At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost management services for major private sector projects and drive business growth.
- Company: A leading global property and construction consultancy with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, senior leadership role, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Play a key role in a well-established consultancy with excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of private sector cost management.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in cost management and strong client relationship skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Operations Director – Cost & Commercial Management | Private Sector
Location
London
Sector
Corporate Real Estate, Retail, Hospitality, Leisure & Mixed-Use
Level
Operations Director / Senior Leadership
The opportunity
A leading global property and construction consultancy is looking to appoint an Operations Director – Cost & Commercial Management, to take a senior leadership position within its growing Private Sector business.
This is a high-profile role combining commercial leadership, client delivery, team management and business development.
You will have responsibility for the successful delivery of complex cost and commercial management commissions, while helping shape the continued growth of the private sector offering.
The role will suit an established consultancy leader with the credibility to operate at senior client level, lead high-performing teams and develop long-term relationships with major private sector organisations.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end delivery of cost and commercial management services across major private sector projects.
- Provide strategic commercial advice from feasibility and business case development through procurement, construction and final account.
- Oversee estimating, cost planning, forecasting, value management and cost control.
- Lead procurement strategies and ensure effective management of tendering, contractor selection and contract formation.
- Provide oversight of post-contract cost management, change control, valuations and commercial reporting.
- Drive value engineering and whole-life cost considerations to maximise client value.
- Ensure robust financial governance and accurate, high-quality reporting throughout project delivery.
- Act as a senior client interface, building trusted relationships with developers, investors, occupiers and other key stakeholders.
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities, contributing to the growth strategy of the Private Sector division.
- Lead, develop and recruit high-performing cost management professionals.
- Support the wider leadership team in developing market strategy, client propositions and sector growth.
What we're looking for
- We're interested in senior cost consultancy professionals who can demonstrate:
- Significant leadership experience within a cost management / commercial consultancy environment.
- A strong track record of leading multidisciplinary or high-performing commercial teams.
- Experience delivering major projects for sophisticated private sector clients.
- A proven ability to develop senior client relationships and generate repeat business.
- Strong commercial understanding across cost planning, procurement, contracts, valuations, change and financial reporting.
- Experience working across sectors such as corporate real estate, retail, hospitality, leisure, residential or mixed-use development.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the gravitas to operate confidently at board and senior client level.
- A commercially minded approach, with the ability to balance exceptional service delivery with business growth.
- A degree or relevant professional qualification is desirable, alongside relevant professional membership.
Why this role?
This is an opportunity to join a well-established consultancy at a senior level and play a meaningful role in growing its private sector cost and commercial management business.
You will have the platform, autonomy and senior stakeholder exposure to influence both client outcomes and the future direction of the business.
Interested in finding out more? Apply confidentially or get in touch for an initial discussion.
Operations Director - Cost Management in London employer: People Group
At People Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and the opportunity to work on high-profile projects like the £700M HS2 scheme, ensuring that our team members are at the forefront of MEP design in rail and aviation. Located in the UK, we provide a supportive environment where your expertise can thrive, making a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director - Cost Management in London
✨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 Director - Cost Management at People 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 People Group or be willing to refer you for that Operations Director - Cost Management 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 People Group who’s on the lookout for their next Operations Director - Cost Management 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 Director - Cost Management role at People Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director - Cost Management in London
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 People 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 People 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 People 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!
