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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee fit-out and refurbishment projects, ensuring smooth operations and financial health.
- Company: Join a family-run contractor known for integrity and low staff turnover in London's commercial market.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible benefits, no set annual leave, and travel expenses covered.
- Why this job: Step into a strategic leadership role with potential for Directorship and profit share.
- Qualifications: Experience in delivering refurbishment projects, estimating, and strong commercial understanding required.
- Other info: Work closely with the MD in a hands-on, high-trust environment.
The predicted salary is between 56000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: Central London (Projects across Zones 1–2)
Salary: £70,000 – £90,000 (DOE) + flexible benefits / day rate option available
Benefits: No set Annual Leave Allowance, Travel Expenses & full Autonomy
The Opportunity
We’re partnering with an ambitious, family-run contractor with a strong footprint in London’s commercial fit-out and refurbishment market. Known for their integrity, low staff turnover, and consistent delivery, they’re now seeking a capable and commercially minded Operations Manager — someone who can oversee day-to-day operations and help drive the business forward.
This isn’t about plugging a gap. It’s a key strategic hire for someone who wants to step into a long-term leadership role, with a clear path to Directorship and potential profit share as the business continues to grow.
The Role
You’ll work closely with the MD to oversee live projects, support site teams, and ensure operations run smoothly, with the freedom to bring your ideas to the table and improve how things are done. It’s a hands-on, high-trust role with real influence.
Your remit will include:
- Running multiple refurbishment and fit-out schemes across Central London (CAT A / CAT A+ and more complex works)
- Managing commercial performance and ensuring projects are financially healthy
- Supporting estimating for tenders up to £1m (they don’t do overly complex jobs)
- Acting as the face of the business with clients — securing repeat work and growing relationships
- Driving quality, safety, and programme delivery across all sites
- Mentoring the team, bringing people with you, and fostering a collaborative, accountable culture
What They’re Looking For
They’re not after a polished corporate manager — they want someone sharp, ambitious, and down-to-earth. A builder at heart with commercial brains, who can own the role and grow into something much bigger.
The ideal person will bring:
- A proven background delivering refurbishment and fit-out projects in London (CAT A / CAT A+ especially)
- Estimating experience up to £1m project value
- Commercial understanding — how to run profitable jobs without upsetting clients
- Strong grasp of risk management (contractual, financial, and safety-related)
- Knowledge of JCT Minor Works and Intermediate contracts
- The ability to run a job from tender through to final account
- Leadership qualities — able to get the team on side and bring the best out of others
- A flexible, hardworking mindset — someone who’s happy to dig in when needed and lead by example
- Confidence with clients, and happy to socialise/network to build rapport and workstreams
- London-based (or within 30 mins) — no need to drive
Why This Role Stands Out
- Shape your own future — potential for Directorship and profit share in the long term
- Work directly alongside the MD with autonomy and input into decision-making
- Genuinely flexible culture — focus on results, not red tape
- Clear growth plans, backed by repeat clients and stable workload
- A realistic, down-to-earth leadership style — they want someone sharp but human
If this role sounds of interest, please get in touch or apply today.
Operations Manager - Fit-Out & Refurbishment employer: Londinium Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Londinium Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Fit-Out & Refurbishment
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the London fit-out and refurbishment sector. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and connect with professionals who work in similar roles. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company thoroughly. Understand their recent projects, values, and what sets them apart in the market. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and accountability, as these qualities are highly valued for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commercial understanding by discussing how you've managed project budgets and ensured profitability without compromising client relationships. This will highlight your ability to balance business needs with client satisfaction.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Fit-Out & Refurbishment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in delivering refurbishment and fit-out projects, especially in London. Emphasise your estimating experience and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your commercial understanding and ability to run profitable jobs. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects and built client relationships.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your knowledge of JCT Minor Works and Intermediate contracts, as well as your grasp of risk management. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Qualities: Provide examples of how you've mentored teams and fostered a collaborative culture in previous roles. This is crucial for the Operations Manager position, so make it stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Londinium Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Be prepared to discuss specific refurbishment and fit-out projects you've managed in London. Highlight your role, the challenges faced, and how you ensured the projects were financially healthy.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Understand the financial aspects of project management. Be ready to explain how you've successfully run profitable jobs while maintaining client satisfaction, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
This position requires strong leadership qualities. Share examples of how you've mentored teams, fostered collaboration, and brought out the best in others to achieve project goals.
✨Prepare for Client Interaction Scenarios
Since you'll be acting as the face of the business, think of instances where you've built rapport with clients. Be ready to discuss how you secured repeat work and maintained strong relationships.
