Role Overview
We are seeking an exceptional Chief of Operations to join a high-end creative studio, responsible for delivering world-class projects across luxury events, design, and experiential activations. This is a pivotal leadership role, acting as the operational backbone of the business — a true “mission control” — ensuring that every project is executed with precision, discretion, and excellence.
The role requires a rare balance of strategic thinking and meticulous execution, with a deep understanding of high-value logistics, financial control, and operational structure. The successful candidate will bring experience managing complex, design-led projects with budgets for UHNW clients, alongside a strong grasp of financial governance, global logistics, and premium client delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Mission Control
- Act as the central operational lead across the studio, maintaining full oversight of all projects, timelines, and resources.
- Ensure seamless coordination across creative, production, and logistics teams.
- Uphold the highest standards of delivery, organisation, and internal structure.
- Ensure the team are using the time tracking technology.
High-End Logistics & Project Delivery
- Oversee the planning and execution of complex, high-value projects across the UK and internationally.
- Manage intricate logistics with precision, ensuring flawless delivery in line with brand standards.
- Maintain full visibility over budgets for UHNW clients, ensuring financial discipline and accuracy.
Financial Oversight & Control
- Lead on budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning across all projects and business operations.
- Work closely with external accountants and/or act as a financial controller to ensure robust financial management.
- Oversee cash flow, reporting, and cost tracking with a high level of accuracy and accountability.
Strategic Growth & Global Outlook
- Support the Founder in shaping operational frameworks that enable growth into international markets.
- Align systems, processes, and resources to support a globally scalable business.
- Bring a commercially aware mindset to support long-term business positioning.
Contracts, Compliance & Risk Management
- Maintain oversight of all client, supplier, and freelance contracts, ensuring commercial and legal integrity.
- Ensure full compliance across all operational areas, including insurance, legal requirements, and health & safety.
- Proactively identify and mitigate risk across projects and business operations.
Systems, Processes & Efficiency
- Design and implement refined operational systems that support a premium, scalable business model.
- Introduce processes that streamline workflows while maintaining a bespoke, high-touch client experience.
- Continuously refine internal structures to improve efficiency and clarity.
Cost Optimisation & Future-Proofing
- Identify opportunities to reduce costs without compromising on quality or creative output.
- Build resilient operational frameworks that support long-term sustainability and growth.
Technology & Innovation
- Leverage technology and digital tools to enhance operational efficiency, reporting, and communication.
- Lead the implementation and integration of the CRM system (Tallie) across the business, ensuring adoption and consistency across all teams.
- Implement systems that provide real-time visibility across projects, client relationships, and budgets.
Human Resources
- General HR knowledge including policy management and development, contracting, and experience in managing complex investigation and disciplinary processes.
- Understanding of Employee Relations (ER), including policy management and development, contracting, wellbeing controls, personal development plans, and one-to-one coaching.
- Main point of contact for the external HR company.
Key Requirements
- Significant experience in a senior operations role within a luxury or high-end creative, events, or experiential industry.
- Proven background in managing complex logistics and delivering high-value projects.
- Strong financial acumen, with experience overseeing budgets, forecasting, and financial controls.
- Experience working closely with finance teams or in a financial controller capacity.
- In-depth knowledge of contracts, compliance, and risk management.
- Experience supporting international project delivery or global business expansion.
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail and a structured approach to operations.
- Tech-savvy, with experience implementing systems and tools to enhance business performance.
- Ability to operate at both a strategic and hands-on level.
Key Attributes
- Impeccable organisational skills and a meticulous eye for detail.
- Calm, composed, and solutions-focused under pressure.
- Commercially astute with a strong understanding of high-end client expectations.
- A natural leader with the ability to bring clarity and structure to complex environments.
- Discreet, professional, and highly dependable.
- A collaborative approach, with the ability to work closely with creative teams while driving operational excellence.
