Director of Business Operations

Are you a dynamic, innovative leader with a passion for driving operational excellence?

At Oxford Innovation Advice we have a brand-new opportunity for a forward-thinking Director of Business Operations to join us in shaping an exciting future. We are seeking a dynamic and positive individual to spearhead our Operations team, lead strategic initiatives, optimise processes, and drive innovation in a fast-paced environment.  

This is a new role in the business and its primary objective is to lead Oxford Innovation Advice’s operations ensuring that our portfolio of business support programmes across England build on our reputation for high quality delivery and continue to deliver excellent customer satisfaction. The role is also responsible for developing the company infrastructure (people, systems, processes) and making use of new technology to ensure that our delivery capabilities remain industry leading. The Director of Business Operations sits at the heart of what we do and we are looking for an exceptional individual to play a leading role in our next phase of growth.

Travel - you will be required to regularly travel to office locations and meetings in Yorkshire, Midlands, South East and South West. 

Key Roles and Responsibilities

The role will include the following activities (full role responsibilities on JD attached):

• Setting strategic objectives and priorities for the company’s operational delivery as part of business planning
• Leading by example and setting the tone by which your key reports will manage their teams.
• Leading change initiatives and any new projects to ensure that employees adapt to new processes and systems effectively.
• Ensuring that the company is providing excellent client service and satisfaction on all our business support contracts.
• Leading the team to identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Developing and maintaining plans to ensure business continuity in the event of unexpected disruptions.
• Ensuring the company complies with all relevant regulations, policies, and ethical guidelines. Identifying, mitigating and managing risks related to legal, financial, and operational matters.
• Leading quality assurance and ensuring that the company maintains its external accreditations (including ISO9001 and ISO14001).
• Working with the finance team to agree individual programme budgets and an overall operations budget as part of the annual budgeting and reforecasting process.

About You

• Natural leader with well-developed levels of emotional intelligence, able to build a high-performing team by motivating and inspiring others.
• Able to generate new ideas, with a positive can-do attitude.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Highly organised with great attention to detail.
• Able to translate strategic thinking into effective delivery via transformation, innovation and improved productivity.
• Experience of making complex decisions often involving unique problems and requiring innovative solutions.

About Us

Oxford Innovation Advice is a dynamic and fast-growing company where a culture of constant innovation and mutual respect delivers great results from a stimulating, enjoyable and challenging working environment. Part of SQW Group, our sister companies provide flexible office space for start-up and growing technology companies, early stage equity funding, public policy and economic development consultancy services. 

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Our closing date for applications is the 24 May 2024. We reserve the right to appoint prior to this date, therefore applications should be submitted as soon as possible.