Global Operations Director - pathway to COO

• Role: Global Operations Director (pathway to COO)
• Location: Norwich
• Package: £90,000-115,000 base, plus 10% bonus, pension, life cover, EMI share options

Atkinson Moss Leadership recruitment have been exclusively retained to support our client with the appointment of their new Global Operations Director.

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Global Operations Director to lead operations within a fast-growing marketing business. This pivotal role will be instrumental in driving operational excellence, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring alignment with our clients ambitious growth plans.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will oversee the efficient delivery of affiliate marketing and performance-based advertising solutions while optimising systems, processes, customer acquisition, and supplier compliance. You will play a critical role in fostering engagement across global teams, enhancing performance in all revenue-generating functions, and ensuring outstanding client satisfaction.

With a career pathway to Chief Operations Officer and ultimately to Chief Executive Officer, this role requires a visionary leader who can balance strategic growth initiatives with operational execution, ensuring continuous innovation and exceptional results for partners worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Develop and execute operational strategies that align with long-term growth objectives, ensuring scalability and efficiency in performance marketing solutions.
• Work closely with the executive leadership team to drive expansion, optimise service delivery, and enhance profitability across global markets.
• Champion automation, data-driven decision-making, and process improvements to enhance efficiency and performance.
• Balance immediate business needs with long-term value creation for stakeholders, ensuring sustainable and strategic growth.

Operational Excellence

• Lead and enhance the efficiency of key operational teams, including Customer Support, Partnerships, and Global Services, ensuring smooth delivery of marketing solutions.
• Identify and implement technology-driven solutions, automation, and process improvements to optimise cost-efficiency and enhance campaign performance.
• Monitor and analyse operational KPIs, leveraging insights to refine strategies and improve client outcomes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including Product & Tech, Compliance, and Commercial—to ensure seamless integration of systems and services that support revenue growth.

Leadership & Team Development

• Build, inspire, and mentor high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented culture.
• Identify skill gaps and prioritise training and professional development to strengthen team capabilities in a rapidly evolving digital marketing landscape.
• Provide structured performance management, including goal setting, appraisals, and continuous feedback to senior managers.
• Create a positive, inclusive work environment that promotes innovation, accountability, and high performance.

Client & Business Development

• Foster strong client relationships by understanding customer needs and ensuring operational excellence in delivering marketing solutions.
• Support business development efforts by identifying new opportunities, optimising client engagement strategies, and ensuring seamless onboarding of new partners.
• Work closely with commercial and product teams to refine offerings and enhance the overall client experience.

Financial & Project Oversight

• Conduct budget reviews, manage cost plans, and drive cost efficiencies across operations.
• Partner with project management teams to ensure key initiatives are delivered on time and to a high standard.
• Oversee the collection and analysis of performance data to drive productivity improvements and customer satisfaction.

Candidate Profile

This role requires a hands-on, assertive, and highly organised leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver with an eye for efficiency, strong communication skills, and the ability to build effective relationships with internal teams and external partners.

Key Requirements:

• Previous experience of leading across multiple geographies.
• Proven P&L experience.
• Experience of delivering a multi-site strategy in line with ambitious group-wide growth.
• Experience in the service sector, preferably within a company that leverages technology and innovation to enhance its operations or customer experience.
• Strong commercial acumen gained in a commercially focused environment.

In the first instance, click apply and your application will come through to the retained partner Will Palgrave-Moore at Atkinson Moss Leadership recruitment.