Chief of Staff - #2187147

Chief of Staff

Manchester | Hybrid Working | Salary Open to Discussion

About the Business

An established and growing business operating within the merchandise industry, specialising in bespoke clothing and branded merchandise. Working with customers to develop and supply a varied range of products, the business combines product knowledge, customer requirements and operational expertise to deliver tailored merchandise solutions. With an established customer base and a close-knit team, the business is continuing to develop and is looking to strengthen its internal operations as it grows.

The Opportunity

This is a newly created Chief of Staff position, working closely with the directors and acting as a key link between senior management and the wider team. The business has a relatively flat structure, and the directors are looking for someone who can bring greater coordination, organisation and accountability across the company. This is a hands-on position for someone who can take ownership of day-to-day priorities, ensure decisions are followed through and drive improvements across the business. You'll be trusted to use your own initiative, make day-to-day decisions, challenge existing processes and identify opportunities to make the business more efficient. This isn't a traditional administrative support role; it's an opportunity to have genuine influence over how the business operates.

Key Responsibilities

Business Operations

• Improve operational efficiency and internal working practices.
• Coordinate production planning and fulfilment.
• Identify operational issues and implement practical improvements.

People and HR

• Support recruitment and HR processes.
• Help develop the organisational structure as the business grows.
• Work with the directors and wider team to ensure responsibilities are clearly defined.

Systems and Processes

• Take ownership of business systems, CRM and reporting.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems and internal processes.
• Ensure processes are effective and consistently followed.

Project Management

• Manage business projects and strategic initiatives.
• Coordinate activity across different departments.
• Monitor progress, maintain momentum and ensure actions are completed.

Business Coordination

• Manage priorities across different areas of the business.
• Work with departments to establish priorities and agree actions.
• Hold people accountable for agreed actions and ensure decisions are implemented.

About You

You'll be an organised, proactive and commercially aware individual who enjoys taking ownership and making things happen.

You'll ideally have:

• Around 3–5 years' experience in a Chief of Staff, Business Manager, Business Operations or similar position.
• Experience working closely with an MD, business owner or senior leadership team.
• A broad understanding of business operations and how different departments work together.
• Experience improving processes, coordinating projects and implementing better ways of working.
• Exposure to recruitment, HR processes and organisational development.
• Experience with business systems, CRM and reporting.
• The confidence to make decisions, challenge existing processes and take responsibility without constant direction.
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.

Experience within the merchandise industry would be advantageous, although the client is open to candidates from other sectors with the right operational background.

Working Arrangements and Package

• Manchester location.
• Hybrid working, with Monday to Thursday in the office and Friday working from home.
• Salary open to discussion,
• A newly created position with direct access to the directors.
• Broad responsibility and the opportunity to influence how the business operates as it continues to grow.