Head of Operations

Ad Warrior Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international trade association is seeking a Head of Operations to oversee governance, finance, and HR functions. This senior leadership role demands at least 10 years of relevant experience and is centered on delivering top-notch operational support to a diverse global membership. Responsibilities include managing offices, improving digital capabilities, and driving compliance. A competitive salary and benefits package, including private health insurance and professional development, is offered as part of this permanent full-time position situated in London.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Private health insurance

25 days annual leave

Generous pension contributions

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience at senior management level.
• Experience managing an office building and associated contracts.
• Experience in line management of a team.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Council meetings and manage filings.
• Support financial processing and audits.
• Maintain HR records and compliance.

Skills

Operational management

Team leadership

Budget management

Extensive IT literacy

Interpersonal skills

Education

Relevant professional qualifications

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Head of Operations

Location: London

Salary: Up to £100,000

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time, Monday - Friday 9 - 5

Closing Date: 25 January 2026

MemberWise Jobs is pleased to support another distinguished client in the membership and association sector to fill their latest opportunity. Please apply if you believe you have the experience for this role or share it with someone else who might be interested in it. Longlisted CVs will be shared directly with the client and you may be contacted directly by them - although please note you may be required to submit a covering letter.

Recruiting ASAP and actively reviewing candidates. If you are interested in this role and believe you have the experience and skills required please submit an up to date CV. Due to the volume of applications if you do not hear back within 5 days of submitting please consider it unsuccessful on this occasion.

About the client

A leading international trade association representing thousands of members.

The Role

This is a senior leadership opportunity at the heart of a respected international membership body, where operational excellence underpins the credibility, stability, and global reach of the organisation. As Head of Operations, you will take responsibility for the smooth running of governance, finance, HR, digital systems, and member‑facing services - ensuring that a diverse, worldwide membership can rely on high‑quality support and robust organisational infrastructure. Your remit spans everything from overseeing the London office and managing key suppliers to strengthening compliance, modernising internal processes, and driving improvements in digital capability and cybersecurity. You\'ll work closely with senior leaders, support the Board and committees, and lead a small team to deliver efficient operations that enable the organisation to thrive in a fast‑moving international environment. This is a role for someone who enjoys variety, influence, and the chance to shape how a global membership organisation delivers value.

With at least 10 years' experience in a similar role, you will be highly organised, a good team player, confident and adaptable to the diverse needs of a global organisation. This role includes line management of 2 members of staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Governance and Council Support: Coordinate all Council and AGM meetings, manage Companies House filings, verify new directors, prepare agendas and Council papers, and organise annual nominations, ballots, and training.
• Finance: Act as an authorised banking user; support payment processing and audits; coordinate end-of-year accounts and statutory filings; minute Finance Sub-Committee meetings.
• HR, Health and Safety: Maintain staff records; manage inductions, policies, and contracts; issue salary letters and KPIs; organise performance reviews and recruitment; oversee health and safety compliance and training.
• Operations and Contract Management: Line-manage the Operations Manager; manage the listed building and service contracts; maintain multi-year maintenance plans; authorise invoices.
• Technical Support: Serve as the central contact for IT, CRM, and website providers; lead digitalisation strategy; develop AI usage guidance; manage cybersecurity and staff IT training.
• Approved Registers and Sustainability: Oversee key services, including the Approved Registers scheme; support sustainability initiatives and data collection; promote services in collaboration with internal teams.
• Membership and Insurance: Process membership applications and sanctions checks; manage member communications; lead insurance renewals and claims, including staff health coverage.
• Proofreading: Proofreading all publications prior to publication.
• Additional Duties: Line manage 2 members of staff, proofreading publications; attend external trade events; contribute to strategic decision-making as part of the Senior Management Team.

What is offered

• Competitive salary
• Private health insurance
• 25 days annual leave
• Generous pension contributions
• Professional development and CPD opportunities
• A collaborative and supportive work environment
• The chance to influence strategy and shape the future of an international trade association

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• 10+ years' experience at senior management level
• Relevant professional qualifications and memberships
• Experience of managing and maintaining an office building and all associated contracts
• Experience of line managing a team
• Exceptional administration skills
• Extensive IT literacy and experience of working across multiple systems, including CRM and CMS packages, video conferencing and Microsoft Office
• Experience of working in a membership organisation
• Experience of working with committees
• Ability to plan, prioritise and deliver to tight deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal and ambassadorial skills
• Experience of managing budgets
• Flexible, positive and team-centred attitude
• Willingness to travel including some evening/weekend work

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Memberwise, please proceed through the following link to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

https://membershipjobs.com/job/head-of-operations/