Head of Operations (Residential & Mixed-Use)
London, with regional travel
£60,000 - £70,000 DoE + bonus + benefits
Full-time, permanent
On-site, Monday to Friday (with occasional flexibility)
Macdonald & Company is exclusively retained by a privately held real estate investment and development business to appoint a Head of Operations. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a growing residential and mixed-use portfolio, working directly with a hands-on board and playing a lead role in shaping operational strategy.
With a strong existing asset base (850+ units) and active acquisition pipeline, the company is focused on long-term value creation through efficient portfolio management, strong lease structures, and high-performing local partnerships.
Key Responsibilities:
* Take ownership of the day-to-day operations across a varied portfolio including residential blocks, mixed-use schemes, and institutionally leased assets
* Oversee service charge structuring, block compliance, contractor performance, and lifecycle maintenance
* Reduce voids, drive yield, and ensure tenancy and lease compliance
* Build and manage relationships with third-party stakeholders including housing associations, local authorities, and care operators
* Contribute to lease negotiations and portfolio planning, especially as the business shifts toward long-term institutional leasing arrangements
* Deliver clear, data-backed operational updates directly to the board
* Play a key role in the mobilisation of new schemes and integration of acquisitions
* Support the continuous improvement of internal systems, processes, and property performance
What We’re Looking For:
* Experience in residential operations, tenancy compliance, and portfolio oversight — with proven success managing non-AST / institutional lease structures
* Confident overseeing operational performance, reporting, and property-related financials
* Comfortable in lean, fast-moving environments — able to build from the ground up while delivering on immediate priorities
* A natural relationship builder, with the ability to work across professional and public sector stakeholders
* Strategic yet hands-on — equally at home on site and in board-level discussions
* Someone with the ambition to grow into a director-level role as the business scales
Ideal Backgrounds May Include:
* Build to Rent (BTR), Housing Associations, Family Offices, Principal-Led Developers, or Real Estate Investment Businesses
* Prior responsibility for mixed portfolios including residential, retail, and/or public sector leases
* Launch/mobilisation experience for resi schemes or new asset acquisitions
* MRICS, FARLA, AssocRICS or similar qualifications welcome but not essential