Sara Jackson

Experience

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  Key

  Nov 2009 - Jan 2017

  My job is to design efficient business processes and then continuously improve them. So for example, if the company decides to launch a new service, I'll be the one mapping out exactly how the ‘behind the scenes’ stuff will work. Do we need extra staff? What about new technology? Who has to do what and when? And so on, until all the parts click into place. After the process rolls out, there’s still work to be done – I’ll use data and feedback to refine and improve as we go along.My satisfaction comes from knowing that I'm working to create a smooth and user-friendly experience for our customers. Show less

  • Operations Manager

    Aug 2012 - Jan 2017

  • Senior Business Development Executive

    Jul 2011 - Aug 2012

  • Account Management Executive

    Feb 2010 - Jul 2011

  • Employee Care Advisor

    Nov 2009 - Feb 2010
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  Grameen in the UK

  Jan 2017 - Dec 2018

  As Acting CEO I was responsible for leading and guiding the strategic planning decisions and spearheading critical business decisions. During this time I had sole responsibility for the preparation of the management accounts and financial forecasts. I very much enjoyed developing and managing strong working relationships with funders, investors, public and private sector partners including the UK and Scottish Governments. The role was particularly interesting when reaching out to international team members executing responsibilities on similar positions across other locations worldwide to improve performance and share best practice. I was similarly the point person contact and principal user for The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Show less As the Operations Manager for Grameen in the UK, I managed the day to day operating processes and procedures within the UK Office in line with the Grameen methodology and principles used worldwide.I was responsible for providing leadership to the operations staff to ensure consistent application and compliance with the lending and investment policies of Grameen and UK legislationI similarly monitored the daily activities of the team of Lending Officers, helping to analyse individual client financial positions and advising on the merits of Grameen micro-finance for development of business ideas. Show less

  • Acting CEO

    Jun 2018 - Dec 2018

  • Operations Manager

    Jan 2017 - Jun 2018
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  Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

  Feb 2019 - Jun 2022

  Director Of Operations

  As the Director of Operations I'm responsible for providing leadership and direction to all of our business areas and activities. I have a particular focus on financial management, human resources, ICT and digital service development, governance, design and event management. Day to day, I work to ensure continued progress and improvement of the organisation, developing frameworks to support and monitor business planning, service development and quality. Through working closely with the executive team I ensure the services and opportunities provided to our members are cost effective and remain of a high standard and SFHA colleagues have a fulfilling and safe place to work. Show less

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  Scotch Whisky Association

  Jun 2022 - now

  Chief Operating Officer

  I work as part of the leadership team at SWA to provide strategy, direction and management to the essential governance and operational matters which underpin the successful delivery of services to members.My main areas of responsibility are; Finance, Accounting, Audit and Risk, Facilities management, Health and Safety, HR, Learning and Development, Organisational Development and IT.I also fulfil the role of Company Secretary on behalf of the Association