At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the operational launch of a vibrant mixed-use complex in London.
- Company: Join a pioneering team creating a dynamic community hub with commercial and cultural elements.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, potential for contract extension, and a chance to shape a landmark project.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of a unique development that balances business goals with community impact.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in operations, strong leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills required.
- Other info: Immediate interviews available; this role is perfect for strategic thinkers passionate about community spaces.
A unique opportunity has arisen for an experienced and strategic Director of Operations to lead the pre-launch and operational mobilisation of a high-profile mixed-use complex in London. This dynamic new destination will bring together commercial, cultural, urban and community elements – including event and conferencing spaces, retail, hospitality, office accommodation, cinema complex, restaurant/eatery, and landscaped public areas.
This is a key leadership role for someone who thrives in complex environments and excels at operational delivery, stakeholder engagement, and bringing vibrant multi-use spaces to life. This role is central to ensuring the seamless delivery of an integrated operating model that balances commercial ambition with cultural and community value. The Director of Operations will oversee the day-to-day running of the complex, establish operating frameworks, lead cross-functional teams, and build trusted relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
You will provide operational leadership, working in close collaboration with senior leadership, delivery partners, tenants, community stakeholders, and public services to ensure the complex opens successfully and thrives as a flagship, multi-purpose destination.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and implement an operational strategy and business plan for the complex, balancing commercial, cultural, urban and community objectives.
- Oversee pre-launch mobilisation across all areas of the complex, including facilities management, venue hire, events, catering, safety, security, and front-of-house operations.
- Establish and lead the operations team, aligning them with wider organisational goals and transformation initiatives.
- Manage stakeholder engagement across public and private sectors, including internal service leads, delivery partners, commercial tenants, residents, and local organisations.
- Develop a brand and messaging strategy aligned with the overall destination vision and placemaking goals.
- Lead negotiations with suppliers, operators, and lessees, ensuring all commercial arrangements support long-term success.
- Build strong working relationships with elected officials, senior leaders, and community forums to promote inclusive access and cultural value.
- Monitor operational performance, manage budgets, drive income generation, and ensure value for money.
- Ensure compliance with licensing, health and safety, accessibility, and security regulations in collaboration with key services.
- Support marketing and communications efforts to raise the profile of the complex and promote its events and services.
- Foster a high-performing, inclusive team culture that reflects public service values and customer-first principles.
You will bring a blend of strategic vision, commercial acumen, and strong operational leadership, with a proven track record in delivering and managing complex, multi-functional environments.
Essential Experience & Skills:- Demonstrable Senior-level experience overseeing operations in complex, mixed-use space, multi-stakeholder setting.
- Strong people leadership skills, with experience building and managing cross-functional teams.
- Proven ability to lead stakeholder engagement, negotiations, and cross-sector collaboration.
- Expertise in managing budgets, commercial contracts, and revenue-generating services.
- Operational knowledge of facilities management, venue hire, event delivery, and compliance.
- Background in placemaking or managing civic, cultural, or public-use destinations.
- Comfortable working in politically sensitive environments, with high-level stakeholder diplomacy.
- Strategic thinker with a focus on delivery and continuous improvement.
- Strong project management and mobilisation experience.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to engage effectively at all levels.
If you are a strategic operational leader with a passion for delivering high-quality, multi-use spaces that serve diverse communities and stakeholders, we encourage you to apply. This is a rare opportunity to shape the success of a landmark West London development. To express your interest or to find out more, please get in touch as soon as possible. Interviews will take place at the earliest opportunity.
Contact Detail:
Red Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the mixed-use development sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who have experience in similar roles. This can provide you with valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific mixed-use complex you’ll be working on. Understanding its unique features, community impact, and operational challenges will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, showcasing your strategic vision for its success.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in stakeholder engagement. Given the role's emphasis on collaboration with various sectors, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully navigated complex relationships and built trust among diverse groups.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with current trends in placemaking and community-focused developments. Being knowledgeable about innovative practices in these areas will demonstrate your commitment to creating vibrant spaces that serve the community effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in managing complex, mixed-use spaces. Focus on your leadership roles and any relevant projects that demonstrate your ability to oversee operations and engage stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for operational leadership and your strategic vision for the role. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, such as overseeing pre-launch mobilisations or managing cross-functional teams.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your skills in stakeholder engagement, budget management, and compliance. Provide examples of how you've successfully navigated politically sensitive environments and built strong relationships with various stakeholders.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate your strategic thinking abilities by discussing how you have developed and implemented operational strategies in previous roles. Highlight any continuous improvement initiatives you've led that resulted in enhanced operational performance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Red Personnel
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a Director of Operations, it's crucial to demonstrate your strategic thinking. Prepare to discuss how you would develop and implement an operational strategy for the complex, balancing commercial and community objectives. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your approach.
✨Highlight Stakeholder Engagement Skills
This role requires strong stakeholder management. Be ready to share specific instances where you've successfully engaged with diverse stakeholders, negotiated contracts, or collaborated across sectors. Emphasise your ability to build trusted relationships and navigate politically sensitive environments.
✨Demonstrate Operational Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience in managing complex, multi-functional environments. Discuss your knowledge of facilities management, event delivery, and compliance. Providing concrete examples of how you've improved operational performance or driven income generation will set you apart.
✨Communicate Your Leadership Style
As a leader, your ability to foster a high-performing team culture is key. Be prepared to talk about your leadership style and how you've built and managed cross-functional teams in the past. Share how you promote inclusivity and customer-first principles within your teams.