Head of Operations for Palace Yard

Hive Support; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading think tank in London is seeking a Head of Operations. This senior role involves managing projects, client engagement, and strategic operations within a fast-paced team. The ideal candidate will have a background in program management, demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, and possess an understanding of UK politics. This position offers a salary range of £50,000 - £60,000, with the opportunity for hybrid working and growth within the organization.

Qualifications

• Background in programme or project management consultancy or policy environments with client-facing work.
• Strong understanding of UK politics and policymaking.
• Skilled at managing multiple projects with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage staff and prioritize workstreams for operational delivery.
• Ensure high standard of APPGs events and client retainers.
• Act as key point of contact for clients, maintaining strong relationships.

Skills

Succession Planning

Expense Management

Management Experience

Operations Management

Relationship Management

Negotiation

Job description

Job Title: Head of Operations

Location: London (Hybrid working available but must be able to regularly attend meetings and events in London)

Salary: depending on experience

Length of Contract: Fixed Term (with possibility of extension or permanent contract upon review)

About Palace Yard

Palace Yard is a cross-party think tank working with industry academics and parliamentarians to deliver high‑quality events and policy programmes. Palace Yard also manages All‑Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) and provides political insight to help stakeholders navigate Westminster.

The Role

The Head of Operations is a senior position within a small and fast‑paced team. The role combines programme and project oversight, client engagement and strategic input at senior level. The postholder will ensure smooth delivery of programmes and projects, manage operational priorities and play a central role in supporting the long‑term growth and direction of the organisation.

This opportunity will suit someone who combines strategic thinking with operational excellence, is able to balance multiple workstreams and thrives on building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across business, politics and academia. Emotional intelligence, sound judgement and a collaborative low‑ego approach will be key to success in this role.

Responsibilities

• Operations and workflow management: Manage staff and prioritise workstreams, track projects and horizon‑scan opportunities.
• Programme delivery: Manage the delivery of APPGs events and client retainers ensuring projects are run to the highest standard and deadlines are met.
• Client engagement: Act as a key point of contact for clients, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring their expectations are exceeded.
• Major programmes of work: Lead the operational delivery of larger multi‑faceted projects and ensure they are delivered on time and within scope.
• Intelligence and communication: Produce newsletters, briefings and sector insights keeping clients informed of key political and policy developments.
• Business development support: Assist the Chief Executive in preparing proposals, monitoring competitor activity and identifying new opportunities.
• Reporting and strategy: Provide updates on progress, risks and resource needs to colleagues and the Chief Executive and contribute to strategic discussions at senior level.

Person Specification

• Strategic operator: Able to think beyond immediate tasks, contribute to organisational direction and add value at a senior level.
• Emotionally intelligent: Demonstrates empathy, sound judgement and a low‑ego approach when working with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Experienced: Background in programme or project management consultancy or policy environments ideally with exposure to client‑facing work.
• Organised: Skilled at managing multiple projects simultaneously with strong attention to detail, particularly in written materials.
• Politically aware: Strong understanding of UK politics and policymaking.
• Client‑focused: Experienced in building and maintaining relationships with senior stakeholders across business, politics and academia.
• Proactive and meticulous: A completer‑finisher who spots risks early and ensures delivery is smooth and consistent.
• Adaptable and collaborative: Flexible, resilient under pressure and comfortable working as part of a small close‑knit team.
• Independent worker: Effective at embedding within a small organisation's values and ethos and confident working in a hybrid/remote environment.

Closing date: 10th October (initial interviews to take place end‑October).

Required Experience: Director

Key Skills: Succession Planning, Growing Experience, Expense Management, Management Experience, Rackspace, Laboratory Management, Senior Leadership, Operations Management, Relationship Management, Leadership Experience, Negotiation, Taxonomy

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1

Yearly Salary: 50000 - 60000