Director of Operations

Swoop Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable international real estate firm is seeking a Director of Operations to lead and refine multiple core functions. The role demands strong leadership in operational management, HR strategy, IT systems, and compliance, ensuring efficient processes within a dynamic environment. This strategic position offers the chance to shape the future of the organization and make meaningful changes across teams. Exceptional candidates will possess experience in senior operations roles within multi-functional settings.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior operations or director-level role within a multi-functional organisation.
• Strong leadership capability with experience managing diverse teams and senior stakeholders.
• Commercially astute, process-driven and highly organised.
• Confident in operating in regulated environments with exposure to AML/KYC and compliance-led operations.
• Comfortable balancing strategy with execution in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and structure across multiple operational teams.
• Own core HR fundamentals, recruitment, performance management.
• Lead IT operations, budgets, and major projects.
• Drive call centre performance and CRM strategy.
• Oversee contract negotiation, execution, and compliance.
• Ensure smooth and professional office environments.
• Lead AML/KYC onboarding and remediation processes.

Skills

Operational leadership

People & HR strategy

Customer Operations & CRM

Technology & Systems

Commercial acumen

Regulatory compliance

Job description

We are working exclusively with a highly respected, growth-focused International Residential Real Estate business to appoint a Director of Operations, a pivotal leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence across the business.

This is a rare opportunity for a commercially minded, people-first operator to take ownership of multiple core functions and help shape the future of a complex, fast-moving organisation.

The Opportunity

As Director of Operations, you will sit at the heart of the business, overseeing and aligning key departments including HR, IT, Call Centre & CRM, Office Management, Contract Management, and AML/KYC operations. Your remit will be both strategic and hands‑on: setting direction, building high‑performing teams, and ensuring robust, compliant and scalable operations.

You will work closely with senior stakeholders to streamline processes, improve customer experience, manage risk, and enable sustainable growth across the group.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Operational Leadership: Provide oversight and structure across multiple operational teams, ensuring consistency, efficiency and accountability.
• People & HR Strategy: Own core HR fundamentals, recruitment, performance management, reward structures, compliance and employee development.
• Technology & Systems: Lead IT operations, budgets and major projects, ensuring systems are secure, effective and future‑proofed.
• Customer Operations & CRM: Drive call centre performance and CRM strategy, using data and insight to improve customer engagement, retention and loyalty.
• Contracts & Governance: Oversee contract negotiation, execution and compliance, managing risk and maintaining best‑in‑class records and controls.
• Office & Facilities: Ensure smooth, professional and well‑managed office environments that support productivity and culture.
• AML & Compliance Operations: Lead AML/KYC onboarding and remediation processes, acting as a senior escalation point and ensuring regulatory excellence.

About You

• Proven experience in a senior operations or director‑level role within a multi‑functional organisation
• Strong leadership capability with experience managing diverse teams and senior stakeholders
• Commercially astute, process‑driven and highly organised
• Confident operating in regulated environments with exposure to AML/KYC and compliance‑led operations
• Comfortable balancing strategy with execution in a fast‑paced setting

Why Apply?

This role offers genuine influence, breadth and visibility. You will be empowered to make meaningful change, build structure at scale, and play a critical role in shaping how the business operates for years to come.

If you are an experienced operational leader looking for a role with scope, challenge and impact, we would love to speak with you.