Deputy Director of Operations

Job Summary:

The Deputy Director of Operations will serve as a strategic partner to the Chief Executive Safety Officer, ensuring the seamless management of agency-wide operations. This position is pivotal in advancing organizational goals through operational oversight, strategic planning, leadership development, business growth, client account management, and human resource initiatives. The Deputy Director of Operations will act as a key decision-maker, providing critical insights to enhance efficiency, foster team development, and support the agency's mission to deliver exceptional safety and security services. This role requires balancing a hands-on approach to daily operations with a visionary perspective for long-term growth.

The Deputy Director will be instrumental in cultivating a culture of excellence, professionalism, and accountability across all levels of the organization, while also overseeing human resources, leading the safety and security division, guiding field supervisors, and driving strategic initiatives that position the agency as a leader in the industry. Additionally, the Deputy Director will ensure operational excellence by continuously improving processes, optimizing resource utilization, implementing innovative solutions to enhance performance, and overseeing accounts receivable to maintain financial health and accountability.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Agency-Wide Operational Oversight

• Lead the daily operational activities across all departments to ensure efficiency, quality, and alignment with agency standards.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to enhance productivity.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement and operational optimization.
• Oversee resource allocation and workflow management to maximize team efficiency.
• Drive a culture of operational excellence by ensuring processes are streamlined, scalable, and aligned with best practices.

2. Strategic Planning

• Collaborate with the CESO to develop and execute long-term strategic plans that align with the agency’s vision and growth objectives.
• Conduct market analysis and identify industry trends to maintain a competitive edge.
• Spearhead initiatives to expand service offerings, optimize costs, and enhance profitability.
• Lead cross-departmental strategic initiatives, ensuring all teams are aligned and working toward unified goals.
• Develop contingency plans to address potential challenges and ensure business continuity.
• Set measurable goals and objectives for operational growth and track progress through regular evaluations.

3. Leadership Development

• Mentor and develop leaders within the organization, ensuring a pipeline of future talent for critical roles.
• Design and implement training programs focused on leadership, communication, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

4. Business Development

• Identify new business opportunities and partnerships to expand the agency’s client base and revenue streams.
• Represent the agency in client meetings, networking events, and industry forums to build brand recognition.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to support long-term growth.
• Conduct competitive analysis to identify gaps and opportunities in the market.
• Create comprehensive business proposals and oversee contract negotiations to secure high-value partnerships.
• Implement innovative approaches to business development, leveraging technology and data-driven insights to achieve growth.

5. Account Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for high-profile clients, ensuring service excellence and satisfaction.
• Conduct regular account reviews and performance assessments to address client needs and strengthen relationships.
• Collaborate with internal teams to resolve client issues promptly and effectively.
• Develop tailored client engagement strategies to foster trust and loyalty.

6. Human Resources

• Oversee all human resource functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and staff retention.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and agency policies.
• Develop and implement initiatives to enhance employee engagement, morale, and productivity.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to promote a positive workplace culture.
• Establish a robust performance review system to identify and reward high-performing employees.

7. Financial Oversight

• Oversee accounts receivable, ensuring accurate and timely billing and collection processes.
• Monitor outstanding invoices and develop strategies to improve cash flow and reduce delinquencies.
• Collaborate with clients to address billing inquiries and resolve disputes promptly.
• Ensure financial accountability by maintaining accurate records and reporting on receivables to the CESO.

8. Risk Management and Compliance

• Develop and implement risk management strategies to mitigate operational vulnerabilities.
• Ensure all operations adhere to industry regulations and internal compliance standards.
• Regularly review and update safety protocols to maintain a secure environment for staff and clients.

9. Safety and Security Division Oversight

• Oversee the safety and security division, ensuring all services meet the highest standards of professionalism and effectiveness.
• Lead and mentor field supervisors to enhance their leadership capabilities and operational effectiveness.
• Conduct regular assessments of field operations to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Ensure consistent communication and alignment between field supervisors and agency leadership.

10. Driving Operational Excellence

• Implement best practices in operational management to ensure efficiency and consistency across all divisions.
• Use data-driven insights to identify performance gaps and design targeted improvement strategies.
• Promote innovation by introducing new tools, technologies, and processes that drive operational success.
• Build a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging feedback and collaboration to refine workflows and practices.
• Set and monitor performance benchmarks to ensure all teams meet or exceed operational expectations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in operations or a related field, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, business development, and team leadership.
• Exceptional problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with the safety and security industry is a significant advantage.