At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of operations in a growing engineering consultancy.
- Company: WBD Group, a specialist structural engineering consultancy with global ambitions.
- Benefits: Market-leading salary, 34 days holiday, hybrid working, and professional development support.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on landmark buildings and expand into international markets.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects while building your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in operations and strong project management skills required.
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.
WBD Group is looking for a Head of Business Operations to help shape the next phase of our growth. 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.
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. 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.
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.
- 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.
- Adaptable: Comfortable switching between strategic planning and hands-on delivery in a growing business.
- Identify operational inefficiencies and opportunities across the business, and develop practical, commercially-minded solutions.
- 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.
- Work closely with our outsourced Finance team to maintain effective controls and commercial visibility.
- Translate strategic priorities into clear delivery plans, and lead operational projects from planning through to completion.
- Drive organisational change using an agile, iterative approach — balancing pace with quality and refining solutions based on real feedback.
- Evaluate, implement and optimise business systems and operational technology.
- Increase automation and remove unnecessary manual processes.
- Build operational infrastructure capable of scaling across multiple businesses.
- Help establish operational frameworks for new business ventures.
- Build repeatable operating models that can scale across multiple businesses.
Qualifications:
- Significant experience in Operations, Business Operations, Operational Excellence or a similar leadership role.
- Experience helping scale a growing SME, consultancy or high-growth business.
- Strong project and programme management capability.
- Experience managing remote or hybrid teams.
- Strong commercial awareness, and excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience implementing CRM, ERP or other operational platforms.
- Knowledge of AI, automation and digital transformation.
- Experience working across multiple businesses, start-ups or scale-ups.
Salary: market-leading, reviewed annually.
Location: hybrid: 3 days office-based (Fleet Street Office), offering a balance of collaboration and flexibility.
34 days' holiday in total, including bank holidays — plus an extra day for every three years of service, with unused leave carried over.
- Hybrid working: 3 days office-based
- Global remote working: work from anywhere for up to 2 weeks a year, wherever you choose.
- Pension: auto-enrolment into our company scheme (managed by Nest), with a 3% employer contribution.
- Membership fees: covered for a relevant professional institution.
- CPD allowance: for courses, conferences and training aligned with the business's needs.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Meaningful projects: contribute to landmark tall and high-risk buildings that shape the built environment.
- Global opportunities: help us expand into international markets.
Operations Manager (Contract) - Immediate start in London 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 Operations Manager (Contract) - Immediate start 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 Manager (Contract) - Immediate start at WBD 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 WBD Group or be willing to refer you for that Operations Manager (Contract) - Immediate start 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 WBD Group who’s on the lookout for their next Operations Manager (Contract) - Immediate start 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 Manager (Contract) - Immediate start role at WBD Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager (Contract) - Immediate start 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 WBD 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 WBD 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 WBD 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!
