At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise operations in a dynamic architecture studio.
- Company: Join Broadway Malyan, a global leader in architecture and design.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, part-time role, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth in a respected global practice.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on operational performance and studio profitability.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in architecture with strong operations management experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: London HQ (with flexibility for hybrid working)
Department: Architecture
Level: Department Head
Sector: Architecture & Design
Practice: Broadway Malyan
Contract: Permanent, part-time (3 days per week)
Who we are
Broadway Malyan is a global architecture, urbanism and design practice, creating cities, buildings and places with a strong sense of identity and long-term value. Our work spans a broad range of sectors, scales and geographies, bringing together architecture, masterplanning, urban design, interiors, research, coordination and project management. As an employee-owned practice, we have built an inclusive and collaborative culture where our people share responsibility for the future of the business. We are committed to investing in our people, strengthening client relationships and using design, technology and innovation to improve the future of the built environment.
About the role
We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Head of Operations to lead and optimise business operations across our London architecture studio. This is a senior operational role requiring a proven track record in the architecture, interiors, or built environment sector, with the ability to drive efficiency, manage resources, and support the strategic growth of the business. The successful candidate will work closely with the senior leadership team and finance function to ensure operational excellence, successful project delivery, and a high-performing, engaged workforce on a 3-day per week permanent basis.
What you'll be doing
- Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of the studio across all operational functions.
- Implement and maintain consistent systems, standards, and procedures across the business.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiencies, reduce operational costs, and actively improve overall studio utilisation rates.
- Work closely with Finance and Directors on monthly projections, billings, and invoicing.
- Manage and monitor project budgets and revenue throughout the project lifecycle; monitor project performance and prepare a weekly update report.
- Lead resource planning and traffic management across the Architecture studio.
- Map billing and labour plans weekly with directors and sector leads, deploying resources efficiently to minimise underutilisation.
- Plan project teams in relation to availability and budgets to meet project requirements and deadlines.
- Support the bid process and respond to RFPs to help secure an ongoing pipeline of work.
- Work closely with the Head of Business Development to coordinate bid submissions, ensuring deadlines are met and outputs are of the highest quality.
- Assist in the preparation and review of bid documentation, presentations, and supporting materials to improve pipeline conversion metrics.
What we're looking for
- Significant experience (15+ years) within the architectural or built environment sector.
- Proven track record in operations management at a senior level.
- Solid understanding of project financial management, including budgets, billings, and revenue monitoring.
- Strong experience managing cross-functional teams and fostering collaborative working environments.
- Demonstrated success in supporting teams to secure a pipeline of project work.
- Experience in client relationship management.
- Proficiency in MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experience using formal financial reporting systems.
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Acrobat) is advantageous.
- Experience working as part of a global team and sharing resources across international offices.
What will help you succeed
- Possesses exceptional leadership, organisational, and decision-making skills.
- Has the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Brings strong commercial awareness and a results-oriented mindset.
- Communicates excellently, both written and verbally, handling matters with diplomacy and tact.
- Uses strong interpersonal skills to build trust and create effective business partnerships.
- Takes a problem-solving approach with sound judgement across varied operational challenges.
- Encourages a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement.
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to take on a senior operational leadership role within a respected global architecture and design practice, working from our London studio to optimise and drive our operational performance. You will have the opportunity to directly influence the studio's profitability, lead resource management, and shape the financial and operational workflows of the business. For an experienced, commercially aware professional, this role offers real scope to make a visible, measurable impact at a senior level.
Key measures of success
- Successful improvement of studio utilisation rates.
- Maintained and improved fee-earner to staff cost ratio.
- Effective RFP support metrics, ensuring timely and high-quality bid coordination.
- Clear management of studio resources, minimising underutilisation and overhead waste.
Broadway Malyan is an equal opportunities employer.
Head of Operations in London employer: Broadway Malyan
Broadway Malyan is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive culture where employees are empowered to shape the future of the business. With a commitment to professional growth, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and a focus on operational excellence, this role as Head of Operations provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within a respected global architecture and design practice based in London. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that values innovation and teamwork, ensuring a rewarding career path in the dynamic field of architecture and design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the architecture and design sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with Broadway Malyan’s work and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your 15+ years of experience can drive operational excellence at Broadway Malyan. Highlight your leadership skills and how you’ve successfully managed cross-functional teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 in the architecture and design space.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Operations role. Highlight your relevant experience in operations management and how it aligns with our goals at Broadway Malyan.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to show how you’ve improved efficiencies or managed resources effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the architecture and design sector.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Broadway Malyan
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Broadway Malyan's projects and values. Research their recent work in architecture and design, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of creating cities and buildings with identity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams and improved operational efficiencies in previous roles. Highlight your decision-making skills and how you've fostered collaboration.
✨Be Financially Savvy
Since the role involves project financial management, brush up on your knowledge of budgets, billings, and revenue monitoring. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you've managed project finances effectively and how you can apply that experience to improve Broadway Malyan's operations.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication is key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. Think about how you can convey complex operational strategies in a straightforward manner, as this will be crucial when working with the senior leadership team.
