Operations Director Permanent

Cedar has been retained by a leading professional services organisation to appoint an Operations Director to lead a firm-wide transformation programme focused on digital enablement, AI adoption, and operational excellence.

This is a strategic leadership role for a forward-thinking transformation leader, not a traditional operations manager. The successful candidate will reimagine how the firm delivers value to clients, modernising its operating model, embedding technology and data capability, and shaping a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.

Location: Leeds (two to three days per week in the office) with UK and European responsibilities

The Role

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Operations Director will act as a trusted strategic partner and notional Chief of Staff, responsible for leading major transformation initiatives while empowering a capable senior team to manage business-as-usual operations across PMO, Risk, Facilities, and Governance.

The focus will be on delivering enterprise-wide change, driving digital transformation, and embedding a continuous improvement mindset across the organisation’s operations in the UK and Europe.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the COO and senior leadership team to design and deliver the firm’s transformation agenda with a focus on digital, automation, and AI-enabled improvement.
• Lead enterprise-wide programmes that simplify, standardise, and digitise operational processes to enhance scalability, transparency, and client experience.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement using Lean Six Sigma, data-led decision-making, and agile methodologies.
• Collaborate with business and technology leaders to implement new platforms that modernise workflows and increase efficiency.
• Empower and develop a strong operational leadership team, ensuring business-as-usual functions perform effectively while transformation remains the primary focus.
• Strengthen governance, risk, and compliance frameworks to support innovation while maintaining professional standards.
• Build engagement and alignment across the organisation, inspiring teams through clarity, collaboration, and inclusive leadership.
• Lead effective change communication across multiple offices and practice areas.
• Embed ESG and sustainability principles within operational transformation plans.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Proven experience leading large-scale transformation in a professional services or consulting environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in digital enablement, AI, automation, and data-driven process redesign.
• Strong background in Lean Six Sigma or operational excellence with hands-on experience implementing continuous improvement.
• Collaborative leader who can mobilise cross-functional teams and influence senior stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of professional services operations including governance, risk, compliance, and client delivery.
• Strong change leadership skills with the ability to balance strategy and execution.
• Financially astute with experience managing complex budgets and transformation ROI.

Desirable

• Previous experience as an Operations or Transformation Director in a partnership or consulting firm.
• Exposure to AI, automation, or digital workflow technologies in a service-led business.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma, Agile, or Change Management.

Leadership and Culture Fit

The organisation is seeking a collaborative and ego-free leader who can inspire, align, and empower others rather than a technical doer. Success will depend on authenticity, communication, and the ability to build momentum and engagement across senior stakeholder groups.