At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations, redesign systems, and drive performance for large-scale projects.
- Company: Empower Advisory UK, part of BMD Group, a leader in engineering and construction.
- Benefits: Career growth, mental health support, flexible work, and employee recognition programs.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team making a real impact on complex projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in engineering consultancy and managing large teams.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Empower Advisory UK (a part of the BMD Group based in Australia) is a project management and advisory business that makes large, complex projects simple. Our team is composed entirely of people who have made a career in delivering large, complex projects both here in the UK and in Australia and who know how to make projects deliver ahead of time and budget and generate exceptional outcomes. BMD Group is Australia's leading integrated engineering, construction, and urban development business. We are dedicated to powering futures and creating legacies through a commitment to collaboration. Our team is built on the principles of collaboration and sustainability, ensuring the highest standards are met for every project and client.
We are looking for an Operations Director to join our team, reporting into the Managing Director. The role will be based from our North London office.
The Operations Director Will:
- Own and redesign the company's operating system
- Take full responsibility for operational performance and delivery discipline
- Improve margin architecture and economic performance
- Build scalable systems capable of supporting £7-10m+ revenue
- Remove operational dependency on the Managing Director
This role carries enterprise-level authority over delivery, resource management, compliance and operational financial performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Own end-to-end operational workflow
- Standardise operating procedures across consultancy and labour supply functions
- Lead delivery performance across ~60 staff and contractors
- Ensure robust contractor compliance (IR35, AWR, Right to Work, etc.)
- Commercial & Financial Accountability
- Supporting the MD to drive gross margin expansion and EBITDA improvement
- Supported by the Financial Coordinator, implement contribution analysis by client and service line
- Supported by the Financial Coordinator, own utilisation metrics and resource efficiency
- Design and maintain a monthly operational KPI dashboard
- Introduce forecasting discipline across 6-12 month horizon
- Improve working capital performance and debtor discipline
- Structural Growth & Scale
- Redesign operating model for scale beyond £5m revenue
- Improve incentive alignment between sales and delivery
- Install governance mechanisms that support disciplined growth
- Identify and eliminate low-margin or structurally weak client relationships
- Introduce systems automation where commercially justified
- Leadership & Culture
- Lead and develop delivery and operational managers
- Establish performance accountability standards
- Chair weekly performance and forecasting reviews
- Act as escalation point for client delivery matters
- Create a culture of data-driven operational discipline
- Managing Director Integration
- Provide challenge and strategic input to the Managing Director
- Operate as second-in-command for business execution
- Enable the MD to focus 70-80% on strategy and client acquisition
- Support long-term strategic positioning and potential investment readiness
Essential Experience and Professional Requirements:
- Strong interpersonal skills and Emotional Intelligence
- Key stakeholder engagement and management experience
- Demonstrated experience in:
- Engineering consultancy
- Managing 40+ staff in delivery or operations
- Technical staffing / labour supply
- Professional services delivery
- Comparable commercial environments
- Prior accountability for P&L, margin performance or divisional EBITDA
- Proven track record improving operational economics
- Strong financial literacy (margin analysis, forecasting, contribution modelling)
- Experience operating in regulated UK contractor environments
Highly Desirable:
- Experience in hybrid consultancy + labour supply models
- Lean, Six Sigma or structured process improvement exposure
- Evidence of scaling or restructuring an SME business
- Experience preparing business for investment or significant scale
- Commercial contract negotiation exposure
- Systems transformation experience (CRM, ERP, payroll integration)
Benefits:
- Grow your career with specialised learning and development programs
- Be recognised at our annual employee awards event and through our Thrive reward and recognition platform
- Prioritise wellbeing with mental health support and discounted gym access
- Support your family with paid parental leave for primary and secondary carers and flexible work arrangements available
- Access perks with novated leasing, specialised Power Perks and discounts with hundreds of retailers.
Diversity and Inclusion:
We recognise that we are strengthened by diversity, and we embrace differences as an equal opportunity employer providing a flexible and inclusive workplace. So, join our team, be yourself and help us power futures and create legacies. We're a purpose and values-led business guided by our values of family, empowered, collaborative and driven.
For further details on what makes BMD unique, head to BMD Careers.
Due to the high volume of applications and enquiries, we are only able to respond to shortlisted candidates. No agency submissions will be accepted.
Head of Operations in London employer: BMD Group
Empower Advisory UK, part of the BMD Group, is an exceptional employer that prioritises collaboration and sustainability in delivering large-scale projects. Based in North London, we offer a dynamic work culture with opportunities for professional growth through specialised learning programmes, recognition initiatives, and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing. Join us to be part of a purpose-driven team that values diversity and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the engineering and construction sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Head of Operations role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their projects, values, and challenges. This will help us tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference at Empower Advisory UK.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience in operational leadership and financial performance. We want you to confidently showcase how you can drive margin expansion and improve operational economics.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission of powering futures and creating legacies.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Operations Director. Highlight your experience in managing large teams and improving operational performance, as these are key for us at Empower Advisory UK.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your leadership style and how you align with our values of collaboration and empowerment. We want to see your personality come through!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements in margin performance and operational efficiency. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate a proven track record in similar environments.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Empower Advisory UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at BMD Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Operations, you'll need to be comfortable with financial metrics. Brush up on your margin analysis, contribution modelling, and EBITDA figures. Be ready to discuss how you've improved operational economics in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading a team of around 60 staff and contractors. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style, particularly how you establish performance accountability and foster a culture of data-driven discipline.
✨Understand the Business Model
Familiarise yourself with hybrid consultancy and labour supply models, as well as the specific challenges they present. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully navigated similar environments and what strategies you would implement to improve operational performance.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
You'll be working closely with the Managing Director, so think about how you can add value to strategic discussions. Prepare insights on scaling operations, improving incentive alignment, and governance mechanisms that support disciplined growth.
