Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage operations teams, ensuring efficiency and alignment with strategic goals.
- Company: Join Purcell, an award-winning employee-owned architectural consultancy known for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment, opportunities for personal growth, and a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a top architecture practice, influencing projects that shape communities and heritage.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in construction or architecture, degree-level qualification, strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Position based in London, Cambridge, Oxford, or Manchester with regular travel.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Operations Partner to join our Main Board and play a central role in shaping the future of our employee-owned practice.
This is a strategic appointment with significant influence across all areas of the business. The role commands a seat on the Main Board, with the potential to become a Statutory Director, and carries responsibility for the effective and efficient operation of the practice. As Operations Partner, you will be a key strategic leader, helping to guide and support the practice at the highest level.
You will lead and manage our multi-disciplinary established operations teams, including finance, people, IT, marketing, administration, and business management, ensuring the systems and processes that underpin our work are robust, agile and aligned with our strategic goals. You will be accountable for implementing operational plans in line with the company’s broader strategy and analysing performance to identify and drive improvements.
The strength of your approach (measured, supportive, and collaborative) will be key to working alongside the board and studio leads while empowering others to deliver at the highest standard. Based out of one our regional hubs, either London, Cambridge, Oxford or Manchester, regular travel will be vital, ensuring a consistent and connected presence across the practice.
Purcell is an award-winning employee-owned architectural and heritage consultancy practice with a commitment to quality, innovation, and diversity. We have staff of approximately 300 talented architects, designers, heritage consultants and surveyors across 14 offices, in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia. Winners of Architect Employer of the Year 2022.
Collaboration is central to our employee-ownership culture, providing opportunities to work on some of the finest buildings; from meticulous heritage and conservation schemes to bold contemporary design. We offer a rewarding and supportive environment for personal and professional development and our employee-owned ethos empowers everyone to use their voice. We believe in creating an equitable and inclusive culture, founded on our values, which celebrates knowledge sharing and our successes, to build an inspiring work environment.
It is our distinctive employee-owned working culture that has contributed to our status as a World Architecture Top 100 Practice, renowned for our excellence in architecture and heritage consultancy.
The role
As Operations Partner, you will:
Hold a strategic leadership position as a member of the Main Board
Chair and lead the Operations Board, managing and supporting Heads of Function across key operational disciplines
Oversee the day-to-day running of the practice, ensuring our internal systems and processes support efficiency, productivity, and excellenceImplement and review operational plans, driving alignment with Purcell’s wider business strategy
Monitor and manage operational risk, contractual, financial, and process-related, ensuring proactive planning and effective mitigations
Be a key communicator and presence across all studios, acting as a visible ambassador for the Board’s vision and priorities
Support our CEO with strategic delivery, forward planning, and balancing of priorities
Work closely with Regional Partners and the Employee Council to embed good practice and drive cultural alignment
Represent operational matters at Board level, and act as the conduit between the Main Board and the wider Practice
Mentor senior team members, support performance management, and model leadership that reflects our values and purpose
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a seasoned, people-centred leader with a strong understanding of the operational workings of a design-led, project-based organisation. You will bring:
Minimum 15 years’ experience in the construction or architecture industry
A degree-level qualification or equivalent professional background
A confident, strategic mindset and proven experience leading business operations
Strong leadership and management skills, with a collaborative and empowering approach
Strong understanding of financial, contractual, and operational risk
Strong communication, influencing and interpersonal skills at all levels
An analytical and organised approach to problem-solving and change
Calm, empathetic, and resilient under pressure
A deep alignment with Purcell’s values and employee-ownership ethos
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Business Development and Sales
-
Industries
Architecture and Planning
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Purcell by 2x
Get notified about new Operations Partner jobs in London Area, United Kingdom.
London, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Monetisation Strategy & Operations Associate
London, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago
London, England, United Kingdom £65,000.00-£75,000.00 1 month ago
Business Partner, Sales Strategy & Operations
London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Business Operations Manager (Viator) London
London, England, United Kingdom 1 hour ago
Strategy & Operations Manager – Tilt Studios
Partner Operations Manager (Quick Service Restaurants)
London, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
Partner Operations Manager (Key Accounts)
London, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
London, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago
London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Business Operations Manager, GREF – Regional Portfolio Management (RPM) – EMEA
London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
London, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago
Head of Operations, up to A GBP 90,000, London (Epic group)
Hackney, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
Senior Operations Manager – Hospitality Partnerships
London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Chief Operating Officer | High Growth Bio-Hacking Start Up | London/Hybrid
London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Director, Operations – DDC Global Operations
London, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago
Greater London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
London, England, United Kingdom £45,000.00-£50,000.00 1 month ago
London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Operations Partner employer: Purcell
Contact Detail:
Purcell Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Purcell's employee-owned ethos and values. Understanding their commitment to collaboration and quality will help you align your approach during interviews, showcasing how your leadership style complements their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Purcell to gain insights into the company’s operations and culture. This can provide you with valuable information that you can reference in conversations with the hiring team, demonstrating your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that highlight your strategic leadership and operational management skills. Be ready to explain how you've successfully implemented operational plans and driven improvements in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of the architectural and construction industry by staying updated on current trends and challenges. Being able to speak knowledgeably about industry developments will position you as a well-informed candidate who can contribute to Purcell's strategic goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in operations, particularly within the construction or architecture industry. Emphasise your leadership roles and any strategic initiatives you've led that align with the responsibilities of the Operations Partner role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your understanding of Purcell's employee-owned ethos and how your values align with theirs. Discuss your strategic mindset and provide examples of how you've successfully managed operational risks and driven improvements in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your minimum 15 years of experience in the industry. Include specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and implement operational plans that align with broader business strategies.
Showcase Communication Skills: Given the importance of communication in this role, ensure you highlight your interpersonal skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders, including board members and team leads, to drive cultural alignment and operational success.
How to prepare for a job interview at Purcell
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Purcell's employee-owned ethos and collaborative culture. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to fostering an inclusive environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As an Operations Partner, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership skills. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams, managed projects, or implemented operational improvements that align with strategic goals.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Given the strategic nature of this role, be ready to discuss your approach to operational planning and risk management. Think about how you would align operational plans with the company's broader strategy and be prepared to share your insights on industry trends.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully communicated with various stakeholders in previous positions. Highlight your ability to influence and engage others, especially in a multi-disciplinary environment.