Director of Operations

Director of Operations (for a mixed-use complex)
Location: London
Contract: 6–9 months (potential to extend)
Day Rate: c£500–£650 day (via umbrella company)
Start: ASAP
Interviewing: Immediately

About the Role
A unique opportunity has arisen for an experienced and strategic Director of Operations to lead the pre-launch and operational mobilisation of a high-profile mixed-use complex (17,628?m²) in London.
This dynamic new destination will bring together commercial, cultural, urban and community elements – including event and conferencing spaces, retail, hospitality, office accommodation, cinema complex, restaurant/ eatery, and landscaped public areas.

This is a key leadership role for someone who thrives in complex environments and excels at operational delivery, stakeholder engagement, and bringing vibrant multi-use spaces to life. This role is central to ensuring the seamless delivery of an integrated operating model that balances commercial ambition with cultural and community value. The Director of Operations will oversee the day-to-day running of the complex, establish operating frameworks, lead cross-functional teams, and build trusted relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

You will provide operational leadership, working in close collaboration with senior leadership, delivery partners, tenants, community stakeholders, and public services to ensure the complex opens successfully and thrives as a flagship, multi-purpose destination.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an operational strategy and business plan for the complex, balancing commercial, cultural, urban and community objectives.
• Oversee pre-launch mobilisation across all areas of the complex, including facilities management, venue hire, events, catering, safety, security, and front-of-house operations.
• Establish and lead the operations team, aligning them with wider organisational goals and transformation initiatives.
• Manage stakeholder engagement across public and private sectors, including internal service leads, delivery partners, commercial tenants, residents, and local organisations.
• Develop a brand and messaging strategy aligned with the overall destination vision and placemaking goals.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers, operators, and lessees, ensuring all commercial arrangements support long-term success.
• Build strong working relationships with elected officials, senior leaders, and community forums to promote inclusive access and cultural value.
• Monitor operational performance, manage budgets, drive income generation, and ensure value for money.
• Ensure compliance with licensing, health and safety, accessibility, and security regulations in collaboration with key services.
• Support marketing and communications efforts to raise the profile of the complex and promote its events and services.
• Foster a high-performing, inclusive team culture that reflects public service values and customer-first principles.

About You
You will bring a blend of strategic vision, commercial acumen, and strong operational leadership, with a proven track record in delivering and managing complex, multi-functional environments.

Essential Experience & Skills:

• Demonstrable Senior-level experience overseeing operations in complex, mixed-use space, multi-stakeholder setting.
• Strong people leadership skills, with experience building and managing cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to lead stakeholder engagement, negotiations, and cross-sector collaboration.
• Expertise in managing budgets, commercial contracts, and revenue-generating services.
• Operational knowledge of facilities management, venue hire, event delivery, and compliance.
• Background in placemaking or managing civic, cultural, or public-use destinations.
• Comfortable working in politically sensitive environments, with high-level stakeholder diplomacy.
• Strategic thinker with a focus on delivery and continuous improvement.
• Strong project management and mobilisation experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to engage effectively at all levels.

If you are a strategic operational leader with a passion for delivering high-quality, multi-use spaces that serve diverse communities and stakeholders, we encourage you to apply. This is a rare opportunity to shape the success of a landmark West London development. To express your interest or to find out more, please get in touch as soon as possible. Interviews will take place at the earliest opportunity.