Senior Operations Lead

Senior Operations LeadLocation: High WycombeSalary: CompetitiveHours: Full TimeReporting To: Head of Cyber Resilience Consulting About Saepio Cyber security isn’t an add-on to IT. It’s a specialist discipline. That’s why modern UK organisations separate the teams who run systems from those who protect them. And it’s why they choose Saepio. We’re one of the UK’s most recognised cyber specialists and an NCSC Assured Service Provider, working with over 1,000 organisations who trust us to help them: Cut through noise and see their real riskAlign policy, people and technology into one coherent strategyMature security operations without adding unnecessary complexityBuild cyber resilience that stands up to real-world pressure We partner with the most advanced security platforms in the market and deliver high-impact events, campaigns and thought leadership that place Saepio at the centre of the UK cyber conversation. The Opportunity Saepio is seeking a Cyber Resilience Consulting Operations Lead to take full operational ownership of scheduling, reporting, performance governance, and delivery optimisation across the Cyber Resilience Consulting function. This is not a client-facing project management role. It is the operational backbone of the consulting team.The successful candidate will:Lead scheduling and resource coordination across all CRC engagementsOwn operational KPIs and reporting integrityDrive monthly performance reporting and financial insightReduce schedule fragmentation and improve utilisationEnsure alignment between Sales commitments and delivery capacityDesign and mature operational frameworks that are auditable and scalableThis role operates with a high degree of autonomy and directly impacts delivery efficiency, revenue protection, consultant utilisation, and operational risk control. Core Responsibilities 1. Operational Leadership and GovernanceConduct a full operational audit of the Cyber Resilience Consulting functionDesign, implement, and continuously refine structured, auditable delivery frameworksEstablish clear and maintainable operational processes aligned to growth objectivesAct as the senior operational escalation point across CRC engagementsExercise independent decision-making within agreed strategic boundariesEscalate material risks, delivery blockers, or structurally unresolvable issues to the Head of Cyber Resilience Consulting, providing clear analysis and recommended actions2. Scheduling and Resource OptimisationOwn end-to-end scheduling across the CRC teamReduce fragmented consultant schedules and improve structured allocationOptimise utilisation and protect delivery capacityEnsure smooth sequencing of engagements to minimise downtime and inefficiencySupport capacity planning in line with pipeline visibilityThis role directly influences margin performance and consultant productivity.3. Sales Alignment and Expectation ManagementAct as the key operational interlocutor between Sales and Cyber Resilience ConsultingEnsure sales commitments align with delivery capacity and capabilityProvide operational input into scoping discussions and timing commitmentsEstablish structured ways of working between Sales and CRC to reduce frictionFlag delivery risk early when pipeline demand exceeds capacityThe objective is seamless handoff from sale to execution without operational disruption.4. Professional Services Automation (PSA) Stewardship and Reporting IntegrityWhile the PSA platform is shared across the wider organisation, this role holds functional ownership for CRC data integrity and reporting discipline.Responsibilities include:Ensuring accurate time recording and utilisation trackingStandardising burn rate and schedule variance reportingDriving disciplined PSA adoption across the CRC teamImproving reporting workflows to enable reliable decision-makingEstablishing auditable reporting controlsAdvanced proficiency in project management and reporting systems is essential.5. Financial Governance and Monthly ReportingPartner with Finance to produce structured monthly performance reportsSupport forecasting and variance analysisProvide clear narrative explanations of performance fluctuations, including root causes and corrective actionsMove beyond reporting “over hours” to insight-led operational storytellingContribute to revenue forecasting and margin protection initiatives6. KPI Ownership and Performance ManagementOwn and continuously improve operational KPIs including:Utilisation ratesBurn rate and budget consumptionSchedule varianceResource capacity alignmentDelivery efficiency metricsTranslate performance data into structured improvement initiatives.7. Change and Process ImprovementLead the operational implementation of new tools, workflows, and governance modelsManage competing stakeholder demands across Sales, Finance, and ConsultingFacilitate difficult operational conversations when required to protect delivery integritySupport onboarding, training, and process adherence within CRCSkills and ExperienceRequiredSignificant operational or delivery management experience within professional services, consulting, technology, or risk environmentsDemonstrable experience designing and improving operational frameworksStrong financial and commercial acumenAdvanced proficiency with PSA, scheduling, and reporting systemsExperience managing utilisation, forecasting, and capacity planningProven ability to operate autonomously and make independent operational decisionsStrong cross-functional stakeholder management capabilityCertificationsPRINCE2, PMP, Agile or similar certifications are welcome but not essential. Demonstrated operational impact is more important than formal accreditation. Personal AttributesOperationally rigorous and detail-orientedCommercially aware and outcome-drivenConfident engaging senior internal stakeholdersCalm under pressure when balancing competing prioritiesStructured thinker with strong analytical capabilityTrustworthy and discreet with sensitive commercial informationBusiness Impact of the RoleThis role directly contributes to:Improved utilisation and margin controlReduced operational fragmentationStronger Sales-to-Delivery alignmentEnhanced forecasting accuracyIncreased audit readiness and governance maturityScalable operational structure to support growth What do we offer? ·      Having a happy and healthy team provides the foundation for our energy and drive·      25 days annual leave plus additional half days for a ‘Duvet morning’ and your birthday.·      BUPA Premium Health Insurance ·      Life Insurance·      Critical Illness Cover·      Royal London Pension Plan·      Strong learning and development culture to help you excel·      International incentive trips for high performers·      Fantastic social events e.g. Family Fun Day, Quarterly socials, Festive Party·      Quarterly company-wide recognition events e.g. lunch at Michelin star restaurants   Please note: To be eligible for this role, you must have the right to work in the UK on a permanent basis (e.g., Indefinite Leave to Remain or UK/EU Settled Status). Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time.