Operations Manager (deadline 4 January)

Novara Media; City of London; On-site; GBP 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic media organisation is looking for an experienced Operations Manager to support operational activities and manage the studio in London. The role requires a confident generalist ready to tackle a variety of challenges, with strong attention to detail and project management skills. Ideal candidates will have experience in operational support within the media or related sectors. An inclusive work environment with competitive pay and professional development opportunities offered.

Benefits

Flat pay structure

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible work hours

Professional development opportunities

Creative work environment

Qualifications

• Experience managing day-to-day operations of a growing organisation, ideally within media, political, or creative sectors.
• Strong project management and organisation skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Confident communicator who can liaise at all levels, from partners to directors.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational support across all sections with an ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Act as operational point of contact for partners and stakeholders.
• Assist with banking and finance tasks.
• Manage day-to-day office and studio operations.

Skills

Operational support

Project management

Problem-solving

Communication

Financial administration

Attention to detail

Tools

Digital communication tools

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to join Novara Media’s growing operations team. This role provides core operational support to the Operations Lead and the wider Business Operations Team. Reporting to and working alongside the Operations Lead, you will support the day‑to‑day management of all our operational activities, including the smooth running of our new studio. Ideally, we are also looking for someone who can also take on some banking and financial tasks, including paying and filing invoices, basic budgeting, chasing invoices and receipts, and keeping cashflow spreadsheets up to date.

This is a hands‑on, generalist role for someone who thrives on variety and problem‑solving, but is also meticulous, with excellent attention to detail. You'll be managing our physical workspace, building and maintaining key relationships with partners and stakeholders, and tackling a diverse range of operational challenges across every corner of the organisation.

Looking ahead

The Operations Lead will be taking a short sabbatical towards the end of 2026. During this time, you will take on additional workflow coordination, decision‑making on day‑to‑day matters, and act as the primary operational liaison across teams. You'll gradually take on expanded responsibilities to provide continuity and leadership in the weeks leading up to this period, making this an excellent opportunity for someone ready to step up.

permanent, full‑time, office‑based role working from our studios in London (We are currently based in Bermondsey but will soon be moving to Dalston).

We particularly encourage women and people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

About You

You’re an experienced operations professional who can hit the ground running. You understand how political and media organisations work, or you bring operations expertise from other sectors. You're a confident generalist who can manage a studio, coordinate with external partners, and solve whatever operational challenges arise, all while maintaining meticulous attention to detail and staying on top of business admin.

You're comfortable working independently and prioritising your own workload, while collaborating closely with the Operations Lead day‑to‑day. You know when to elevate issues to the Directorate. You're unflappable, solutions‑focused, and genuinely enjoy enabling organisations to run smoothly.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop a deep understanding of Novara Media – including each team's ambitions and constraints – which will be crucial to the constructive problem‑solving and project management that will define the role.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide operational support across all sections, with an ability to prioritise when there are competing demands
• Act as operational point of contact for partners and stakeholders, and sole point of contact when the Operations Lead is on leave
• Assist with banking and finance tasks
• Provide administrative and facilitation support to the Directors of Novara Media; assist with planning and logistics for meetings or training sessions
• Participate in Business Operations Team meetings to solve problems across the organisation, and monitor and report on any bottlenecks or challenges
• Manage day‑to‑day office and studio operations, including coordination of maintenance, supplies, and facility‑related issues
• Take on expanded responsibilities during the Operations Lead's sabbatical, providing leadership and continuity for the operations function
• Maintain shared documents, policies, and resources
• Support onboarding processes (new starters, freelancers)
• Keep organisational processes, policies, and operational documentation up to date
• Maintain studio bookings and room calendars
• Support data collection for quarterly or annual organisational reviews
• Help maintain health & safety compliance and records

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience managing day‑to‑day operations of a growing organisation, ideally within media, political, or creative sectors
• Proven track record of successfully managing facilities, workspaces, or physical operations
• Strong project management and organisation skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities and a practical, hands‑on approach
• Confident communicator who can liaise with people at all levels, from external partners to directors
• Flexible and resilient, able to adapt to changing priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Willingness to support administrative functions across the organisation
• Confident using digital tools for communication, project tracking, budgeting, and documentation
• Understanding of and commitment to Novara Media's left‑wing political values

Desirable

• Financial administration experience: processing wages and invoices, liaising with accountants, a basic understanding of taxes including VAT, and a detail‑oriented approach to annual budgets and cashflow (the role could be adapted to include more financial responsibility for candidates with this experience, or less, for someone who is otherwise the right candidate but has none.)
• Experience working in left‑wing organisations, campaigns, trade unions, or activist spaces
• Understanding of the flexibility and adaptability required in a growing organisation's daily operations
• Experience in media, creative, or cultural organisations
• Experience managing co‑working or shared spaces

Benefits

• Flat pay structure
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• London and Leeds offices
• Flexible work hours
• Professional development opportunities
• Creative and comradely work environment
• Novara Media has a flat pay structure, meaning all employees are paid the same hourly rate and pay rises occur uniformly across the organisation. We are a Living Wage accredited employer.

Details

Location: You will be expected to work primarily in our London offices.
Hours: 32 hours per week, preferably spread across 5 days.
Pay: £35,776 per annum

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a CV and a supporting statement of up to 500 words explaining why they’re a great hire for this role, and for Novara Media, with references to specific project work. Submit your application via this link by 04 January 2026.