Head of Operations, FT Leaders Academy

About the role

The Financial Times is one of the world's leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide. At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you're given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world. In our warm, collaborative culture, you'll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing. Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you'll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere. Build a newsworthy career at the FT. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups. About FT Leaders Academy The FT Leaders Academy is the Financial Times' global learning business, dedicated to empowering individuals at every stage of their leadership journey - from the classroom to the boardroom. Combining the FT's trusted journalism, real-world insights, and access to leading experts, the Academy delivers transformational learning experiences that develop confidence, capability, and strategic perspective. The Academy's portfolio spans three key pillars: Board Director Programme - preparing aspiring and current board members to lead with confidence through accredited qualifications, workshops, and online modules. Partner and Executive Programmes - equipping professionals with the tools, attitude, and peer network to navigate complexity, lead change, and drive organisational success. FT Schools and FT Skills - inspiring the next generation of leaders by transforming FT content into practical educational resources for students and teachers worldwide. Each programme is designed to reflect the Financial Times' global standards of excellence, integrating business intelligence, innovative learning design, and a deep understanding of leadership in the modern world. Role Overview The Head of Operations plays a key role in a fast-growing portfolio of executive education within the FT. The role has a global remit across the portfolio to ensure programmes are delivered to FT's standards of excellence. The role will have a leadership role overseeing a globally-dispersed team of programme managers and coordinators for the successful delivery of an annual calendar of high-quality executive education programmes, including virtual sessions, in-person workshops, networking events and multi-week learning journeys. The role will be responsible for oversight of content coordination, speaker and faculty relationship management, and for the overall participant experience, maintaining strong monitoring frameworks, feedback, and making necessary adjustments. Working across the portfolio, the role will be responsible for managing supplier relationships, negotiating and procuring new contracts, managing programme budgets and reporting. A key remit of the role will be to drive continuous improvement and streamlining projects that enhance operations across the portfolio. Main Duties and Responsibilities Supplier management Working with the senior management group, the role will be responsible for commissioning suppliers, internal and external producers, technology providers and platforms ensuring a smooth onboarding process. The role will Identify efficiencies making suggestions for improvements and where necessary procure new suppliers and platform providers, creating new processes to support these. Contributing to continuous improvement by researching event tools, learning technologies and engagement methods, and leading projects to introduce new opportunities within the group. Lead existing supplier relationships negotiating new contract terms and cost savings as required. Oversee the smooth processing of supplier invoices, maintain budgets and monitor programme costs. Speaker, Contributor & Partner Management Oversee the team who are responsible for the day to day faculty, speaker and partner management. Allocating resource as required to each programme. Act as the internal expert and provide support to programme managers for internal and external troubleshooting and resolution on finance, contracting, technology, supplier and other issues. Be the point of escalation for any issues with FT LA or partner programmes. Liaise with contributors, ensuring they are fully briefed and prepared for both virtual and in-person formats. Particularly owning the onboarding of new faculty and speakers and ensuring consistency in the adoption of FT

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