At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence and drive performance across a dynamic team.
- Company: Empower Advisory, part of BMD Group, a leader in engineering and construction.
- Benefits: Career growth, mental health support, flexible work, and recognition programs.
- Why this job: Shape the future of project management and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in managing large teams.
- Other info: Join a diverse and inclusive workplace focused on collaboration and sustainability.
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
Experience & Professional Requirements
Essential
- 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
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
We believe our people do their best work when they feel supported — personally and professionally. That’s why we offer benefits that go beyond the basics:
- 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 https://www.bmdgroup.global/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.
Operations Director (Empower Advisory) in Slough employer: BMD Group
Contact Detail:
BMD Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director (Empower Advisory) in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Operations Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their projects, values, and challenges. We want you to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely gets what they’re about and can contribute to their mission of making complex projects simple.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror. Make sure you can confidently discuss your operational leadership skills and financial acumen, as these are key for the Operations Director position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the perfect fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director (Empower Advisory) in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational leadership and financial accountability. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Empower Advisory!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve improved operational performance or driven margin expansion in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value collaboration and emotional intelligence, so don’t hesitate to share what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our team culture.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you!
How to prepare for a job interview at BMD Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Operations Director, you'll need to be comfortable discussing margins, contribution, and operational performance. Brush up on your financial literacy and be ready to share examples of how you've improved these metrics in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading a team of around 60 staff and contractors. Prepare to discuss your leadership approach, how you establish accountability, and any successful strategies you've implemented to foster a collaborative culture.
✨Understand the Business Model
Familiarise yourself with Empower Advisory's hybrid consultancy and labour supply model. Be prepared to discuss how you would redesign operating systems for scalability and efficiency, especially in relation to revenue growth.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle operational challenges. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to improve operational economics or manage compliance issues, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.