Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 DOE
Start Date: May/June
We’re seeking a highly organised, commercially-minded Operations Manager to lead our internal operations and scale the effectiveness of our award-winning agency. This is a senior standalone role, responsible for owning and evolving our operational infrastructure - from systems and people processes to finance coordination and resource planning. You’ll be the operational heartbeat of the business, supported by specialist consultants and working closely with senior leadership to futureproof our internal structure and performance.
Your Impact:
You’ll lead and optimise operational workflows including Arke’s project management and CRM systems, finance systems, HR processes, and resourcing models - ensuring Arke runs as effectively and sustainably as it delivers award-winning client campaigns. You’ll be empowered to improve processes, drive efficiencies, and build a high-performing internal culture where people can thrive.
Responsibilities:
Operational Leadership
* Lead and continuously improve all business operations across departments (delivery, finance, marketing, people, systems).
* Own and evolve internal workflows and systems, ensuring they are efficient, scalable, and align with strategic objectives.
* Collaborate with senior leadership on operational roadmaps, risk mitigation, and long-term business planning.
People Operations & Culture
* Own the recruitment and onboarding lifecycle, from coordinating Job Description development and posting to shortlisting, interviews, and offers.
* Partner with our external HR consultant to ensure compliant, supportive and forward-thinking HR processes are implemented and adhered to.
* Own internal systems (e.g. BreatheHR, Teamwork) and ensure accurate records, documentation and policy updates.
* Champion team wellbeing, inclusion and culture initiatives, including staff events, morale boosts, and engagement strategies.
* Chair the Culture Committee to organise team socials, volunteering schemes and select charity partnerships alongside community events.
* Coordinate L&D and training initiatives aligned with PDPs and departmental goals.
Finance Operations
* Manage invoicing accuracy, expense tracking, and operational budgeting.
* Oversee payroll coordination with our accountants, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
* Maintain monthly forecasting in collaboration with finance consultants and the leadership team.
* Monitor financial KPIs such as project profitability, cash flow, and resource utilisation.
Systems, Tools & Process Management
* Own company systems such as Teamwork, Float, Xero and the Google Suite - ensuring they are integrated and used effectively.
* Identify and implement automation opportunities to streamline repetitive processes and improve accuracy.
* Generate and present regular reports on team utilisation, capacity, and project health to inform decision-making.
* Ensure project delivery data aligns with commercial agreements and client scopes.
Compliance & Legal
* Collaborate with legal consultants to maintain up-to-date contracts, agreements, and business policies.
* Ensure GDPR and data management processes are compliant across all systems and staff practices.
Who you are:
* Strategic Doer: Equally comfortable building process as you are rolling up your sleeves to get things done.
* Detail-Oriented Leader: You love structure, clarity, and data—but you lead with empathy and are a strong communicator.
* Digitally Fluent: You're confident using tools like Xero, Teamwork, Float, HR platforms and quick to learn new tech.
* Commercially Aware: You understand how operational decisions impact growth, culture, and profitability.
* People-focused: You care deeply about creating an environment where people feel empowered, safe, and supported.
* You’re Real: We are inclusive and collaborative; we encourage the free exchange of ideas; we respect and celebrate diverse ways of working. We are accepting: of new ideas, new partnerships, and new ways of doing things.
* You're Curious: We believe in the power of curiosity, always hungry to know more, to challenge known truths and to uncover new trends, innovations and approaches. We never want to do the “same old”, we push boundaries and bring excitement to all we do.
* You're Bold: We encourage creative thinking and conviction in your delivery. We embrace differences and use this as our USP to show our innovative approach to often similar challenges.
What we’ll give you:
* Annual Leave: 25 days of paid holiday, in addition to public holidays.
* Special Days Off: An extra day off to celebrate your birthday.
* Remote Work: The flexibility to work from home on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
* Loyalty Holidays: An additional day of holiday for each year of service, as a token of our appreciation for your dedication.
* Volunteering Leave: Two extra days of paid leave annually to support volunteering activities of your choice.
* Profit Sharing: Eligibility for participation in the company's profit-sharing scheme, allowing you to share in our success.
* Subscription to Pirkx: A benefits scheme providing 24/7 telephone GP access, counselling services, and discounts across retailers, as well as leisure and entertainment.
* Benefits Options: You can choose between Vitality health insurance, a gym membership, or a health and wellness package with About Balance, tailored to support your well-being.
* Flexible Working: Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) to help you balance work and personal commitments.
* Employee Events: Seasonal events arranged by our Culture Committee
* Friday Perks: Early finishes on Fridays, accompanied by social drinks to kick off the weekend right.
* Summer Working Hours: An optional shift in our working hours to start early and finish early.
This package is designed to not only reward your hard work and commitment but also to support your health, well-being, and work-life balance.