across the company - building processes where needed, fixing what’s broken, and scaling what works. In the early days, that means wearing many hats: operator, recruiter, project manager, finance partner, systems builder, and sometimes firefighter. If you’re excited about building from zero to one (and one to ten), this role is for you.

What You’ll Do

  • Company Execution & Operating Rhythm
    • Translate company strategy into clear operating plans and measurable goals
    • Establish KPIs, reporting cadence, and accountability systems
    • Drive quarterly and annual planning processes
    • Ensure cross‑functional alignment and delivery
  • People & Recruiting
    • Partner with leadership on hiring strategy and workforce planning
    • Build recruiting processes and help close key hires
    • Develop onboarding and performance management frameworks
    • Strengthen culture, communication, and internal transparency
  • Finance & Resource Allocation
    • Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning
    • Improve capital efficiency and vendor management
    • Build financial visibility and decision‑making frameworks
  • Systems & Infrastructure
    • Design scalable internal processes and tooling
    • Identify operational bottlenecks and implement solutions
    • Improve cross‑team workflows and information flow
  • Special Projects
    • Lead high‑impact, ambiguous initiatives from idea to execution
    • Step in wherever needed – product ops, partnerships, compliance, customer ops, etc.

Who You Are

  • Scrappy, resourceful, and highly execution‑oriented
  • Comfortable operating in fast‑moving, ambiguous environments
  • Strategic thinker who can also operate in the weeds
  • Strong operator with sound business judgment
  • Highly organised with exceptional follow‑through
  • Clear, direct communicator
  • Low ego, high ownership

Head of Operations in London employer: Zuma Labs

At Zuma Labs, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative employer that fosters a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship. As a Head of Operations, you'll thrive in an environment that values problem-solving and agility, with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. Our commitment to transparency and collaboration ensures that every team member plays a vital role in shaping the future of trading technology, making this an exciting place to build your career.
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Contact Detail:

Zuma Labs Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at startups or in operations. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website that highlights your achievements and projects. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can turn strategy into execution, just like we do at StudySmarter. Make it easy for potential employers to see what you bring to the table.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and how they operate. At Zuma Labs, they value creativity and problem-solving, so think of examples from your past where you’ve tackled challenges head-on. Be ready to share those stories!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way in landing that dream job!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in London

Strategic Planning
KPI Development
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Recruitment Strategy
Onboarding Frameworks
Performance Management
Budgeting and Forecasting
Cash Flow Planning
Process Design
Operational Efficiency
Project Management
Problem-Solving
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to disrupt the trading technology industry with us.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Operations role. Highlight your hands-on experience and how you've thrived in ambiguous environments, as that's what we’re all about at Zuma Labs.

Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate straightforward communication. Keep your application clear and to the point, focusing on your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can translate strategy into execution!

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 serious about joining our team at Zuma Labs.

How to prepare for a job interview at Zuma Labs

✨Know the Company Inside Out

Before your interview, dive deep into Zuma Labs and its products like Venetian and Squawk. Understand their mission to disrupt the OTC trading markets and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your skills to their needs.

✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

As a Head of Operations, you'll need to tackle ambiguity head-on. Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully navigated challenges or improved processes. Highlight your resourcefulness and execution obsession to demonstrate that you're the right fit for a hands-on leadership role.

✨Be Ready to Discuss KPIs and Metrics

Zuma Labs values measurable goals and accountability. Brush up on how you've established KPIs in previous roles and be prepared to discuss how you would implement these at Zuma. This shows that you understand the importance of tracking progress and driving results.

✨Emphasise Your Team Collaboration Skills

Since the role involves cross-functional alignment, be ready to talk about your experience working with different teams. Share how you've fostered communication and transparency in past roles, as this will resonate with their focus on strengthening culture and collaboration.

Head of Operations in London
Zuma Labs
Location: London

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