At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve operational infrastructure for a global engineering organisation.
- Company: CIBSE, a prestigious institution with a commitment to sustainability and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced role that drives organisational success.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience in operations, governance, or corporate services.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and member engagement.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 112000 £ per year.
CIBSE is an organisation with a proud heritage, a global reputation for technical excellence and a deep sense of responsibility to the built environment. Supporting a community of 24,000 members across more than 100 countries, we advance and promote the art, science and practice of building services engineering, driving progress in sustainability, health, wellbeing and net zero.
As our influence continues to grow and our international footprint expands at pace, we are seeking an Operations Director to lead, strengthen and continuously improve CIBSE’s operational infrastructure. This is a key senior leadership role, overseeing critical central functions including Governance and Secretariat, IT and CRM, People & Culture, Process Management and internal service delivery. The postholder will provide strategic and operational leadership across these areas, advancing our already robust and scalable infrastructure and ensuring our policies, processes and systems remain efficient, customer focused and fit for purpose.
You will help embed a proactive approach to international operations, ensuring our growing global workforce and offices receive consistent, high quality support. Acting as a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive, senior leadership team and Trustees, you will ensure operational excellence underpins and enables the organisation’s strategy. This is a highly varied, fast paced and hands on role suited to an individual with strong operational breadth, sound judgement and outstanding organisational capability. We are seeking someone who brings a confident, structured and reassuring approach; excellent interpersonal skills; and the ability to manage high performing teams and engage effectively across a member led organisation. You will thrive on variety, moving seamlessly between strategic oversight and hands on problem solving, and bring an outward looking, modernising mindset to simplify, streamline and improve systems and processes.
About You
We are looking for a sophisticated operator who:
- Demonstrates strong leadership experience in operational, governance or corporate services roles, ideally within a charity, professional body or complex membership organisation.
- Has experience managing cross functional teams across governance, HR, IT, CRM and/or process management.
- Brings resilience, diplomacy and sound judgement within governance rich contexts involving Trustees, Boards and Committees.
- Has international operational experience or confidence navigating international infrastructures.
- Possesses excellent communication skills, strong planning, budgeting and resource management capability, and a proactive, hands on approach.
How to Apply
Closing date for applications: 23:59 on Tuesday 7th April 2026. Apply online at www.berwickpartners.co.uk/95722. If unable to apply online, please email: response.manager@berwickpartners.co.uk. All candidates are requested to complete an online Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form at the end of the application process.
Queries: Thomas Ewen, Principal Consultant – thomas.ewen@berwickpartners.co.uk
Operations Director in London employer: CIBSE – The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
Contact Detail:
CIBSE – The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. 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 interviews by researching CIBSE thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. We want you to show that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their operational excellence and sustainability goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your leadership experience and how it aligns with the role. We suggest rehearsing answers to common interview questions, focusing on your ability to manage cross-functional teams and drive operational improvements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. We believe this small gesture can set you apart from other candidates and keep you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational leadership, governance, and managing cross-functional teams. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Operations Director at CIBSE!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve improved processes or led successful projects. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who brings a confident and structured approach, so don’t hesitate to express your unique style and perspective!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application via our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at CIBSE – The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into CIBSE's mission and values. Understand their role in building services engineering and how they promote sustainability and wellbeing. This knowledge will help you connect your experience with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of your leadership experience, especially in operational roles. Highlight times when you've successfully managed cross-functional teams or improved processes. This will demonstrate your capability to lead at a senior level.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in governance or operational contexts and how you navigated them. This will show your strategic thinking and resilience.
✨Engage with Their Vision
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for CIBSE's future. Discuss how you can contribute to their international operations and support their growing global workforce. This will illustrate your proactive mindset and alignment with their objectives.