At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial execution and team performance in a dynamic market research business.
- Company: Profitable, founder-led market research services firm with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, and incentives for long-term growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing business while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial leadership within market research or professional services.
- Other info: Central London office with a collaborative work environment.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Senior leadership role in a profitable, founder‑led market research services business. Own commercial execution, delivery alignment, and team performance across a 12‑person organisation. Inbound‑led commercial model supported by strong repeat client relationships. Close partnership with founders and evolving strategic ownership over time.
Central London, WeWork style offices, 3 days per week.
I’m supporting a specialist market research services business on the hire of a Commercial & Operations Director. This is a senior leadership role for someone who enjoys running the engine of a professional services organisation – leading people, aligning commercial decisions with delivery capability, and bringing structure and clarity as the business continues to scale.
The Business: Our client delivers high-quality qualitative and quantitative market research services across 60+ countries, supporting global brands, platforms and agencies. The business operates in a quality‑led, compliance‑driven environment, with growth driven by inbound demand, repeat clients, and reputation. Commercial activity centres on feasibility, scoping, pricing, and delivery alignment.
The Role: Reporting directly to the two founders, this is the most senior day‑to‑day commercial and operational role in the business. In the first 6‑12 months, the focus will be on:
- Leading day‑to‑day commercial and operational execution across the business
- Aligning feasibility and project delivery to ensure consistent, high‑quality outcomes
- Building clarity, structure, and disciplined decision‑making
- Leading, motivating, and performance‑managing a team of c.12
Over time, the role evolves into broader strategic and operational leadership, shaping how the business grows revenue and capability while maintaining quality standards.
Who This Role Will Suit: This role will resonate with leaders who have:
- Led divisions, regions, or client services functions within market research or professional services
- Overseen both commercial decision‑making and delivery teams in project‑led environments
- Operated successfully in inbound‑led, relationship‑driven growth models
- Enjoyed being the day‑to‑day leader responsible for people, performance, and execution
Importantly, while this is not a sales‑only role, experience in sales or commercial leadership is a strong advantage. As the business continues to scale, future growth will increasingly come from a combination of inbound demand and selective net‑new business activity, including the introduction of a dedicated outbound business development hire. This role will help shape that evolution, setting the commercial framework, supporting and enabling new business capability, and ensuring growth is aligned with delivery quality and margin discipline.
Package: £80,000‑£90,000 base salary, Bonus, Longer‑term incentive potential aligned to business growth.
If you’ve led commercial and operational teams within a market research or services environment and enjoy building clarity and momentum as a business scales, this is well worth a conversation.
Feel free to apply, or DM me and connect.
Commercial & Operations Director in City of London employer: BMS Engineering Recruitment
Contact Detail:
BMS Engineering Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial & Operations Director in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the market research and professional services sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their commercial model, client relationships, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions but also show that you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams and aligned commercial decisions with delivery capabilities. Use metrics and outcomes to demonstrate your impact – numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that Commercial & Operations Director role!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial & Operations Director in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Commercial & Operations Director. Highlight your experience in leading teams and aligning commercial decisions with delivery capabilities, as this is key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this senior leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and built strong client relationships in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to know how you lead and motivate teams. Use your application to demonstrate your approach to performance management and how you've successfully aligned teams towards common goals.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of getting noticed, make sure to apply through our website. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at BMS Engineering Recruitment
✨Know the Business Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's background, their market research services, and their client base. Understanding their inbound-led commercial model and how they maintain strong client relationships will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Commercial & Operations Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership approach. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams, aligned commercial decisions with delivery capabilities, and built clarity in previous roles. This will highlight your fit for the senior leadership aspect of the position.
✨Align Your Experience with Their Needs
Make sure to connect your past experiences directly to the job description. Talk about your experience in project-led environments, your understanding of compliance-driven operations, and how you've successfully managed both commercial decision-making and delivery teams. This alignment will make you stand out.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about their future growth plans, how they envision the evolution of the role, and what challenges they foresee as the business scales. This shows your strategic thinking and genuine interest in contributing to their success.