Project Manager, Program ​/ Project Manager, Operations Manager

Role Overview

Looking to drive meaningful change in a leading consultancy? Join our Business Improvement & Change team as our next Project Manager. The role can be based in our London or Bath office on a hybrid working model.

We are looking for an experienced Project Manager to join our UK Business Improvement & Change team and play a key role in delivering high-impact strategic initiatives across the business.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the successful delivery of a diverse portfolio of business change projects that support Buro Happold’s strategic priorities. Working as part of a growing team within our Business Services function, you will help drive improvements that enhance how the organisation operates and delivers value.

This is a hands‑on delivery role focused on the end‑to‑end management of business change projects. Initiatives vary widely and may include system implementations, office moves, process improvements, industry accreditations, and operational transformation programmes.

Working closely with senior stakeholders across the business, you will lead multiple projects simultaneously—from early feasibility and planning through to delivery and handover—ensuring initiatives are well scoped, effectively governed, and successfully implemented.

You will also contribute to the continued development of the UK Business Improvement & Change delivery framework, helping the team build a strong and consistent culture of project delivery across the organisation.

• Lead the end‑to‑end delivery of a portfolio of strategic business change initiatives.
• Plan, scope, resource and manage projects in line with agreed objectives, budgets and timelines.
• Manage interdependencies, risks and issues to maintain project momentum.
• Work closely with sponsors, teams and external partners to ensure successful implementation.

• Apply the UK Business Improvement & Change framework across all projects.
• Maintain project documentation, reporting and governance standards.
• Facilitate stage‑gate reviews and ensure robust risk and issue management.
• Provide transparent updates and escalate issues where appropriate.

• Build strong relationships with project sponsors, senior leaders, operational teams and suppliers.
• Lead project communications to ensure clarity around goals, timelines and decisions.
• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing across projects and teams.

• Identify opportunities to improve project tools, templates and delivery processes.
• Contribute to the evolution of the Business Improvement &Change function.
• Capture and share lessons learned to strengthen future project delivery.

• Prepare clear reports on project progress, risks, resourcing and outcomes.
• Support the development of portfolio‑level insights to inform strategic planning.

• Deliver strategic projects on time, within scope and to a high standard.
• Provide clarity and consistency across multiple projects through strong governance and communication.
• Build confidence and trust with senior stakeholders and delivery teams.
• Help embed a strong, delivery‑focused culture within the Business Improvement &Change function.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of our project delivery framework.

We are looking for someone who brings strong delivery capability, excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to manage multiple complex projects.

• Proven track record delivering strategic or business change projects such as system implementations, estate changes, process improvements or accreditations.
• At least 5 years’ experience in project or programme delivery within complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Experience managing the full project lifecycle from feasibility and planning through to delivery and handover.
• Strong understanding of risk management, scheduling and change control.
• Experience working with project delivery frameworks, governance processes or PMO environments.
• Strong communication, reporting and stakeholder management skills.

• Re…