We are looking for an experienced Business Manager to join our team and play a pivotal role in driving Ossila through the next phase of growth. In this position you will take ownership of critical business functions, including HR, finance, and general operations, while also leading a range of high-impact projects essential for the success and growth of a thriving tech company. By taking point on the operational running of the company, you will allow the Managing Director to focus on strategic growth through increased sales, innovative R&D, and product development.
About the Role
Ossila is a growing high-tech business with offices in Sheffield, UK, and the Netherlands. Over 85% of our goods are exported to customers in over 90 countries worldwide through multiple sales channels. As well as manufacturing on site, we also conduct R&D to develop our market-disrupting equipment and run an advanced chemical synthesis lab, all while offering high-level technical support to a niche customer base. Our technical product offering, innovative development pipeline, and global reach create a unique level of complexity rarely seen in a small company (~50 staff), offering an exciting and rewarding challenge for the Business Manager.
This role provides an exceptional opportunity to gain insight into almost every aspect of running a small-to-medium sized enterprise. For the right candidate, you can make a significant impact on a growing business while acquiring broader experience than is typically available in larger organisations. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and relish the idea of helping a small company as it punches up in the world, we’d love to hear from you.
HR
- Implement and oversee appropriate HR systems and processes, working with external HR lawyers when necessary.
- Run company procedures for sickness and absence management and disciplinary or capability issues when required.
- Oversee recruitment to ensure fair and compliant selection whilst the best candidates are matched for each role.
- Ensure ongoing compliance as a UKVI licensed visa sponsor.
Finance
- Actively manage cash flow and currency exchanges.
- Take full admin responsibility for key current accounts.
- Liaise with external accountants where necessary.
- Collate financial and supporting information required for R&D tax credit claims.
Contracts and Agreements
- Periodically assist with grant applications.
- Take point on university purchasing consortium framework agreement applications and negotiations with key distributors.
Active Protection of the Business
- Provide support to the in-house compliance team / H&S manager to ensure that Ossila always operates safely and legally.
- Manage any necessary ‘know your client’ KYC processes as required by the banks or other stakeholders.
- Work with external IP lawyers to manage international trademark protections.
- Collaborate with the finance team and IT department to actively prevent fraud within the business.
- Ensure adequate levels of business insurance and maintain the associated evidence (e.g. asset lists).
- Identify potential threats to the company and regularly review and update our business continuity plan (BCP), providing any necessary internal training.
General
- Line manage the finance and business support teams.
- Identify systems and processes that can be optimised to aid efficiency and productivity and manage necessary changes.
- Liaise with the landlord to ensure that our leased premises remain in good and pleasant condition.
- Help troubleshoot any ad hoc problems that the business faces.
- Develop processes to avoid or mitigate ad hoc issues if they were to occur again.
- Provide practical and peer support to other function managers across logistics, compliance, IT, marketing, manufacturing, and R&D.
About You
You are someone who likes to have a hand in everything yet knows when to delegate; someone who can see the big picture of what is best for the business but can also work with the fine detail. You will not shy away from rolling up your sleeves and taking on the necessary tasks that are essential to the success of the business.
- You have several years of experience in a management position, or equivalent experience in a finance, HR, operations, or a senior business administration role.
- You have built good organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- You demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and good interpersonal skills.
- You confidently prioritise tasks and manage your own workload.
- You are a team player with a ‘can-do’ attitude.
- You have very good general IT skills.
- You approach tasks with a methodical and diligent work ethic.
- Your experience includes familiarity with a variety of business administration systems (i.e. accountancy software, CRM or inventory systems, commercial dashboards).
Your skills and experience may also include:
- Experience with Sage50
- Knowledge of, or experience in, an R&D or engineering environment
- Experience in an import/export business
Why Work at Ossila Sheffield
Joining our team means becoming part of a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and personal growth. At our Sheffield location, we offer:
- Competitive salaries with regular performance-based pay reviews
- 24-days holiday per annum plus bank holidays
- A long-running, discretionary profit share scheme
- Regular company catch-ups over tea and cake
- Free on-site parking with marked bays
- Secure bike storage and shower facilities
How We Work
Working together in-person is an essential part of Ossila. We value the collaborative, knowledge-sharing moments that happen over a cuppa, and this is why our roles are office based. If you are someone who shares this perspective and are enthusiastic about joining Ossila in our Sheffield office, we want to hear from you.
About Us
Ossila is a small but high-growth business which manufactures and supplies scientific equipment, materials, and laboratory supplies to institutions around the world. Our aim is to help accelerate the pace of scientific discovery. To do this, we are looking to continue our rapid expansion with a view to building a world-class company of significant size and stature over the next five years. Formed by academics from the University of Sheffield, we now employ over 50 people across our offices in the UK and the Netherlands.
We pride ourselves on our high-quality products, excellent customer support, and accessible prices. Our customers can be found in over 90 countries and include many of the world’s leading research institutions. Most recently, we have won the 2024 King’s Award for International Trade.
How to Apply
To apply, email us at recruitment@ossila.com with a personalised covering letter, including an indication of your salary expectations. Your covering letter is your chance to tell us why you are interested in the position and how your skills, experience, and qualifications make you a good fit. You don’t need to send us a copy of your CV at this stage.
Visit www.ossila.com/how-to-apply for more information. No agencies please.
