SVP, Operations

Clyde Group is seeking an SVP of Operations to lead the operations of the firm as we continue our growth trajectory. Under our vision to be the best agency to work for, we’re a principles-driven firm seeking to disrupt “business as usual” in communications through creative strategy focused entirely on results-driven client service. Our practices span strategic communications, public affairs, and healthcare.

We are looking for the next SVP of Operations to work closely with the CEO and leadership team to help drive the 50+ person firm in its next stage of growth, further shaping and driving our strategic vision. The SVP will work with outside operations partners, including legal, finance, and HR, and will be a dynamic individual, hungry for the challenge, prepared to bring their new insights and energy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with the CEO, Senior Advisory Team and Head of Talent and Culture to ensure operations are driving the firm’s strategic vision, growth, and advance our vision, mission, and organizational culture
• Maintain responsibility for agency’s financial health, managing investments and expenses to
  ensure the company achieves growth and profitability targets
• Oversee the firm’s operational activities, directing internal HR and operations team members, and legal, IT, and other outside partners
• Work with members of Senior Advisory Team to oversee profitability of clients and the
  utilization of team members across agency, working with practice leads to maintain individual practice profitability
• Maintain responsibility for the agency’s budget, working with finance team to track profitability, manage P&L, and incorporate the financial impact of both new and lost accounts
• Manage accounting team to process payroll, bonuses, client billing, and other regular financial transactions
• Work with leadership to identify and adopt tools (technologies, subscriptions, etc.) to improve client service
• Oversee facilities, including office space leasing, as well as IT and other infrastructure needs and investments
• Work with People and Culture department, and outside legal counsel to update policies,
  procedures, and maintain handbook
• Continuously evaluate benefits to ensure competitive pricing, and competitive benefits to
  attract and retain team members
• Oversee People and Culture through the process of recruiting, hiring, and retaining team members
• Work with client leads and accounting teams to oversee contracts, such as client service
  agreements, statements of work, vendor agreements, etc.

Position Expectations:

• Fierce commitment to, and respect for, a diverse and inclusive workplace
• Hunger for challenge at point of inflection and opportunity for agency
• Sophisticated use of – and experience with – spreadsheets, financial tools, billing systems,
  profitability analysis, etc.
• Demonstrate advanced EQ, and inspire, motivate, and lead internal teams and project teams- practical yet empathetic leader
• Comfortable communicating honestly, directly, and respectfully with CEO, senior leadership,
  and other team members around the inevitable difference of opinions and approaches
• Deep understanding of client service
• Demonstrate humility in leadership by promoting success of team, finding opportunities for others to be recognized and advance
• Thrives in and contributes to a collaborative culture- listen first approach

Qualifications/Required Skills:

• 12+ years of experience running operations; professional services required; PR, comms,
  marketing, or advertising agency experience preferred
• Understanding of business functions such as HR, finance, legal
• Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operation metrics
• Comfortable with and responsive to rapidly changing environments
• Experience creating and managing multi-million-dollar budgets and P&Ls
• Experience scaling an agency
• Comfortable learning and adopting new tech platforms
• Experience leading large teams
• Desire to manage people, mentor junior team members, and lead teams
• Excellent writing and grammar skills