Chief of Staff - GBS

At Informa, no two days and no two people are the same, and you'll find the freedom, opportunity and support of a fantastic community to make a real impact.

We're an international business that connects specialists with knowledge, helping them to learn more, know more and do more through live and on demand events, digital and data-driven services and academic research.

We are home to over 10,000 colleagues across 30 countries and are a member of the UK's FTSE 100 group of leading public companies.

In Global Support, we provide expert guidance and hands-on support to the Informa Group and Informa's many business teams.
Across tech, finance, legal, corporate development, HR, communications, operations and many other areas, we work collaboratively and flexibly to help our brands serve their customers and help the company succeed.

As the Chief of Staff to the Global Business Services (GBS) Director, you will join the GBS leadership team as a key partner, contributing across a range of critical functions including people, performance, communication, strategy, planning, culture, and M&A.

In this multifaceted role, you will be instrumental in shaping and coordinating the GBS strategy and supporting the long-term implementation of the GBS target operating model.
Your responsibilities will include overseeing the GBS Senior Leadership management process and ensuring the effective articulation, coordination, and facilitation of GBS's strategic priorities.

Additionally, you will play a vital role in transitioning GBS operations from the legacy model to the new model in alignment with the One Informa program, ensuring seamless deployment and operational success.

This role offers a balanced hybrid working model, with two to three office days in office.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Collaborate with the GBS leadership team to develop and implement the GBS strategy
• Monitor and report on the progress of strategic initiatives
• Support the development and design phases for the future GBS operating model.
• Prepare strategic outlines, presentations, program materials, and regular status reports
• Ensure effective preparation for key PPP meetings, budget cycles, and other critical checkpoints.
• Coordinate internal and external messaging, ensuring alignment across GBS and with stakeholders.

Operational Excellence

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) for the GBS function
• Work closely with GBS senior leadership to align strategy with operational goals
• Facilitate the deployment and smooth operation of the new operating model, ensuring all facets are fully functional and aligned with GBS objectives
• Communicate and implement organisational changes clearly, enabling smooth transitions and buy-in across all levels
• Ensure GBS LT has all the necessary information before key meetings to ensure effective participation.
• Ensure there is a high level of confidentiality in communication and implementation of highly sensitive projects which could include M&A, financial results, budgets and new strategic initiatives.

Stakeholder Management

• Work in collaboration with the support functions for the teams (HR, Change Management, Communications) to ensure alignment with strategy and delivery plans, specifically the rolling programme of Colleague Engagement (Town Halls, Pulse surveys etc.)
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Represent the GBS division in cross-functional meetings and initiatives
• Communicate GBS strategies, initiatives, and performance

Change Management

• Lead change management initiatives within the GBS division
• Develop and implement strategies to ensure smooth adoption of new processes
• Address resistance to change and promote a culture of adaptability

Qualifications

• Qualification in Business Administration, Management, or a related field
• Proven experience in business operations or a leadership role within a global organization
• Strong understanding of various business functions and strategies
• Experience working in a shared services or global business services environment
• Familiarity with process improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean)
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications, particularly PowerPoint, for effective presentation

Additional Information

We work hard to make sure Life at Informa is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone.
Here's some of what you can expect when you join us.

Our benefits include:

• Freedom & flexibility:
  colleagues rate us highly for the flexibility and trust they receive and most of us balance time in the office with time working remotely
• Great community:
  a welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active diversity and inclusion networks
• Broader impact:
  take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too
• Career opportunity:
  the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning.
  When it's time for the next step, we encourage and support internal job moves
• Time out:
  25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after two years, plus a birthday leave day and the chance to work from (almost!) anywhere for up to four weeks a year
• A flexible range of personal benefits to choose from, plus company funded private medical cover
• A ShareMatch scheme that allows you to become an Informa shareholder with free matching shares
• Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, a healthy living subsidy, access to health apps and more
• Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programmes
• As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world

We're not solely focused on a checklist of skills.
We champion energy and ambition and look for colleagues who will roll their sleeves up, join in and help make things happen.
If it sounds like a match and you have most - although not all - of the skills and experience listed, we welcome your application.

At Informa, you'll find inclusive experiences and environments where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed.
As part of this approach and our diversity and inclusion commitments, we are also formally an Equal Opportunities Employer.
This means we base decisions on relevant qualifications and merit and do not discriminate on the basis of key characteristics and statuses, including all of those protected by law.