Director of Operations

HARRIS HILL EXECUTIVE SEARCH; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to provide operational leadership and strengthen systems. This role requires strong skills in financial management, governance, and people management. You will oversee compliance and support organisational strategy while aligning with the mission of making a global impact in the charity sector. The position is hybrid, with at least 3 days a week in London.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in operational and financial management and charity governance.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Alignment with BIICL’s mission and values.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and audit processes.
• Line manage the Finance Officer, Office Manager, and Systems Manager.
• Ensure compliance and deliver BIICL's mission efficiently.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Communication

Organisational change

Governance

Job description

Director of Operations

Location: Hybrid (at least 3 days per week in London, Russell Square)
Salary: £70,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week)

About BIICL

For over 60 years, the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL) has been a world leader in advancing international and comparative law and the rule of law. Independent, global and purpose-driven, BIICL combines research, events, training and publications with real-world impact, informing governments, international organisations, the judiciary and practitioners worldwide.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Operations to lead the Institute’s operational functions, strengthen systems, and ensure efficient, effective support across finance, HR, IT, facilities and governance.

The role

As Director of Operations, you will be a key member of the Senior Management Team, providing operational leadership across the organisation. You will manage central services, ensure compliance, and enable BIICL to deliver its mission efficiently. This is a hands‑on, strategic role requiring strong leadership, organisational insight and the ability to implement change across teams and systems.

Key responsibilities

• Lead financial planning, budgeting, reporting, audit processes and project monitoring.
• Line manage the Finance Officer, Office Manager, and Systems Manager.
• Serve as Company Secretary, supporting the Board and Committees, risk management and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee HR policies, staffing, induction, appraisals and compliance with employment law and UKVI requirements.
• Ensure effective IT, CRM systems and facilities management.
• Support organisational strategy, change initiatives and senior‑level projects.

About you

You are an experienced operational leader, ideally from the charity, higher education, or research sectors. Strategic yet practical, you combine financial and governance expertise with excellent people management and communication skills. You thrive on implementing systems, leading teams and enabling organisational success.

You will have

• Proven experience in operational and financial management and charity governance.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Strategic thinking and experience driving organisational change.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing abilities.
• Alignment with BIICL’s mission and values, with a proactive, hands‑on approach.

How to apply

For a full candidate pack and details, contact:

Faye Marshall – [e-mail] | 020 7820 7303
Lizzy Clark – [e-mail] | 020 7820 7333

Closing date

Interview date:

Harris Hill is a certified B Corp™ and a leading charity recruitment agency. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality or other protected characteristics.