Head of Operations
Location: London HQ (with flexibility for hybrid working)
Department: Architecture
Level: Department Head
Sector: Architecture & Design
Practice: Broadway Malyan
Contract: Permanent, part-time (3 days per week)
Who we are
Broadway Malyan is a global architecture, urbanism and design practice, creating cities, buildings and places with a strong sense of identity and long-term value. Our work spans a broad range of sectors, scales and geographies, bringing together architecture, masterplanning, urban design, interiors, research, coordination and project management.
As an employee-owned practice, we have built an inclusive and collaborative culture where our people share responsibility for the future of the business. We are committed to investing in our people, strengthening client relationships and using design, technology and innovation to improve the future of the built environment.
About the role
We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Head of Operations to lead and optimise business operations across our London architecture studio. This is a senior operational role requiring a proven track record in the architecture, interiors, or built environment sector, with the ability to drive efficiency, manage resources, and support the strategic growth of the business.
The successful candidate will work closely with the senior leadership team and finance function to ensure operational excellence, successful project delivery, and a high-performing, engaged workforce on a 3-day per week permanent basis.
What you’ll be doing
As Head of Operations, you will:
- Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of the studio across all operational functions.
- Implement and maintain consistent systems, standards, and procedures across the business.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiencies, reduce operational costs, and actively improve overall studio utilisation rates.
- Work closely with Finance and Directors on monthly projections, billings, and invoicing.
- Manage and monitor project budgets and revenue throughout the project lifecycle; monitor project performance and prepare a weekly update report.
- Lead resource planning and traffic management across the Architecture studio.
- Map billing and labour plans weekly with directors and sector leads, deploying resources efficiently to minimise underutilisation.
- Plan project teams in relation to availability and budgets to meet project requirements and deadlines.
- Support the bid process and respond to RFPs to help secure an ongoing pipeline of work.
- Work closely with the Head of Business Development to coordinate bid submissions, ensuring deadlines are met and outputs are of the highest quality.
- Assist in the preparation and review of bid documentation, presentations, and supporting materials to improve pipeline conversion metrics.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for someone who brings:
- Significant experience (15+ years) within the architectural or built environment sector.
- Proven track record in operations management at a senior level.
- Solid understanding of project financial management, including budgets, billings, and revenue monitoring.
- Strong experience managing cross-functional teams and fostering collaborative working environments.
- Demonstrated success in supporting teams to secure a pipeline of project work.
- Experience in client relationship management.
- Proficiency in MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experience using formal financial reporting systems.
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Acrobat) is advantageous.
- Experience working as part of a global team and sharing resources across international offices.
What will help you succeed
You will be successful in this role if you are someone who:
- Possesses exceptional leadership, organisational, and decision-making skills.
- Has the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Brings strong commercial awareness and a results-oriented mindset.
- Communicates excellently, both written and verbally, handling matters with diplomacy and tact.
- Uses strong interpersonal skills to build trust and create effective business partnerships.
- Takes a problem-solving approach with sound judgement across varied operational challenges.
- Encourages a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement.
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to take on a senior operational leadership role within a respected global architecture and design practice, working from our London studio to optimise and drive our operational performance.
You will have the opportunity to directly influence the studio's profitability, lead resource management, and shape the financial and operational workflows of the business. For an experienced, commercially aware professional, this role offers real scope to make a visible, measurable impact at a senior level.
Key measures of success
Success in this role will include:
- Successful improvement of studio utilisation rates.
- Maintained and improved fee-earner to staff cost ratio.
- Effective RFP support metrics, ensuring timely and high-quality bid coordination.
- Clear management of studio resources, minimising underutilisation and overhead waste.
Broadway Malyan is an equal opportunities employer