ABS Operations Director

ABS Operations Director | Top 50 Firm | London

Are you an experienced operational leader looking for a high-impact internal role within a progressive, purpose-driven environment? Do you thrive on driving strategic alignment, operational excellence, and continuous process improvement across multi-disciplinary professional services teams? If so, this unique opportunity to lead and future-proof the Accounts & Business Services function at a highly respected accountancy and advisory business could be your next definitive career move.

This Top 50 Firm is a modern, forward-thinking business that successfully balances profit with positive impact. Boasting a rich heritage, the firm supports a highly diverse client base ranging from ambitious entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals to owner-managed businesses and multinational groups. Operating from modern offices in London, they foster an inclusive, high-performance culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and integrity.

As an ABS Operations Director you will:

Align the ABS team structure, capacity, and operating model with overall strategic goals, ensuring seamless collaboration across service lines and internal departments.
Drive continuous improvement and innovation across workflows, systems, and delivery models to optimise operating margins and elevate the client experience.
Oversee forecasting, capacity utilisation, and pricing insights to ensure client work is delivered profitably, sustainably, and at scale.
Establish, embed, and review robust quality controls and risk management frameworks to safeguard technical accuracy and strict compliance with professional standards.
Partner with the People and Culture team to spearhead performance management, succession planning, and the leadership development of Pod Leaders and future talent.

As the successful candidate you will:

Demonstrate significant senior operational leadership experience within a professional services or regulated environment, ideally overseeing an accounting, outsourcing, or multi-service function.
Possess a proven track record of managing large, multi-disciplinary teams, with an ability to successfully design and embed scalable processes that support commercial growth.
Exhibit strong commercial acumen with direct experience managing budgets, boosting department profitability, and translating high-level strategy into practical operational delivery.
Hold exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, allowing you to partner effectively with Partners and senior leadership to drive cross-departmental accountability.
Note that a professional accountancy qualification is not required for this position; candidates with stellar operational transformation expertise from across professional services are highly encouraged to apply.

What You’ll Receive

28 days annual leave
Hybrid working pattern
Core working hours of 10am–4pm
Private medical insurance
Season ticket loan
Group life assurance

At Austin Rose, we specialise in Public Practice recruitment and use our market insight to support professionals in securing roles aligned with their long-term ambitions.

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