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 markets.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on building smarter systems and improving business outcomes.
- Why this job: Take ownership of operations and drive innovation with AI tools in a dynamic environment.
- 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 Lead in London employer: Foundation Partners
Foundation Partners is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee engagement and development within a vibrant work culture. With a competitive salary range of £40,000 to £50,000 per annum, employees benefit from valuable perks and opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for those passionate about shaping HR operations and supporting diverse clients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Lead in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Foundation Partners, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Operations Lead at Foundation Partners.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Foundation Partners
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
