Operations Director

Cedar; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services organisation in the UK is seeking an Operations Director to spearhead a transformation programme prioritizing digital enablement and AI integration. This strategic role involves partnership with senior leadership to enhance operational excellence and foster a culture of innovation. The ideal candidate will possess strong skills in change management and a proven track record in leading major transformations within organizations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading transformational initiatives at a strategic level.
• Ability to reimagine business models and embed technology capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the firm's transformation agenda across multiple sectors.
• Drive digital enablement and operational improvements.
• Empower a senior team to manage business-as-usual operations.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Digital transformation

AI adoption

Operational excellence

Change management

Job description

Cedar has been retained by a leading professional services organisation to appoint an Operations Director to lead a firm-wide transformation programme focused on digital enablement, AI adoption, and operational excellence.

This is a strategic leadership role for a forward-thinking transformation leader, not a traditional operations manager. The successful candidate will reimagine how the firm delivers value to clients, modernising its operating model, embedding technology and data capability, and shaping a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.

Location : Leeds (two to three days per week in the office) with UK and European responsibilities

The Role

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Operations Director will act as a trusted strategic partner and notional Chief of Staff, responsible for leading major transformation initiatives while empowering a capable senior team to manage business-as-usual operations across PMO, Risk, Facilities, and Governance.

The focus will be on delivering enterprise-wide change, driving digital transformation, and embedding a continuous improvement mindset across the organisation's operations in the UK and Europe.

Key Responsibilities

Partner with the COO and senior leadership team to design and deliver the firm's transformation agenda with a focus on digital, automation, and AI-enabled …