Senior Vice President Operations

Universal Background Screening is seeking an SVP of Operations to join our team! Universal Background Screening provides businesses certainty in the employment process through comprehensive screening services including employment background checks, drug testing, physical exams, and compliance management solutions. Universal’s services help clients enhance workplace security, reduce liability, improve stability, and increase productivity and cost savings in their candidate selection and hiring process.

The Senior Vice President (SVP) of Operations is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the organization. This executive will drive operational excellence, develop strategic plans, and ensure the efficient and effective delivery of services across all departments. The SVP of Operations will work closely with the CEO and other senior executives to achieve the company’s long-term goals and objectives.

Universal Background Screening embraces four core values that drive culture and success: design thinking, a team-first approach, ownership mentality, and an execution orientation. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of driving transformational changes, a relentless focus on continuous improvement, and a change-driven approach. This role requires a visionary leader who can ask the "whys" to understand the root causes of challenges and opportunities, and who can lead our operations to new heights.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning:

• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the company’s goals and objectives.
• Participate in the strategic planning process to ensure operational alignment with business growth and market expansion.
• Collaborate with other senior executives to define long-term strategies and objectives.

Operational Leadership:

• Provide leadership and direction to the operations team, including department heads and managers.
• Oversee the development and implementation of policies and procedures that ensure operational efficiency and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Ensure that operational activities align with the overall business strategy.

Performance Management:

• Establish performance metrics for all operational departments.
• Monitor and analyze performance data to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to department heads.

Budget Management:

• Develop and manage the operations budget.
• Ensure that financial targets are met and that resources are allocated effectively to support operational goals.
• Monitor financial performance and implement cost-control measures as necessary.

Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.
• Lead cross-functional teams in process improvement projects.

Team Development:

• Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing operations team.
• Promote a positive and collaborative work environment that encourages professional growth and development.
• Implement succession planning to ensure continuity of leadership within the operations team.

Risk Management:

• Identify and mitigate operational risks.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies to ensure the continuity of operations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and industry standards.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that operational activities support the overall business strategy.
• As needed, represent the company in meetings with clients, vendors, and regulatory agencies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to support business objectives.

Technology Integration:

• Oversee the integration of technology solutions to improve operational efficiency.
• Ensure that technology investments align with business needs and deliver value.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies and industry trends to drive innovation within the organization.

Customer Service and Satisfaction:

• Ensure that customer service standards are met or exceeded.
• Develop strategies to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Address and resolve customer issues and complaints in a timely and effective manner.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in Operations Management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in the background screening industry.
• Proven track record of success in managing mid to large-scale operations (FTE 300 or greater).
• Experience with process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma). Specific accomplishments in driving cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to ask critical questions and derive insights from data.
• Excellent strategic planning and organizational skills.
• Proficient in data analysis and performance management.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management skills. Experience in developing annual cost-center budgets.

Universal Background Screening is an Equal Opportunity Employer.