Job Title: Operations Director (Commercial)

Location: Leeds / hybrid (2 days a week min in office)

Salary: £68,000 - £75,000 DOE

Our client are a leading and rapidly scaling operator in the UK Sports and Leisure sector, looking to appoint a versatile Operations Director to support their continued business growth. With a strong focus on community engagement, operational excellence, and modern facility development; This business is at the forefront of transforming a fast-growing sport into a nationwide movement.

Role overview

This role is central to the smooth running of the business – it connects financial operations, site delivery, HR, compliance and systems infrastructure. We are seeking someone who thrives in a fast-paced, start-up environment and can confidently lead cross-functional operations, while supporting business growth into new markets. The role is both strategic and hands-on and would suit someone who has come from a smaller SME environment, used to the challenges faced in a business going from its infancy into rapid growth phase.

Key Responsibilities

Finance & Accounting

• Lead the weekly reporting of revenue across all sites.
• Prepare, reconcile and upload financial data for monthly close.
• Oversee supplier invoice processing and payment runs.
• Maintain accurate financial records using Xero, ensuring regular reconciliation and invoice generation.
• Calculate monthly performance-based commissions.
• Support the CEO in ongoing budgeting and financial planning, offering visibility over business performance.

Operations Management

• Chair and coordinate the company’s Weekly Operations Meeting, driving agenda items across Finance, Compliance, HR, Systems and Site Ops.
• Monitor and manage all internal systems, tools and subscriptions.
• Maintain clear and up-to-date operational processes and documentation.
• Onboard all new sites into company systems.

HR & People Development

• Act as the HR lead across the company, overseeing recruitment, interviews, offer process and contracting.
• Draft and maintain Job Descriptions, manage onboarding logistics and coordinate staff induction.
• Lead on policy development and compliance, ensuring employee and operational handbooks are current and aligned with best practice.
• Onboard and contract all new employees and self-employed sub-contractors, managing expectations and agreements.

Stakeholder Management & Issue Resolution

• Serve as the internal “go-to” for operational problem solving – offering proactive, structured solutions to site, people or system issues.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with landlords, tradespeople, and third-party providers.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum experience 3-5 years at senior leadership level in business operations
• Proven financial literacy and experience using Xero, Dext, Telleroo or similar platforms.
• Recent experience and longevity in a start-up / SME environment.
• Comfortable with financial data and reporting; able to collaborate with accountants and budget holders.
• Experience delivering cross-functional operations in a scaling business.
• Strong HR and onboarding background; familiarity with employment processes and systems setup.
• Confident leading meetings, managing suppliers, and overseeing logistics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, and strong project management capabilities.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus potential.
• Flexibility in working location and hours.
• A friendly, fast-paced work culture focused on delivery and growth.
• Opportunity to play a leading role in one of the UK’s fastest growing companies in the sector.
• Regular team events.

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