At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational improvements and design scalable systems for a growing consultancy.
- Company: WBD Group, a specialist structural engineering consultancy with global ambitions.
- Benefits: Autonomy in decision-making, opportunity for international expansion, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Join a team that values innovation and continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a dynamic business while working on high-profile projects.
- Qualifications: Strong strategic thinking, organisational skills, and experience in operational management.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
About WBD Group
WBD Group is a specialist structural engineering consultancy, operating across 3 core specialities. Delivering innovative, practical solutions for complex and high-profile buildings across the UK and internationally, with particular expertise in tall buildings and high-risk structures. Alongside our engineering work, we're developing our own digital tools and software to help shape the future of the industry, and we have planned expansion into new sectors and global markets including New York — offering the chance to work on meaningful projects while growing your career in a dynamic, supportive environment.
About The Role
WBD Group is looking for a Head of Business Operations to help shape the next phase of our growth. This is not a conventional operational management role. We need someone who enjoys creating order from complexity: designing scalable systems, spotting opportunities for improvement, and making sure change actually sticks once it's introduced. Working directly alongside the leadership team, you'll improve how the business runs today while helping design how it runs tomorrow. As we expand internationally and take on new ventures, you'll build the operational foundations that let us grow without adding unnecessary complexity. The role suits someone equally comfortable thinking strategically and delivering hands-on. One day you might be redesigning how work flows through the business; the next, implementing a new system, improving reporting, or coordinating a remote team through a change. You'll have genuine autonomy to identify problems, propose solutions and lead initiatives through to adoption and you'll be trusted to challenge existing ways of working while bringing people with you and developing your own team.
Why Join WBD Group?
WBD Group is at an exciting point in its growth, with ambitious plans for international expansion, new ventures and continued diversification. This role is a rare opportunity to shape how a growing business operates, rather than simply inherit systems already in place. You'll have real influence, significant autonomy, and the chance to build the operational foundations for our next phase of growth.
About You
You get genuine satisfaction from making organisations work better. You notice inefficiencies that others overlook, think in systems rather than tasks, and are as comfortable in a leadership discussion as you are solving a problem on the ground. You combine strategic thinking with exceptional execution. You know how to turn ideas into reality, create momentum and ensure improvements become embedded rather than fading after the initial push. You thrive in a fast-moving environment where priorities evolve, decisions need to be made, and progress matters. You're comfortable working with ambiguity, making informed decisions without having every answer, and refining solutions through real-world implementation rather than waiting for perfection. Above all, you're energised by building businesses, creating scalable ways of working, and leaving organisations significantly better than you found them.
Key Characteristics
- Strategic: Able to see the bigger picture while understanding the operational detail required to achieve it.
- Highly Organised: Naturally creates structure, clarity and accountability across people, projects and processes.
- Commercially Minded: Understands the commercial impact behind operational decisions and always focuses on business outcomes.
- Bias for Action: Moves quickly, makes informed decisions and values momentum over unnecessary perfection.
- Execution Focused: Doesn't stop at ideas; follows through until improvements are fully embedded.
- Pragmatic: Comfortable making decisions with incomplete information and continuously improving solutions through experience.
- Change Leader: Builds genuine buy-in, influences stakeholders and brings people through change successfully.
- Systems Thinker: Sees how individual processes connect and builds scalable operational frameworks rather than isolated fixes.
- Collaborative: Builds strong relationships across teams while constructively challenging existing ways of working.
- Adaptable: Comfortable switching between strategic planning and hands-on delivery in a growing business.
- Self-Starting: Takes ownership, identifies opportunities independently and requires minimal direction.
- Continuous Improver: Always looking for better, smarter and more efficient ways of working.
Strategic Operations
- Identify operational inefficiencies and opportunities across the business, and develop practical, commercially-minded solutions.
- Design scalable systems, processes and ways of working that support sustainable growth.
- Develop reporting, KPI and performance frameworks that give the business meaningful insight.
- Contribute to strategic planning and support new ventures, acquisitions and international expansion.
Business Operations
- Oversee day-to-day operational performance across the business.
- Coordinate a predominantly remote workforce, ensuring accountability, communication and collaboration.
- Own internal operational systems, governance and workflows.
- Support recruitment, onboarding and wider people operations.
- Work closely with our outsourced Finance team to maintain effective controls and commercial visibility.
Head of Business Operations employer: WBD Group
WBD Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the UK construction sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, allowing for personal growth while contributing to impactful engineering projects. With a focus on teamwork and support from senior staff, this role provides a meaningful pathway to advance your career in a dynamic consultancy environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Operations
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like WBD Group.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like WBD Group.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to WBD Group.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of WBD Group. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at WBD Group
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with WBD Group, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at WBD Group, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for WBD Group could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at WBD Group as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
