Head of Governance and Operations

Are you passionate about driving organisational excellence through smart governance, digital innovation, and strategic planning?

Do you thrive in a hands-on leadership role where you can shape systems, influence culture, and deliver measurable impact?

Are you confident managing risk, performance, and compliance in a fast-evolving regulatory or professional environment?

If so, this might be the perfect role for you!

The organisation

Our client is theindependentregulatory body of Patent Attorneys and Trade Mark Attorneys.

The organisation oversees the qualification and ongoing professional standards of Patent Attorneys and Trade Mark Attorneys, including education and training, maintaining the registers of attorneys, firm registration and licensing, continuous professional development, professional conduct, and disciplinary processes.

We are proud to partner with our client to identify talent for their Head of Governance and Operations post.

The role

This is a newly created, strategic and hands-on role within a small but high performing organisation that has grown significantly in professionalism, governance, and operational effectiveness. The postholder will play a pivotal part in shaping how the organisation uses data, technology, and performance insights to drive improvement and support its regulatory and educational objectives. Drawing together elements of policy, operations, and governance, the postholder will work closely with senior leaders and the Board to enhance reporting, streamline processes, and ensure that strategic goals are underpinned by robust evidence and meaningful KPIs.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working across a broad portfolio, from interrogating CRM data and identifying trends, to drafting reports and advising on performance. They will be expected to bring a data-informed, evidence-based approach to decision-making, with the confidence to challenge constructively and communicate complex insights clearly.

This is a role that requires a strong understanding of how data and digital tools can support policy and operational outcomes. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a regulatory or policy environment, with a track record of improving organisational effectiveness through insight, collaboration, and innovation. They will be adept at horizon scanning, identifying gaps in data, and working with internal and external stakeholders to fill them. The postholder will report directly to the Chief Executive and work closely with other Team members and the Board, offering a unique opportunity to add value across the organisation.

Key facts:

• Contract: Full time, permanent (part time considered, but no less than 4 days per week)

• Location: Our client's offices at 20 Little Britain, London EC1A 7DH. Hybrid working is currently offered but is not contractual. Team members must attend the office a minimum of 50% of their contracted hours.

• Salary: £70,000 p.a.* + benefits (including 25 days paid holiday a year + 8 bank holidays*; Christmas closure from the end of the last working day before Christmas until the first working day of the New Year; Life Insurance; Company Sick Pay and Health Cash Plan) *pro-rated if part time

Key areas of responsibility

Governance & Organisational Effectiveness

• Drive improvements in governance frameworks and performance monitoring.
• Lead responses to external performance assessments.
• Oversee administrative support, including line management of one admin assistant.
• Coordinate Board and Working Group meetings, including agenda setting and minute preparation (in liaison with external provider).
• Maintain and communicate corporate policies and procedures.

Digital Strategy & Innovation

• Develop and implement a proportionate digital strategy, including AI integration.
• Identify opportunities for automation and improved user experience.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and cyber security standards.
• Manage business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
• Support CRM reporting and system updates.

Risk & Compliance

• Lead risk management activities and maintain the corporate risk register.
• Advise senior leadership on emerging risks and mitigation strategies.

Planning & Performance

• Collaborate on strategic and operational planning processes.
• Monitor progress against business objectives and KPIs.
• Produce performance reports for the Board and oversight bodies.

Procurement & Operational Support

• Ensure procurement practices are transparent and deliver value for money.
• Support general operational functions including registration processes and public enquiries.
• Liaise with external IT and HR service providers as needed.

The ideal candidate will meet the following requirements:

• Proven track record in senior operational or corporate services roles.
• Strong background in governance, compliance, and performance management.
• Experience in strategic planning and reporting to external bodies.
• Knowledge of data protection and digital working practices (including the use of AI).
• Ability to work successfully across a broad portfolio.
• Adept at developing insights and working collaboratively to deliver improvement
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience preparing reports for senior stakeholders or oversight bodies in an organisation subject to intense external scrutiny.

Desirable experience

• Senior-level experience in legal, regulatory, or oversight organisations.
• Familiarity with environments subject to external scrutiny.
• Experience implementing AI or digital automation tools.
• Understanding of cyber security and IT risk in small organisations.

Interested?

Apply with your CV and covering letter by 5:00 pm on 5th September 2025.

Notes for applicants:

Shortlisted candidates will be informed by COB on Thursday 18^th September 2025.

Interviews will be conducted on Wednesday 24^th September, in person, at the client's offices in London (20 Little Britain, EC1A 7DH).

For a confidential conversation before applying, with FJWilson Talent, please contact us on 0203 195 3600, or email us at resourcingteam@fjwilson.com

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FJWilson Talent Services is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

FJWilson Talent Services encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates who represent the full diversity of communities in the UK. Reasonable adjustments are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process