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- Tasks: Lead operations, finance, HR, and strategy in a dynamic design consultancy.
- Company: Join a vibrant mid-sized design agency in central London, known for creativity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy bonuses, hybrid/remote work options, and a strong focus on employee well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a creative environment while collaborating with talented teams.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership and operational management skills, ideally in design or consultancy.
- Other info: Experience in the Middle East is a plus; this role is a unique opportunity!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Our client, a mid-sized multidisciplinary design consultancy, are looking for a commercially minded and strategic Director of Operations to join them on a permanent basis at their office in central London. Within this role, you will work closely with the board of directors and act as the main linchpin for the practice, ensuring synchronicity across all departments. You will lead strategic, commercial, and operational initiatives and play a key part in driving the company forward. The role is responsible for overseeing all operational aspects including but not restricted to HR, finance, studio facilities, administration, operations and more. This is a broad and exciting role where you can really make an impact in an organisation and be the ‘go-to’ person of the practice. The ideal person will have strong leadership and operational management skills – ideally within the built environment – coupled with architectural/project knowledge and the desire to make impact within a creative environment!
Our client offers bonuses, hybrid/remote working options and a focus on employee culture and well-being. This is a rare and rewarding opportunity to join a desirable London based design practice!
Key Responsibilities:- Lead business operations, including planning, practice management, finance, HR, IT, and commercial functions, to ensure seamless and efficient processes
- Manage financial tasks such as cash flow monitoring, invoicing, bookkeeping, and fee negotiations for projects and tenders
- Conduct comprehensive operational reviews, identify improvement areas, and implement strategies to enhance efficiency
- Keep partners informed on key performance indicators, including financial health and revenue progress, to support strategic decision-making
- Collaborate with design teams to understand project workflows, contributing insights without directly handling design tasks
- Exceptional leader with solid operation/financial acumen
- Experience within a design or consultancy environment
- Proven expertise in business strategies and possesses a commercial mindset
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a natural ability to build relationships internally and externally
- Outstanding organisational skills
- Familiar with managing design practices is preferred
- Experience working on projects in the Middle East is advantageous
To apply for this position please click on the apply button to attach your CV (and portfolio for design positions).
The Crowd is an equal opportunities employer and agency.
Operations Director (Design Agency) employer: CROWD CREATIVE
Contact Detail:
CROWD CREATIVE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director (Design Agency)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the design consultancy field. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture. This can give you insights that will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in operational management within design agencies. Understanding current challenges and innovations can help you demonstrate your knowledge and strategic thinking during discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've improved operational efficiency in previous roles. Be ready to share metrics or outcomes that highlight your impact, as this will resonate well with the expectations for the Operations Director position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company's recent projects and initiatives, especially those related to the built environment. Being able to reference these in your conversations will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation, making you a more compelling candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director (Design Agency)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your leadership and operational management skills, particularly in a design or consultancy environment. Use specific examples that demonstrate your experience in managing business operations and financial tasks.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your commercial mindset and strategic thinking. Explain how your background aligns with the key responsibilities of the role and express your enthusiasm for making an impact within a creative environment.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any experience you have in the built environment or managing design practices. If you have worked on projects in the Middle East, be sure to mention this as it is considered advantageous.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your communication is clear and professional, reflecting the strong verbal and written skills required for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at CROWD CREATIVE
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Director, strong leadership is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in leading teams and managing operations. Share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges and driven teams towards achieving their goals.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since the role involves overseeing financial tasks, it's important to highlight your experience with budgeting, cash flow management, and financial reporting. Prepare to discuss how you've improved financial processes in past roles and any relevant metrics that showcase your success.
✨Understand the Design Environment
Familiarity with the design or consultancy sector is key. Research the company’s projects and be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their work. This will show your genuine interest in the role and your ability to contribute effectively.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
The role requires a strategic mindset, so be ready to talk about your approach to operational reviews and efficiency improvements. Think of examples where you've implemented successful strategies and how they positively impacted the organisation.
