Interim Operations Director
We’re looking for a globally minded, detail-driven Operations Director to help lead our operational excellence across M+C Saatchi Group's specialist division, M+C Saatchi World Services. This division partners with governments, civil society, foundations, academia and the private sector to address the critical issues of our time, including the climate emergency, national security, social justice, conflict prevention and sustainable development.
We provide a fully integrated, end-to-end service, combining multidisciplinary communications teams with subject-matter experts across the world. Our work is both domestic and global, often impacting the most vulnerable in society, with international activity focused on conflict-affected or developing countries.
ABOUT THE ROLE
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Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this role works day-to-day with the wider Operations team in the UK and across our international regions. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role working closely with the COO to shape, deliver and embed the operations function’s strategic priorities, while also owning the day-to-day operational management of the business.
What you'll do:
You will oversee complex, global operational projects and ensure alignment, consistency and cohesion across all offices and entities, including the USA, Australia, Singapore, Europe and Dubai. A key focus will be ensuring that processes, policies and communications are clear, consistent and scalable across regions.
Partner with the COO to lead and deliver major operational initiatives
Ensure global alignment of operational processes across all regions
Lead and manage the UK Operations team
Drive ISO27001 certification in collaboration with IT and Compliance
Own GDPR compliance from an operational perspective
Support technical innovation and transformation through Project PIVOT
Oversee operations across multiple offices in the UK, Dubai and Kenya
Manage and maintain global operational policies and frameworks
ABOUT YOU
What you'll bring:
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management or a related field
Strong previous experience in an Operations role and strong understanding of operational best practices
Proven experience managing teams across multiple levels and regions
Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills
A proactive, agile and solutions-focused mindset
Meticulous attention to detail with a structured approach to delivery
Adaptability and openness to new ideas, processes and ways of working
Confidence leading teams and projects in a fast-paced, global environment
Fluent English, written and spoken
Applications close: January 23, 2026. No Recruiters.
WHAT WE OFFER
A competitive salary and benefits package that includes 27 days holiday per year, pension contributions, private healthcare, discounted dental insurance, enhanced maternity/parental leave, plus a whole host of others including:
Cultural stimulation allowance - £250 per person per year
Half days off before bank holidays
Emergency care days for dependants
Up to 5 days volunteering leave per year to work for a registered charity
Up to 10 days special emergency leave per year
Season Ticket loan
Payroll Giving Scheme
Thursday drinks to unwind and socialize
An annual Summer and Christmas party
Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion sees us offer inclusive bank holidays
We also offer learning opportunities around D&I, targeted mentoring programmes and the opportunity to participate in several active Employee Led Networks and associated events. Finally, this role will be supported with all the necessary personal development required to set someone up for success.
M+C SAATCHI GROUP has pledged its commitment to create a company that values difference, with an inclusive culture. As part of this, M&C Saatchi Group continues to be an Equal Opportunity Employer which does not and shall not discriminate, celebrates diversity and bases all hiring and promotion decisions solely on merit, without regard for any personal characteristics.
All employee and candidate information is kept confidential according to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
#LI-JM1 #WS
- Group company
- M+C Saatchi World Services
- Role
- MD Finance/Ops
- Locations
- London
- Remote status
- Hybrid
London
About M+C Saatchi Group
M+C Saatchi Group was founded in 1995 and is now the biggest Independent creative agency group in the World. Founded on one core principle, Brutal Simplicity.
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