Head of Operations, Communications Consultancy, London

Head of Operations

An established, growing communications consultancy is looking for an experienced Head of Operations to take ownership of the day-to-day running of the business — people, systems, suppliers, and processes — reporting directly into the Managing Director

This is a broad, senior operational role at a firm that invests heavily in the person who holds it. You’ll work closely with the Managing Director, Finance Director, and external advisers to keep the agency running efficiently, professionally, and profitably as it continues to grow.

What you’ll be doing 

Agency Operations

• Own the smooth day-to-day operation of the agency, with processes that are documented, efficient, and built to scale
• Coordinate internal projects and business improvement initiatives
• Support the implementation of leadership decisions and strategic priorities
• Monitor operational performance and identify areas for improvement
• Office & Workplace
• Manage relationships with serviced office providers and facilities suppliers
• Oversee office moves, workplace planning, and desk allocation
• Coordinate health and safety administration
• Manage office budgets and operational spend

Technology & Systems

• Leverage AI tools to increase productivity and improve the quality of operational output — this is a real, active expectation, not a box-ticking line
• Act as primary internal contact for IT suppliers and managed service providers
• Oversee the operational technology stack, including Microsoft 365
• Coordinate system upgrades and drive user adoption

Supplier & Contract Administration

• Manage key supplier relationships and coordinate procurement/selection
• Maintain supplier agreements and renewal schedules
• Produce client service agreements, employment contracts, and supplier agreements from existing templates

Project Coordination & Reporting

• Support delivery of internal projects — tech implementations, office changes, organisational initiatives
• Track actions, deadlines, and responsibilities
• Prepare operational reports, dashboards, and management information for senior leadership
• Support annual planning and budgeting

Internal Communications & Admin

• Coordinate agency-wide meetings and internal communications
• Support onboarding and operational aspects of the employee lifecycle

What we’re looking for in this Head of Operations role

• Proven track record with operational management experience, ideally within a marketing agency, communications consultancy, professional services firm, or similar
• Proven experience managing office operations, suppliers, systems, and internal processes
• Experience coordinating multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong commercial awareness and budget management experience
• Comfortable working closely with senior management teams
• A proven ability to use AI tools practically and effectively — genuinely advantageous, not just a nice-to-have

Desirable

• Previous title of Operations Manager, Head of Operations, or Practice Manager
• Microsoft 365 administration experience
• Experience of hybrid working environments
• A track record of leading operational improvement and change initiatives

You are

Highly organised and methodical, a strong project manager, an excellent communicator, comfortable with senior stakeholders, a practical problem-solver with real attention to detail, commercially minded, calm under pressure, and confident managing external suppliers and partners.

A bonus, not a requirement

Exposure to HR support, legal/contractual work, budgeting and forecasting, corporate transactions, or employee benefit

How to Apply

If you have the relevant experience and this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please get in touch with our team, including a copy of your CV as soon as possible via the form below.

Hanson Search is a globally recognised, award-winning talent advisory and headhunting consultancy. Our expertise lies in building successful ventures worldwide through our recruitment, interim and executive search in communications, sustainability, public affairs and policy, digital marketing and sales and commercial.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all.  You can access our Diversity and Inclusion Policy here.