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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage project operations, financials, and team resources to ensure project success.
- Company: Join Buro Happold, a diverse engineering consultancy known for innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working patterns, training opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects while fostering inclusivity and collaboration in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Business Management, Finance, or Project Management; strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: We welcome applications from underrepresented groups and offer adjustments for a comfortable application process.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Project Operations Manager (POM) is a key role in the Project Operations team. The POM works with engineering teams supporting Job Leaders and Project Directors with the planning and financial management of their projects, and the Discipline Leaders with efficient resourcing and utilisation of their groups, under the guidance of the Project Operations Team Leader and support of the wider team. As a Project Operations Manager you will oversee and implement financial operations within the engineering teams to ensure consistency of approach and to identify, help manage and mitigate exposure to commercial risk.
Responsibilities
- Provide guidance and regular reporting to Job Leaders (JLs) to keep jobs on track with planned resourcing and in profit, and to escalate where any risks are perceived.
- Provide support and regular insight to Discipline Leaders (DLs) to allow them to maintain an appropriate team for their workload, and to allow the business to understand resource commitment and availability.
- Hold close, trusted relationships with the engineering teams and wider support teams and ensure communication routes are open and conversation is regular.
- Provide continuity and a point of contact so a regular cycle of monthly checking, meeting and reporting is in place and observed by the teams.
- Build commercial awareness and support within discipline drawing on a deep understanding of process, budgets and approval processes, to create an increasing financially sustainable business proposition.
Leadership
- Manage Project Operations Coordinator(s) where relevant and provide coaching and mentoring for them and the wider team.
- Prioritise work and set deadlines for both self and Project Operations Coordinator(s) where relevant.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with other key stakeholders within business services.
- Represent Project Operations at meetings and within the wider business, contributing to wider operational meetings and improvement projects.
- Carry out peer reviews within the Project Operations team.
- Advocate for best practice, hold position of trusted advisor, strive for and celebrate excellent performance.
Project Setup
- Create promotional projects for projects on Single Discipline Low Risk register and convert to live.
- Support JLs with the creation of plans / plan templates.
- Support JLs & PDs with conversion of projects from Promotional to Live ensuring contingencies, taxes, directorship and PD time accounted for in fee allocation.
- Attend kick-off meetings to understand project delivery and anticipated risks.
Project Maintenance
- Support JLs and PDs with plan adjustments.
- Review portfolio performance with JLs in monthly or bimonthly 1-1 sessions particularly in relation to scope/deliverables and planned cost.
- Attend PD Reviews led by Regional Accountant (RA), providing planning and fee/contingency management guidance where needed.
- Support DLs with review in week three of the accounting cycle of planned vs actual costs.
Project Close Out
- Support PDs with the release of contingency, make workstages dormant as required and remove planned costs from plans.
Project Accounts
- Attend project accounts meetings at month end, support JLs and PDs with plan and fee adjustments.
- Monitor sub-consultants’ costs, support JLs with planning adjustments.
- Review and update P projects and plans for PDs within the Cost Centre.
Job Leader Reviews
- Hold regular reviews with JLs to discuss job progress, understand deliverables, scope and programme.
- Support JL with change management and fee/scope/programme negotiations with PDs.
- Participate in regular group resourcing meetings, supporting and providing guidance where necessary to Discipline Leader and wider team.
Training
- Provide ERP support and training to engineering teams, other team members and wider business support teams.
- Provide input when creating guidance and updates manuals and documentation.
Qualifications
- Degree or similar qualification in a relevant field (Business Management, Finance, Project Management).
- Highly numerate, able to manipulate large sets of data and provide analysis which can be easily understood.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Experience
- Experience of working in engineering, design or professional consultancy in a similar field.
- Solid experience using databases and ERP systems, preferably Deltek Vision/Vantagepoint.
- Advanced experience using MS Excel and preferably Power BI.
A place for everyone
Buro Happold values an individual’s flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of how you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers. Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds, and experiences that shape us. Appreciating each other’s differences is key, we want employees to feel they don’t have to mask elements of their identity to thrive.
Project Operations Manager employer: Buro Happold group.
Contact Detail:
Buro Happold group. Recruiting Team
recruitment@burohappold.com
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial management tools and ERP systems mentioned in the job description, such as Deltek Vision/Vantagepoint. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these systems during interviews can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Build a solid understanding of project operations within engineering teams. Research common challenges faced in this role and think about how you would address them. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in project operations or related fields. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights into the role and potentially refer you to opportunities at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you manage teams effectively. Think of examples where you've successfully guided a team through challenges, as this will resonate well with the responsibilities outlined for the Project Operations Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in project management, financial operations, and engineering. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the qualifications and can fulfil the responsibilities outlined.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in the Project Operations Manager role specifically. Discuss how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities mentioned, such as managing project accounts and supporting Job Leaders.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Emphasise your leadership abilities in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, particularly in relation to coaching and mentoring others, as this is a key aspect of the role.
Highlight Technical Proficiency: Mention your experience with ERP systems and data analysis tools like MS Excel and Power BI. This is crucial for the role, so be specific about your proficiency and any relevant projects where you've used these skills effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Buro Happold group.
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the Project Operations Manager's responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with financial management, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to be asked about specific situations you've encountered in previous roles. Prepare examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, ability to manage resources, and how you've successfully navigated commercial risks in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Project Operations Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Be ready to discuss your leadership style, how you motivate others, and any experience you have in coaching or mentoring team members.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Be prepared to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely. Highlight your experience in maintaining open lines of communication with various stakeholders and how you've facilitated collaboration in past projects.
