Operations Director

The Operations Director at Small Axe will be responsible for driving the strategic and operational effectiveness of the organisation. This includes overseeing the operations team, managing finance, office management, HR, recruitment, and enhancing client services to support the overall mission of inspiring change.

Candidates for the Operations Director role at Small Axe should have substantial experience in operations management, preferably within the non-profit or charity sector. A strong understanding of finance and HR practices, along with excellent leadership and communication skills, is also essential to guide our teams effectively.

The Operations Director plays a crucial role in ensuring that all operational processes align with Small Axe's mission of creating impactful movements for change. By developing efficient systems and leading the operations team, the director helps facilitate the smooth functioning of campaigns that inspire action on critical societal issues.

At Small Axe, the work environment is collaborative, dynamic, and focused on creating impactful change. The Operations Director will enjoy flexible working arrangements and be part of a supportive team committed to excellence, innovation, and making a difference in the community.

The Operations Director at Small Axe will benefit from a full-time, flexible schedule that averages 37.5 hours per week, with opportunities for paid overtime. Additionally, the role offers a chance to be at the forefront of meaningful change, influencing how the organisation operates and contributes to society.

When answering this question, highlight your previous roles in operations management, offering specific examples of your achievements, particularly in leadership and process optimization. Discuss how you have improved operational efficiency or implemented new strategies that positively impacted the organization.

To effectively answer this, share your strategies for prioritization such as using tools for project management, assessing the urgency and importance of tasks, and communicating with your team to ensure everyone is aligned on priorities, ultimately showcasing your organizational and leadership skills.

Discuss your approach to building a high-performance culture, such as setting clear goals, encouraging open communication, providing regular feedback, and recognizing achievements. Share specific examples where you've successfully improved team dynamics and output in previous roles.

In your answer, emphasize your understanding of financial regulations relevant to non-profit organizations. Discuss your experience with financial oversight, auditing practices, and establishing systems that ensure compliance while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Provide a narrative around a specific project, focusing on your role in leading the project, the challenges you faced, and the successful outcomes. Highlight your leadership skills, collaboration with teams, and the impact the project had on the organization.

Showcase your conflict resolution skills by discussing specific methods you employ, like active listening, mediation, and promoting a culture of respect and understanding. Provide an example where you effectively resolved a conflict and the positive results that followed.

In responding to this question, emphasize your experience with change management initiatives. Discuss your approach to communicating changes, involving team members, and ensuring buy-in. Provide an example where you managed change successfully to improve operational processes.

Be prepared to mention specific tools and technologies, such as project management software, financial reporting tools, and HR management systems you've used. Highlight how these tools improved your operational efficiencies and assisted in achieving the organization’s goals.

Describe how you promote a culture of excellence through continuous improvement initiatives, setting high standards, recognizing team achievements, and encouraging innovation. Provide examples of how you've instilled this culture in teams you've led.

Your answer should reflect your alignment with Small Axe's mission and values. Discuss your passion for social change, your admiration for their work with charities, and how your skills and experiences would contribute to their goals, demonstrating your enthusiasm for the role.