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 Slough 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, this role as Head of Operations provides the opportunity to lead operational excellence in a prestigious London studio while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working. Employees benefit from a strong focus on innovation, design, and client relationships, making it a rewarding environment for those looking to make a significant impact in the architecture and design sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Slough
✨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. Understand their values and recent work, especially in operations management. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Operations. Highlight your achievements in managing resources and improving efficiencies, as these are key to impressing the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Broadway Malyan. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Slough
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 values at Broadway Malyan.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've driven efficiency or improved operational processes in your previous roles. We love seeing measurable impacts!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for 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 and long-term value.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Operations, you'll need to demonstrate exceptional leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed cross-functional teams or improved operational efficiencies. Highlight your decision-making skills and how you've fostered collaboration in fast-paced environments.
✨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 strategies you've used to manage project finances effectively and how you've contributed to improving profitability in previous positions.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the studio's current challenges, their approach to resource management, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values.
