Area Operations Manager

Role

Title:

Area Operations Manager

Location:

Sheffield/ Hybrid - 3 days per week onsite

Duration: 8 months

Rate: £442 per day inside ir35

The Area Operations Manager is accountable for end-to-end Area COO activities, spanning financial oversight, workforce planning, and third-party/vendor management. The role partners closely with senior technology stakeholders to drive strategic delivery, ensure robust governance, and optimise operational performance across a complex, global environment.

The role will be based in Sheffield, but some travel may be required.

Key Responsibilities

Own and lead all Area COO activities, including financial management, workforce planning, and vendor oversight
Support the design and execution of strategic initiatives, including business case development and benefits realisation
Lead and develop a global business management team
Manage delivery against a significant annual operating plan across ~65 countries, identifying and executing cost-saving opportunities
Oversee workforce lifecycle management - forecasting, hiring approvals, requisitions, and off-boarding
Manage rate setting, recharges, and billing to recover service costs
Lead and support vendor management activities, including risk oversight, performance management, negotiations, and competitive sourcing (RFI/RFP, major deals)
Oversee purchase-to-pay processes, including spend approvals, purchase orders, and invoice sign-off
Produce high-quality financial reporting and management information to enable informed decision-making

Essential Skills & Experience

5+ years' business management or related experience, ideally within Financial Services technology
Strong knowledge of accounting principles (qualified or part-qualified preferred)
Experience developing robust business cases
Deep understanding of financial and workforce planning cycles, cost management, and purchase-to-pay processes
Experience managing multi-million-dollar global operating plans and programmes
Familiarity with financial management tools (e.g. Oracle Fusion, Apptio preferred)
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage senior leaders
Understanding of the global technology landscape and industry dynamics
Experience working within diverse, global teams
Ability to simplify and clearly articulate complex topics to varied audiences
Highly adaptable, resilient, and able to perform effectively under pressure