As an Operations Manager at Yellow Canary, you’ll find Sally working on anything from risk and compliance, to invoicing and forecasting, and making sure new Canaries have the best onboarding experience. Since starting at YC just 7 months ago, Sally’s impact has been incredible. When she’s not busy keeping the wheels spinning at YC, you’ll find Sally camping for the weekend or down at the beach with some fish and chips!
1. What does a day-in-the-life for you look like?
It's a mixed bag! I’m an Operations Manager within the Strategy and Operations team. We’re a small (but growing!) team, so my responsibilities include everything from team onboarding, risk and compliance objectives, to invoicing, forecasting, procurement, and general office management. Our team is always looking to be proactive, so a large part of working in Ops is process improvement and change management.
2. What is your background before coming to YC?
I worked as an Admin Manager whilst finishing my Bachelor of Medical Science. This quickly evolved into working in operations for businesses specialising in environmental assessments, statutory & strategic planning, social sustainability and social impact assessment.
Nearly 7 months ago, I decided that it was time for a change. I had heard glowing reviews from friends working in SaaS companies and realised that my interests and experience closely aligned with tech operations. Yellow Canary’s product captured my attention and the culture was exactly what I was searching for, so I applied for a position!
3. How have you found your first 6 months at YC?
Incredible. I was nervous at first, joining a completely new industry. This feeling faded swiftly with the warm welcome I received from the team and the level of support everyone offered me.
Now, I feel confident in the knowledge and skills my fellow team members have shared with me, and I’m excited to see what the next six months have in store.
4. How would you describe YC’s culture and remote-first way of working?
YC has a really flexible, collaborative, and social atmosphere. It’s clear that a lot of care and consideration goes into the individual, specifically towards their personal growth and development in their role.
In my opinion, the remote-first model provides the ideal balance. I typically work a hybrid week, which means I look forward to my days in the office from a social aspect, while allowing me to find focus time where needed when working from home.
5. Where can we find you outside of work?
Usually camping! I love getting out of town on my free weekends - it always feels like a mini-holiday.
If not camping, I’ll be found dog-walking or near the beach snacking on fish and chips…
6. What’s your special skill?
Being organised or at least trying to be organised… I suppose that is why I love working in Operations!
