Buro Happold is recruiting a UK Business Support Manager to lead a team of support staff and hold accountability for evaluating and reviewing the support team structure and implementing changes to support the development of the support function.
Reporting into the Business Operations Manager this role will focus on attracting and retaining support staff, and streamlining systems and processes to maximise quality and efficiency while reducing costs
Here at Buro Happold, expect the exceptional.
From career-defining opportunities to an inclusive and diverse practice where we all contribute to a more equitable world. From our reputation to our relationships. Wherever your Buro Happold career takes you, it’ll be anything but ordinary.
Key Duties:
- Develop and execute long-term plans that enhance the business support function, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s overarching strategic goals.
- Champion a proactive, adaptable support environment that prioritises evolving client needs and embeds a culture of exceptional service across all support teams
- Clearly communicate the business vision and strategic direction, while effectively navigating and resolving high-level operational and interpersonal challenges.
- Define, monitor, and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess and continuously improve the efficiency, quality, and impact of support services.
- Lead initiatives to streamline administrative workflows, eliminate inefficiencies, and implement best practices that enhance service delivery.
- Design and implement leadership development frameworks that build internal capability, support succession planning, and foster a high-performance culture.
- Lead change management initiatives, ensuring clear communication of the vision, rationale, and benefits to drive engagement and successful adoption.
- Create a supportive and inclusive work environment that encourages autonomy, accountability, and continuous professional growth.
- Develop and execute talent management strategies that attract, retain, and develop top-tier support professionals aligned with business needs.
- Partner with central business services and other departments to build a cohesive support network and ensure strategic alignment across the organisation.
- Identify, evaluate, and implement innovative technology solutions that modernise support operations and drive digital transformation across the function.
- Familiarity with implementing digital tools and platforms to modernise business operations and improve service delivery.
Required Skills
- A formal qualification in leadership, management, or a related discipline, demonstrating foundational knowledge in strategic planning, team leadership, and organisational development.
- Proven experience in managing budgets and overseeing general financial processes, with the ability to interpret financial data to inform strategic decisions and optimise resource allocation.
- Demonstrable experience in applying an analytical approach, and proven ability to build strong relationships across departments and influence at all levels of the organisation.
What we offer:
- Generous holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum, exclusive of Bank Holidays.
- Hybrid working arrangements.
- Private Medical Insurance.
- Company Pension Scheme.
- Life Assurance.
- Income Protection.
- Flexible Benefits - including Cycle scheme, Dental insurance, Optical Cover, Travel insurance and Corporate discounts.
- Early leaving at the end of the month - Buro Happold actively encourages its employees to finish at 3pm on the last Friday of each month (depending on business demands). These hours can equate to an additional 4 days leave per annum.
A place for everyone
Buro Happold values an individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of how you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers.
Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds, and experiences that shape us. Appreciating each other’s differences is key, we want employees to feel they don’t have to mask elements of their identity to thrive.
We are working to change the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who feels they are underrepresented in the industry. We have much to learn from one another. Embracing differences allows us to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.
Please let us know if there are any adjustments we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Contact recruitment@burohappold.com so we can work with you to support you throughout your application.