Director of Operations

Director of Operations

London Temporary No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the operational launch of a vibrant mixed-use complex in London.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team creating a flagship destination for culture and community.
  • Benefits: Competitive day rate, potential for contract extension, and impactful work environment.
  • Why this job: Shape a landmark development that balances commercial success with community value.
  • Qualifications: Senior-level experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder operations is essential.
  • Other info: Immediate interviews available; apply now to be part of this exciting project!

A unique opportunity has arisen for an experienced and strategic Director of Operations to lead the pre-launch and operational mobilisation of a high-profile mixed-use complex in London. This dynamic new destination will bring together commercial, cultural, urban and community elements – including event and conferencing spaces, retail, hospitality, office accommodation, cinema complex, restaurant/eatery, and landscaped public areas.

This is a key leadership role for someone who thrives in complex environments and excels at operational delivery, stakeholder engagement, and bringing vibrant multi-use spaces to life. This role is central to ensuring the seamless delivery of an integrated operating model that balances commercial ambition with cultural and community value. The Director of Operations will oversee the day-to-day running of the complex, establish operating frameworks, lead cross-functional teams, and build trusted relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

You will provide operational leadership, working in close collaboration with senior leadership, delivery partners, tenants, community stakeholders, and public services to ensure the complex opens successfully and thrives as a flagship, multi-purpose destination.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and implement an operational strategy and business plan for the complex, balancing commercial, cultural, urban and community objectives.
  • Oversee pre-launch mobilisation across all areas of the complex, including facilities management, venue hire, events, catering, safety, security, and front-of-house operations.
  • Establish and lead the operations team, aligning them with wider organisational goals and transformation initiatives.
  • Manage stakeholder engagement across public and private sectors, including internal service leads, delivery partners, commercial tenants, residents, and local organisations.
  • Develop a brand and messaging strategy aligned with the overall destination vision and placemaking goals.
  • Lead negotiations with suppliers, operators, and lessees, ensuring all commercial arrangements support long-term success.
  • Build strong working relationships with elected officials, senior leaders, and community forums to promote inclusive access and cultural value.
  • Monitor operational performance, manage budgets, drive income generation, and ensure value for money.
  • Ensure compliance with licensing, health and safety, accessibility, and security regulations in collaboration with key services.
  • Support marketing and communications efforts to raise the profile of the complex and promote its events and services.
  • Foster a high-performing, inclusive team culture that reflects public service values and customer-first principles.
About You

You will bring a blend of strategic vision, commercial acumen, and strong operational leadership, with a proven track record in delivering and managing complex, multi-functional environments.

Essential Experience & Skills:
  • Demonstrable Senior-level experience overseeing operations in complex, mixed-use space, multi-stakeholder setting.
  • Strong people leadership skills, with experience building and managing cross-functional teams.
  • Proven ability to lead stakeholder engagement, negotiations, and cross-sector collaboration.
  • Expertise in managing budgets, commercial contracts, and revenue-generating services.
  • Operational knowledge of facilities management, venue hire, event delivery, and compliance.
  • Background in placemaking or managing civic, cultural, or public-use destinations.
  • Comfortable working in politically sensitive environments, with high-level stakeholder diplomacy.
  • Strategic thinker with a focus on delivery and continuous improvement.
  • Strong project management and mobilisation experience.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to engage effectively at all levels.

If you are a strategic operational leader with a passion for delivering high-quality, multi-use spaces that serve diverse communities and stakeholders, we encourage you to apply. This is a rare opportunity to shape the success of a landmark West London development. To express your interest or to find out more, please get in touch as soon as possible. Interviews will take place at the earliest opportunity.

Director of Operations employer: Red Personnel

As a leading employer in the heart of London, we offer an exceptional opportunity for the Director of Operations to thrive in a vibrant and dynamic work environment. Our commitment to fostering a collaborative culture ensures that employees are supported in their professional growth, with access to unique projects that blend commercial ambition with community value. Join us to be part of a landmark development that not only shapes the urban landscape but also enriches the lives of those who engage with it.
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Contact Detail:

Red Personnel Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Operations

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the mixed-use development sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with people who have insights into the role and the organisation. This can help you gain valuable information and potentially get a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Research the specific mixed-use complex and its vision. Understanding the unique aspects of the project will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, demonstrating your genuine interest and strategic thinking about how to contribute to its success.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience in stakeholder engagement and cross-functional team leadership. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex environments and built relationships with diverse stakeholders in previous roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with current trends in placemaking and community-focused developments. Being knowledgeable about these trends will not only enhance your conversations but also position you as a forward-thinking candidate who understands the broader context of the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations

Strategic Vision
Commercial Acumen
Operational Leadership
Stakeholder Engagement
Cross-Functional Team Management
Budget Management
Negotiation Skills
Facilities Management
Event Delivery
Compliance Knowledge
Placemaking Expertise
Political Sensitivity
Project Management
Interpersonal Communication Skills
Continuous Improvement Focus

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in managing complex, mixed-use spaces. Focus on your leadership roles and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to oversee operations in similar environments.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for operational leadership and your strategic vision for the role. Mention how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly in stakeholder engagement and operational delivery.

Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, emphasise your experience in facilities management, event delivery, and budget management. Use specific examples to illustrate your success in these areas, especially in multi-stakeholder settings.

Highlight Soft Skills: Given the importance of interpersonal communication and stakeholder diplomacy in this role, make sure to highlight your soft skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with diverse groups and built strong relationships in previous positions.

How to prepare for a job interview at Red Personnel

✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision

As a Director of Operations, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to develop and implement a strategic vision. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led operational strategies in complex environments, focusing on balancing commercial and community objectives.

✨Highlight Stakeholder Engagement Skills

This role requires strong stakeholder engagement. Be ready to discuss your experience in managing relationships with various stakeholders, including public and private sectors. Share specific instances where your diplomacy and negotiation skills made a significant impact.

✨Emphasise Leadership Experience

You’ll need to lead cross-functional teams effectively. Talk about your leadership style and provide examples of how you've built and managed diverse teams. Highlight any initiatives that fostered an inclusive team culture and improved performance.

✨Demonstrate Operational Knowledge

Familiarity with facilities management, event delivery, and compliance is essential. Prepare to discuss your operational knowledge and experience in these areas, particularly how you’ve ensured successful outcomes in previous roles.

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