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- Tasks: Lead daily operations for a diverse residential and mixed-use portfolio.
- Company: Join Macdonald & Company, a dynamic real estate investment firm focused on growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with potential flexibility and opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Shape operational strategy while working closely with a hands-on board in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential operations and tenancy compliance is essential; strategic thinkers welcome.
- Other info: Ideal for those looking to grow into a director-level role as the company scales.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This range is provided by Macdonald & Company. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Direct message the job poster from Macdonald & Company
Associate Director | PBSA & BTR Recruitment | HR, Ops & Business Support | People-first. Purpose-led. †Commercially clear.
Head of Operations (Residential & Mixed-Use)
London, with regional travel
Full-time, permanent
On-site, Monday to Friday (with occasional flexibility)
Macdonald & Company is exclusively retained by a privately held real estate investment and development business to appoint a Head of Operations. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a growing residential and mixed-use portfolio, working directly with a hands-on board and playing a lead role in shaping operational strategy.
With a strong existing asset base (850+ units) and active acquisition pipeline, the company is focused on long-term value creation through efficient portfolio management, strong lease structures, and high-performing local partnerships.
Key Responsibilities:
- Take ownership of the day-to-day operations across a varied portfolio including residential blocks, mixed-use schemes, and institutionally leased assets
- Oversee service charge structuring, block compliance, contractor performance, and lifecycle maintenance
- Reduce voids, drive yield, and ensure tenancy and lease compliance
- Build and manage relationships with third-party stakeholders including housing associations, local authorities, and care operators
- Contribute to lease negotiations and portfolio planning, especially as the business shifts toward long-term institutional leasing arrangements
- Deliver clear, data-backed operational updates directly to the board
- Play a key role in the mobilisation of new schemes and integration of acquisitions
- Support the continuous improvement of internal systems, processes, and property performance
What We’re Looking For:
- Experience in residential operations, tenancy compliance, and portfolio oversight — with proven success managing non-AST / institutional lease structures
- Confident overseeing operational performance, reporting, and property-related financials
- Comfortable in lean, fast-moving environments — able to build from the ground up while delivering on immediate priorities
- A natural relationship builder, with the ability to work across professional and public sector stakeholders
- Strategic yet hands-on — equally at home on site and in board-level discussions
- Someone with the ambition to grow into a director-level role as the business scales
Ideal Backgrounds May Include:
- Build to Rent (BTR), Housing Associations, Family Offices, Principal-Led Developers, or Real Estate Investment Businesses
- Prior responsibility for mixed portfolios including residential, retail, and/or public sector leases
- Launch/mobilisation experience for resi schemes or new asset acquisitions
- MRICS, FARLA, AssocRICS or similar qualifications welcome but not essential
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Management
-
Industries
Real Estate, Investment Management, and Housing and Community Development
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Head of Operations (London) employer: Macdonald & Company
Contact Detail:
Macdonald & Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the real estate and operations sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who may have insights or connections to the role of Head of Operations.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company’s current portfolio and recent acquisitions. Understanding their operational strategies and challenges will help you tailor your discussions during interviews, showcasing your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with institutional lease structures and compliance. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed similar portfolios, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your ability to build relationships with various stakeholders. Think of specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with housing associations or local authorities, as this is crucial for the Head of Operations role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in residential operations and portfolio oversight. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in managing non-AST or institutional lease structures.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your strategic yet hands-on approach aligns with their needs, and mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that make you a strong candidate.
Highlight Relationship-Building Skills: Since the role involves managing relationships with various stakeholders, emphasise your ability to build and maintain professional connections. Provide examples of past experiences where you successfully collaborated with housing associations or local authorities.
Showcase Data-Driven Decision Making: Demonstrate your capability to deliver clear, data-backed operational updates. Include instances where your analytical skills led to improved operational performance or financial outcomes in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Macdonald & Company
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Before your interview, take some time to research Macdonald & Company and their approach to real estate investment and development. Understanding their vision and how they create long-term value will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Operational Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing residential operations and institutional lease structures. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully overseen operational performance and improved property management.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, be ready to share examples of how you've built and maintained relationships with housing associations, local authorities, or other relevant parties. This will show your ability to navigate professional and public sector environments.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
As the position requires both strategic thinking and hands-on involvement, think of scenarios where you've contributed to operational strategy or mobilised new schemes. Be ready to discuss how you balance these two aspects effectively.
