At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations, streamline processes, and enhance efficiency in a growing consultancy.
- Company: Fidus, a specialist Quantity Surveying & Contract Administration Consultancy in high-end residential property.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of operations while leveraging AI to build smarter systems.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management or operational leadership; fast learner with a proactive mindset.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Foundation Partners have partnered with Fidus on this search. Fidus is a specialist Quantity Surveying & Contract Administration Consultancy operating in the high-end and super-prime residential property market. We're growing, and our senior team's time is increasingly consumed by operational and administrative tasks that pull focus from delivery, client relationships, and business development.
This role exists to fix that. We're looking for an Operations Lead who can take ownership of the commercial, contractual, and administrative machinery of the business - the things that need to happen reliably and on time, but that our QS team shouldn't be the ones doing. This is not a PA or EA role. It's an Operations Lead role with a strong commercial and contractual backbone, for someone who wants to build something rather than just maintain it.
Total ownership & excellence is the foundation; a defining feature of the role will be to progressively automate and streamline your own responsibilities, freeing you up to take on higher-value work as the business grows. In line with this, we're looking for someone who sees AI as opportunity, not a threat, a practical tool to build smarter systems over time.
Experience / Background
You may have had a Commercial Management or Operational Leadership role that focuses on building operational improvements over time (not just delivering tasks). You've potentially worked within a construction or property related business. However, what matters more than your specific background is your approach, mindset and ability to learn fast. A proven ability to develop systems & processes improving output quality & efficiency.
Core Responsibilities
- Risk & Compliance
- Managing consultant appointments - reviewing and negotiating contractual terms
- Collateral warranties - compiling, tracking, and issuing
- Insurance - becoming the in-house expert on terms, negotiation, and tracking renewal dates across consultants and contractors
- General internal risk and data management
- Fidus Appointments
- Fidus appointment contracts with Clients
- Client on-boarding (KYC / AML)
- Commercial Structures for Projects
- Working with lawyers & accountants to ensure company structures are agreed, set up & operational
- Implementation & negotiation of contracts, novation agreements & warranties required in relation to these structures
- Operational Coordination
- Proactively chasing and coordinating internal and external parties to keep things moving
- Manage trackers & processes to ensure full ownership and delivery of all responsibilities
- Business Improvement & AI Integration
- Researching, championing, and building AI/agentic AI tools to streamline operations
- Continuously improving and automating your own role as the business scales
- This is a growth area - what it looks like in year one will differ from year two as the business and its needs evolve
Key Attributes
- Commercially sharp – understands contracts, risk allocation, insurance, and what a fair and normal commercial balance looks like
- Execution-obsessed – gets genuine satisfaction from solving problems that aren't straightforward, and from seeing things through to completion
- Confident and credible – comfortable challenging senior people respectfully, pushing for action, and negotiating
- Fast learner – comes from an environment where they've had to figure things out themselves
- AI-curious and ambitious – excited by the opportunity to build a leaner, smarter operation using modern tools
Key Relationships
- Report to: Managing Director
- Stakeholders: Clients, Design Teams, Contractors, Consultants, Funders, Lawyers, Accountants
- Internal Collaboration: All Fidus team members across seniority levels
Logistics
- Salary Range: £50,000 - £70,000
- Location: Putney (Hybrid is preference)
Operations Manager employer: Foundation Partners Group
Foundation Partners Group is an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the vibrant area of Shoreditch. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement, ensuring that our team members thrive while driving customer success. Our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Operations Manager at Foundation Partners Group!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Foundation Partners Group or be willing to refer you for that Operations Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Foundation Partners Group who’s on the lookout for their next Operations Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Operations Manager role at Foundation Partners Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Foundation Partners Group. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foundation Partners Group
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Foundation Partners Group. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
