Operations Director

Russell Publishing; Sevenoaks; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Operations Director to lead and innovate across various operational functions. This role is ideal for a hands-on, results-driven leader with over 7 years of experience in a senior operations role, particularly within the media or marketing sector. You will drive efficiency, manage diverse teams, and implement strategies that align with business objectives. Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and continuous improvement, offering a supportive and flexible working environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Hybrid working (2 days in the office)

Pension contribution

Free car parking

Benefits platform with discounts

Christmas closure

Company events

Qualifications

• 7+ years in senior operations role with proven success.
• Advanced understanding of GDPR and media operations.
• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Drive operational strategy and ensure high-quality outputs.
• Manage diverse teams and implement robust processes.
• Optimize cost management and foster supplier relationships.

Skills

Operations Management

Project Management

Data Analytics

Supplier Management

Change Management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Degree in Business

Degree in Operations Management

Tools

CRM systems

Project Management Tools

Data Analytics Platforms

Job description

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The Operations Director will be responsible for core operational functions, ensuring that all teams deliver high-quality outputs that meet client and audience needs. This role will drive efficiency, innovation, and excellence across all areas of responsibility, ensuring that the company’s operational capabilities support sustainable growth and competitive advantage.

The role will be responsible for the Business Systems, Creative Services, CRM, Data, Events Logistics & Marketing Delivery functions to deliver operational excellence, aligning with business objectives.

The Summary:

We are recruiting for an Operations Director, the role requires a hands-on, results-driven leader who can manage diverse teams, implement robust processes, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

The Operations Director will report to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and work closely with the Senior Leadership Team. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on ownership to develop and drive the overarching operational strategies and ensure their successful implementation.

The successful applicant should have more than 7 years’ experience in a senior operations role within a commercial environment with a proven track record of success, ideally within a Media or Marketing services company.

The Role:

• Set and deliver the operations strategy to drive innovation, automation, and excellence across all areas of responsibility, ensuring that the Company’s operational capabilities support sustainable growth and competitive advantage
• Ensure Company systems, platforms & websites are developed and maintained to achieve optimal performance
• Refine and improve existing systems & processes with a strong focus on UX/UI
• Optimise cost management & foster strong relationships with key systems or services suppliers
• Oversee deployment of Creative resources (internal & external) to ensure all business design/ multimedia/ production requirements are met
• Ensure the Data team delivers actionable insights to support business objectives and optimise audience engagement, revenue generation and operational efficiency
• Leverage data and analytics to inform operational decisions and drive performance improvements.
• Ensure all event logistics are delivered to the highest quality, ensuring a seamless experience for all stakeholders (physical & virtual) in delivering the annual program of events
• Work with the Marketing Delivery team on resource deployment/ allocations to meet campaign delivery requirements for all brands; collaborate with other stakeholders to streamline workflows whilst delivering exceptional client service levels and campaign performance
• Mitigate operational risks, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and internal policies
• Assume DPO responsibilities through best practice data governance & compliance with GDPR
• Set strategic direction for the team, including OKRs & KPIs setting, execution, reporting, tracking/ monitoring, and continuous evolution of objectives
• Manage relevant processes & systems for the department and implement best practices

Keys Skills and Experience:

• Degree in Business, Operations Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience will be considered
• 7+ years’ experience in a senior operations role within a commercial environment with a proven track record of success
• Advanced understanding of legislation including GDPR and compliance relating to media operations and use of information
• Demonstrated success in managing multiple operational functions and delivering measurable business improvements
• Proven track record of leading high-performing teams and delivering operational excellence in a dynamic environment including change management
• Supplier management, negotiating and budgeting including being able to implement cost-saving measures where appropriate without compromising quality
• Proven ability to lead and optimise large-scale operational functions within a B2B media/marketing services or events business
• Highly competent in project and stakeholder management with excellent interpersonal skills
• Experienced with project management tools, CRM systems, and data analytics platforms
• Knowledge of digital product development, event operations, and emerging technologies relevant to media and events
• Proficiency in leveraging data and analytics to inform strategy and optimise outcomes
• Leadership skills with the ability to motivate and empower teams
• Excellent communication skills with internal and external stakeholders to maintain high standards

Application:

Due to the nature of our location, applicants will require their own vehicle to travel to work.

If you would like to apply, please submit your CV and salary expectations to Nicola Gilmore at [e-mail] or apply via LinkedIn.

Company Benefits:

We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and flexible working environment, offering opportunities for personal and professional growth. Benefits include:

• Hybrid working (2 days in the office)
• Pension contribution
• Free car parking
• Benefits platform with discounts, wellness, and engagement tools
• Christmas closure
• Company events

About Us:

Russell Publishing is a leading multimedia company delivering business content, insights, and events worldwide across 6 brands: New Food Magazine, European Pharmaceutical Review, Drug Target Review, Global Railway Review, and International Airport Review. We prioritize our people, fostering innovation and continuous improvement. We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.