Head of Systems Operations, Yoto
£80-90k
1 day a week in office
Interactive audio platform for kids
Be an early applicant
Interactive audio platform for kids
101-200 employees
Be an early applicant
£80-90k
1 day a week in office
101-200 employees
Company mission
To help parents inspire the next generation of independent, creative minds.
Role
Who you are
- Proven experience in an IT or Systems management role, ideally in a start-up or scale-up environment
- Success in process automation - identifying repetitive tasks and implementing automation solutions using tools such as Python, RPA (Robotic Process Automation), or relevant scripting languages to enhance efficiency
- Proficiency in utilising data analysis tools and software, such as SQL, Excel, or specialised platforms, to interpret complex datasets and inform strategic decision-making
- Active engagement with the latest industry-specific technologies and tools, with a track record of integrating these innovations to optimise workflows and drive productivity
- A keen eye for recognising areas where technological advancements can be applied to improve existing processes, coupled with the initiative to propose and implement effective solutions
- Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with cross-functional teams, sharing technological insights and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation
- Experience working with internal and external agile engineering teams
- A service driven attitude towards all work - ensuring we provide the best service possible, as efficiently as possible, to all customers, whether they are external or internal to Yoto
- A natural at ruthless prioritisation, focusing on high-impact opportunities that drive outcomes, not just outputs
- Comfortable working in a hybrid environment using a variety of cloud-based software solutions
- A friendly, positive, personable approach with a hands-on mentality, willing to roll your sleeves up
- Extensive NetSuite and Shopify experience - essential to the role
- Experience working with an iPaaS integration platform, ideally Celigo
- Experience of working in a multi-platform system environment
- Excellent Excel or Google Sheets skills
Desirable
- Experience in businesses that manufacture or distribute physical products, particularly at scale
- Familiarity with third-party logistics (3PL) providers and supply chain operations
What the job involves
- We’re looking for a Head of Systems Operations to shape the future of systems at Yoto and significantly impact our internal operations
- Forming part of the global Yoto Operations team, the Systems Operations team will be responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of information between our software tools as well as streamlining and optimising all systems usage across the business
- Working closely with all teams in the wider business, the Systems Operations team will ensure our systems meet the business’s requirements as we scale and ensure that we are able to grow sustainably
- The Systems Operations team will be key in driving operational excellence - focussing on automating manual processes allowing Yoto to expand without continuous hiring, and the seamless integration between all of Yoto’s key platforms
- Auditing all existing systems across the business - gaining a deep understanding of our various needs and existing challenges, identifying opportunities and establishing existing core capabilities
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to define the Systems Operations roadmap and making recommendations for sustainable scaling and automation
- Planning, scoping, and presenting proposals for new projects, ensuring clear communication with all development teams
- Reporting on progress and project spend to the Operations Director and preparing annual budgets
- Managing the Systems Operations team covering integration engineering, internal services maintenance, external integrations and overall systems management - defining clear roles and responsibilities within the team, and prioritising projects
- Leading continuous improvement activities, including retrospective evaluations of systems performance and project implementations
- Assuming responsibility for systems compliance, in partnership with Legal
- Coaching and mentoring your direct reports, conducting performance reviews
- Hiring and scaling the team in line with business needs
- Presenting on Systems Operations activities to the wider company
- Positioning Systems Operations as a trusted, strategic enabler for Yoto, leading the charge for industry leading technology adoption and automation
Salary benchmarks
Our take
A key development in the last 5 years has been a move towards screen-based kids entertainment like apps and streaming services. However, more recently there have been concerns that excessive screen time for children can be damaging to health and development. So, many consumers are looking for alternative products which will expose children to modernity without the drawbacks of many modern devices. This is the demand which Yoto is setting out to capitalise on.
Yoto's product - a screen-free audio platform - enables children to access features such as audiobooks, podcasts, and soundscapes via physical cards inserted into the device. The Yoto Player has received considerable early praise from consumers and from investors also, who granted Yoto considerable funding.
Perhaps the most difficult challenge for a business operating in the highly competitive children's toys market is keeping its product current. However, Yoto's software is fully customisable, meaning that alongside its library of content, parents can add their own audio files to the device to suit the interests of their children. This imbibes Yoto with a customisability that gives it an edge, especially as children's tastes change with age.
Steph
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
Company
Employee endorsements
Flexible working
"At Yoto I'm treated as an adult, and given the autonomy to get on with what I need to get done at work while also getting done what I need to in my..."
Funding (last 2 of 3 rounds)
Jun 2024
$23m
ANGEL
May 2021
$17m
SERIES A
Total funding: $43.3m
Company benefits
- Your birthday off
- Choice-based approach to where you work - we encourage everyone to come in to the office minimum once a month
- A Work from Anywhere policy giving you the opportunity to work from a different location for a temporary period
- Yoto player and starter pack of cards
- Company socials and celebrations, including our annual Yoto Fest
- 2x volunteer days a year
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Family-friendly leave
- 25 days holidays plus bank holidays
- Workplace pension
- Private Medical Insurance or Wellbeing Allowance
- Dental advice and guidance
- Income Protection
- Life Assurance
Company HQ
Somers Town, London, UK
Articles
Leadership
Ben Drury
(CEO)They have extensive experience as a Non Executive Director for the likes of Marmalade and Intercede. Since 2016, they have also been a board member and investor for Pimoroni.
Filip Denker
(Co-Founder)They co-founded Yoto alongside Ben in 2017.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Yoto
- At Yoto, we love creating a world where childhood is rich with discovery and joy. We’re also passionate about building a workplace where everyone can thrive - both professionally and personally. We value flexibility and give our team the freedom to balance life and work in ways that suit them. We're committed to fostering a safe, diverse, and inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued and supported. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion group holds bi-monthly forums to elevate diverse voices and perspectives, ensuring everyone at Yoto feels heard, respected, and appreciated. We don’t just embrace differences - we celebrate them. We share audio content from a vibrant and diverse community of creators (check out our DEI selection), and we are building a team that reflects that same diversity. We invite candidates from all walks of life to explore opportunities with us and join a company that champions flexibility, equity, and inclusion. Take a look at our website for more information on our approach to People and Planet.
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