New start-up- director or manager?

[mr krinkle]

In the next few months my current boss and I will be setting up on our own as a two-man outfit. Due to the type of business, we'll be migrating an existing customer base across as out current employer no longer wishes to have direct responsibility for that area of the business.

As such, we'll be in a strong position to hit the ground running and grow our client base over the next 3-5 years.

I'm now in a position where I can write up my own job description for this role. My boss will be noted as Director, and my role is going to cover our operations- from systems to service delivery. since I'm going to be moving from a larger organisation with prospects of promotion etc, to a smaller outfit where I'm constrained by the size of business in terms of progression, is it right that I create an Ops Director role for myself? Or should I go for Operation Manager? I'm going to have input into our strategic direction, and near total control of our operations (while still reporting to the director).

I'm aware of the responsibilities of a director etc, and am more concerned that, when/if the time comes to move on, that I have a entry on my CV that reflects the level of responsibility and control I had in the role. Remuneration etc is another matter for discussion, so this is more about securing a position and title which will benefit me in the long term.

Anyone who's been in a similar position, or can offer a few words, I'd greatly appreciate it. My background thus far has been with larger organisations, so dropping down to a small outfit is quite the change for me!

 

[Blood Lust]

In the next few months my current boss and I will be setting up on our own as a two-man outfit. Due to the type of business, we'll be migrating an existing customer base across as out current employer no longer wishes to have direct responsibility for that area of the business.

As such, we'll be in a strong position to hit the ground running and grow our client base over the next 3-5 years.

I'm now in a position where I can write up my own job description for this role. My boss will be noted as Director, and my role is going to cover our operations- from systems to service delivery. since I'm going to be moving from a larger organisation with prospects of promotion etc, to a smaller outfit where I'm constrained by the size of business in terms of progression, is it right that I create an Ops Director role for myself? Or should I go for Operation Manager? I'm going to have input into our strategic direction, and near total control of our operations (while still reporting to the director).

I'm aware of the responsibilities of a director etc, and am more concerned that, when/if the time comes to move on, that I have a entry on my CV that reflects the level of responsibility and control I had in the role. Remuneration etc is another matter for discussion, so this is more about securing a position and title which will benefit me in the long term.

Anyone who's been in a similar position, or can offer a few words, I'd greatly appreciate it. My background thus far has been with larger organisations, so dropping down to a small outfit is quite the change for me!

I hope your adventure goes well.

Operations director looks better when applying for future board positions (not that I hope you fail in your current project).

Dont forget cash flow problems are what get most new businesses so limit the credit you give in the early days.

 

[mr krinkle]

I hope your adventure goes well.

Operations director looks better when applying for future board positions (not that I hope you fail in your current project).

Dont forget cash flow problems are what get most new businesses so limit the credit you give in the early days.

Thanks! Yeah- I'm thinking long term with the title. My actual responsibilities will be largely the same regardless. But... nothing lasts forever and a directorship may look better when the time does come to move on.

And yes- we'll be careful with credit. Our business model doesn't call for too much credit risk, but we've been forecasting like mad anyway...

 

[Christine Hough]

Are your setting up as a partnership or as a ltd company?

Directors work for Ltd companies.

 

[mr krinkle]

Are your setting up as a partnership or as a ltd company?

Directors work for Ltd companies.

A Ltd company.

 

[businessfunding]

Are your setting up as a partnership or as a ltd company?

Directors work for Ltd companies.

This ^^^

Whether you are a director or not is a matter of public record; not just a 'job spec'

Whilst it isn't illegal to title yourself director without being listed at Companies House, it tends not to impress when searches are taken.

At a practical level I would seekl flexibility in my job title since in a small business you do need to be all things to all people.

 

[mr krinkle]

This ^^^

Whether you are a director or not is a matter of public record; not just a 'job spec'

Whilst it isn't illegal to title yourself director without being listed at Companies House, it tends not to impress when searches are taken.

At a practical level I would seekl flexibility in my job title since in a small business you do need to be all things to all people.

What do you mean by flexibility?

I understand the liabilities that come with being a director. In reality, my day-to-day duties will be the same regardless of title as we are such a small outfit (to start with). Assuming the role of director would formalize a lot of that, so that when / if I then move on, that is recorded as experience, rather than some additional duties I took on a role with a different job title.

My concern is that if I did then move to another company, either startup or more established, would the title of director be a help or a hindrance, especially in cases where I'm not applying for director level positions.

 

[SourChocolate]

What do you mean by flexibility?

I understand the liabilities that come with being a director. In reality, my day-to-day duties will be the same regardless of title as we are such a small outfit (to start with). Assuming the role of director would formalize a lot of that, so that when / if I then move on, that is recorded as experience, rather than some additional duties I took on a role with a different job title.

My concern is that if I did then move to another company, either startup or more established, would the title of director be a help or a hindrance, especially in cases where I'm not applying for director level positions.

When you move on and go to an interview for the new role, it'll barely matter what your title was - you can call yourself a president, chairman or even "(pick a niche) guru" .
They'll ask you what you've done, what you've achieved, how successful you were and why you are seeking for a perm role.
Everybody knows that in a two man band you are everything - from cleaner to director so I'd suggest stop wasting time and focus on how to grow your business.
You can always give yourself a promotion at a later stage if you think you've outgrown your role

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Have you made a shareholders agreement if not why not

 

[JandJC]

Why restrict yourself based on having the title of Operations Director, why not be just a Director.

This way you can demonstrate a much more varied skill set; as fellow colleagues have suggested you will be dealing with a whole array of tasks in all departments of a new enterprise.

Even making Tea and Coffee.

 

[JacobCook715]

Agreed with Blood Lust

 

[Faith28]

Both...try Managing Director.

 

[mr krinkle]

Thanks for the feedback guys- all useful. Will hopefully keep you updated with progress.