Overview
Knight Frank is seeking a Head of Operations to join our growing team to support our service lines in Project and Development Services (P&DS) and Property Asset Management (PAM). In this role, you will lead the operational strategy and execution of programs related to project/program management, fit-out supervision, building consultancy, and operational property management. This position is critical for ensuring the successful delivery of client projects while maintaining compliance with legal, financial, and quality standards. As the team expands, you will be responsible for developing assessment and control mechanisms that enhance project delivery and client satisfaction.
Responsibilities
Legal and Best Practice
- Oversee and review all stages of tendering processes, including the review of legal and contractual requirements, insurance, response to the proposal, and relevant timeframes and schedules.
- Initial review of all Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), and any binding contracts, highlighting the risks associated, if any, to relevant parties.
- Manage employment contracts associated with client-facing roles.
- Conduct local insurance policy reviews and ensure appropriate coverage to meet contractual requirements.
- Perform risk and compliance reviews, including audits.
- Ensure all statutory and regulatory registrations are current for the corporate entity and relevant individual professionals.
- Supervise compliance with client master agreements and deliverables.
- Liaise with global practice leads to align operational standards and practices.
- Ensure compliance with ISO standards across all operations.
- Operate within established charters and frameworks.
Finance
- Develop forecasting and modeling for all proposals to meet minimum return criteria.
- Coordinate appropriate manpower planning to support project delivery and operational needs.
- Prepare and present internal and board reports related to financial performance.
- Conduct financial audits and provide oversight for technical audits.
People Management
- Assess manpower needs and coordinate recruitment efforts to build a high-performing team.
- Ensure effective onboarding processes for new hires.
- Support Learning and Development (L&D) initiatives to foster employee growth and retention.
General Operations
- Oversee the Quality Assurance (QA) framework and audit processes, implementing remedial plans to enhance client outputs.
- Ensure all proposals are aligned with internal approval processes, managing client tenders and commercial negotiations.
- Participate in quarterly P&DS and PAM leadership meetings to discuss strategy, performance, and operational improvements.
- Ensure all marketing materials are compliant and aligned with brand standards.
- Collaborate with the client care team to establish a robust feedback loop, identifying areas for improvement.
- Keep abreast of regulatory changes affecting development requirements to take advantage of or compensate for changes which may impact projects.
- Communicate fully with all stakeholders concerned to ensure that business is managed in an efficient and professional manner.
- Build and maintain goodwill, confidentiality, and trust with prospective and existing clients at all times in order to foster the professional image of the Partnership.
- Other tasks as required.
Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Project Management, Law or a related field. Master's degree qualifications are preferred.
- 10+ years of experience in operations management within P&DS or PAM sectors.
- Strong understanding of legal, financial, and compliance requirements.
- Proven track record of successfully delivering large-scale projects on time and within budget.
- Strong understanding of project management methodologies, tools and best practices (e.g., PMI, Agile).
- Familiarity with ISO standards and quality assurance practices.
- Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Understanding of regional business culture and regulations.
- The ability to understand and make use of computers and information technology (Knight Frank internal systems).
- Certifications and Licenses: PMP, RICS, CIOB, or C.Eng desired but not essential. Local driving license required. Software: Microsoft Office programs to a proficient level.
- Language skills: Fluency in English, written and verbal. Fluency in Arabic or other languages is advantageous.
- Travel: Flexible attitude towards travelling.
