The Operations Manager provides strong operational governance, monitors performance dashboards, and identifies trends, risks, and root causes impacting results. They collaborate closely with Team Leaders, Quality, Training, and technical support to drive continuous improvement, maintain regulatory compliance, and uphold an excellent customer experience.
Job Responsibilities
People Management
Managing performance and achievement of Team Leader KPIs
Articulate with clarity to the Team Leaders the business expectations and support them with the creation and execution of their operational plan
Ensure daily huddles are prepared and held
Leave/Absence Management ensuring required resourcing is available as per SLA
Disciplinary & HR-related matters are attended to in line with company policy and protocols
Create and drive team motivation
Reward & Recognition is part of the operational rigor
Incentive programmes are aspirational, structured, and well communicated to align with operational delivery
Encourage cross-functional collaboration
Drive a high-performance environment, ensuring client objectives are consistently achieved
HW policies, procedures, and protocols are communicated and demonstrated within the operational environment
Foster the HW culture aligned to a people-centric approach
Recognize and address potential challenges that may hinder team performance or morale
Team/Leader Development
Structured and ongoing coaching/mentoring
New leader transition plans
Lead bi-monthly call review sessions with documented actions and outcomes
Conduct monthly 1-1s with Team Leaders to review team performance and personal development
Identify and address skills/knowledge gaps
Embed industry best practices and seek continuous service delivery improvement
Share knowledge based on incidents, findings, or feedback
Host regular think tank/focus sessions
Support team professional development (CPD, succession, career pathing)
Address poor performance through structured development plans in partnership with HR
Identify and nurture top talent
Create a repository of useful resources for coaching and skills development
Provide ongoing formal and informal learning opportunities
Operational Management (BAU)
Define operational objectives
Agree and deliver key operational metrics
Plan and deliver against agreed business targets
Monitor performance and adapt activities accordingly
Translate financial objectives into operational activities
Track performance against forecast and adjust operations in-month
Communicate departmental information effectively
Define reporting requirements to optimize performance
Maintain key business records
Implement quality control mechanisms
Manage legislative requirements
Oversee processes and monitor performance
Monitor departmental expenses
Oversee procurement and suppliers
Suggest areas for review based on management insights
Raise and address concerns promptly to avoid disruption
Promote innovation, successes, and learnings
Support project implementation led by the Project Manager
Provide insights and collaborate with project teams
Maintain stakeholder communication and records of progress
Client Relationship Support
Support the Client Director in maintaining strong client interactions
Collaborate with clients through WBR, MBR, and QBR
Manage internal delivery on client requirements
Escalate risks/issues within Huntwood promptly
Prepare for client visits and ensure internal teams are aligned
Maintain healthy client communication and relationships
Share achievements and challenges proactively
Report on continuous departmental improvement
Change Management
Identify departmental change initiatives
Partner with the business on organizational change
Drive change initiatives to successful outcomes
Manage communication plans around departmental changes
Monitor results and address challenges
Department Reporting
Collaborate with BI team to build operational reporting and insights
Analyze existing MI and monitor trends
Use data insights for decision-making and improvement recommendations
Drive data-driven continuous improvement initiatives
Job Requirements
Experience in managing operations in UK Financial Service space
2-3 years experience operating at Ops Management level
Minimum qualification: Matric/NQF 4
Intermediate Excel and Reporting skills
Ability to interpret KPI's, dashboards and performance reports
Identify root causes of performance issues and propose corrective actions
Strong understanding of quality frameworks and compliance standards
Problem solving mindset with ability to priorities
Ability to work independently
Proven track record of delivering targets and KPI's
Good attendance record along with a track record of excellent timekeeping and meeting deadlines.
Skills Required
Interpersonal and communication skills
Understanding of business processes and policies
Organized and structured
Resource planning
Leadership
Innovative and creative thinking
Analytical skills
Coaching and mentoring
Ability to lead and influence
Decision-making
Planning and organization
Continuous improvement mindset
Operational knowledge
Financial acumen
Report writing