At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage operations for impactful building projects while ensuring client satisfaction.
- Company: Join WSP, a global leader in engineering and professional services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health support, and a culture of inclusivity.
- Other info: Embrace a dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape your career while making a positive impact on communities worldwide.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and experience in managing multidisciplinary teams.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
A little bit more about your role... The Operations Manager is responsible for managing day-to-day operational matters associated with their Discipline; you will support the Buildings Group Director in leadership of projects and business performance. The role of this Operations Manager is to embed a project culture around a technically robust and efficient delivery model, balanced with the need to satisfy client, staff and commercial expectations. The Operations Manager will operate with moderate direct supervision from the Group Director and Operations Director. They will be expected to take appropriate action in all aspects of the role to meet the expectations of the business.
- Overall
- Support Building Services team by supporting and demonstrating a client and project centred culture and represent the business internally and externally as appropriate.
- Manage risk and opportunity through implementation of effective control and review measures.
- Operational overview/reporting and management on project, commercial, business risk and employee performance and development issues.
- Champion SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality) performance by promoting a positive culture, ensuring BMS (Building Management System) and policy compliance, supporting training and competency, and embedding SHEQ into project delivery and operational reviews.
- Operational Management
- Responsible for the management and support of teams in day-to-day operational matters.
- Maintain an overview of workload, utilisation and associated resource requirements and work with team leaders as appropriate to ensure resources are fully utilised within technical capability.
- Support Project Management to ensure compliance with SHEQ management systems.
- Ensure best practice relating to project reviews (technical and commercial).
- Interface with GCC (Gulf Capability Centre) and promote its effective use within the region.
- Ensure the correct level and complexity of reporting is in place to fit the business needs.
- Projects Delivery & Financial Management
- Support effective implementation of commercial risk management controls, governance, reviews (bid, contract, project, business, etc), guidance and direction.
- Support collaboration and interface with the GCC commercial project management support team and ensure consistency of use and standard of commercial deliverables are maintained throughout the team over all projects.
- Support budget/forecast build up at key touch points through the financial year.
- Overview of monthly project portfolio financial performance and challenge exceptions with project leaders.
- Proactively encourage margin improvement within reason and challenge expectations with Project Directors and Project Managers.
- Commercial management
- Lead commercial performance and financial governance across major projects and frameworks, including oversight of project budgets, cost-to-complete forecasts, backlog management, working capital, profitability, and margin improvement initiatives to ensure delivery of business financial targets.
- Provide commercial leadership on client contracts and change management, supporting the negotiation, valuation, approval and recovery of variations, compensation events and contractual entitlements, whilst managing commercial risk and protecting project profitability.
- Drive robust project financial controls and assurance, overseeing forecasting accuracy, invoicing strategy, cash collection performance, contingency management, and financial reporting to ensure compliance with WSP governance requirements and audit readiness.
- Human Resources
- Communicate, demonstrate and justify recruitment needs to meet project and budget targets/demands to the Group Directors and Operations Director.
- Provide operational leadership on employee performance and development across the Building Services team, working with Group Directors, Technical Leads and Team Leaders to set clear expectations, review performance, identify development needs and support timely intervention where performance, capability or conduct issues require attention.
- Promote compliance with WSP’s SHEQ and BMS requirements within the team by ensuring competence, induction, Personal Risk Reviews and relevant HSEQ responsibilities are actively considered as part of resource planning, project mobilisation, day-to-day management and annual review processes.
What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…
- Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams, working effectively with colleagues and stakeholders across different business functions.
- Experience managing stakeholder relationships and coordinating the contributions of multidisciplinary teams to achieve agreed outcomes.
- Evidence of identifying and implementing improvements to processes, ways of working, or service delivery, including supporting teams through change initiatives.
- Able to communicate technical and non-technical information clearly to a range of audiences.
- Proven ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, contributing to positive client and business outcomes.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact.
Operations Manager London - Building Services employer: WSP Group
WSP is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the field of transport planning and urban development. With a flexible hybrid working policy, a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, and ample opportunities for professional growth, WSP fosters a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are celebrated, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally in the vibrant setting of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager London - Building Services
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like WSP Group, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Operations Manager London - Building Services at WSP Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager London - Building Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP Group
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!