Job Description

Scope

Established in 1897, Knight Frank is the leading independent property consultancy in the UK offering agency and professional advice across Commercial, Residential and Rural sectors.

Head quartered in London, Knight Frank has more than 13,000 people operating from over 400 offices across 58 countries. These figures include Newmark Grubb Knight Frank in the Americas, and Douglas Elliman Fine Homes in the USA.

We are an independent consultancy with a partnership culture that puts our clients first. We provide market-leading advice and transaction support to investors, corporates and homeowners for their personal and business property needs. We back this up with industry-leading technology and market research.

Responsibilities

The role, Head of Technology Operations & Projects is to support the Group Head of Technology with the operations and strategic direction of the Knight Frank Technology organisation, across multiple geographies. The individual is required to operate at senior level and fulfil expectations across the full range of technical areas, as well as people leadership and development of the Operations & Projects functions. As deputy to the Group Head of Technology, the individual will be required to input to and lead the Technology strategy, which will be based on the Knight Frank vision and corporate business plan. Stakeholder management, both internal and external, is a key requirement of the role; so too is building a model whereby business partnering is front and centre of the Technology function. Although the role is to oversee the Operations and Project delivery, it will be required to work alongside the other Technology functions, such as Architecture, Software Engineering and Business Partners to support the successful delivery of our services.

Operationally, the role will ensure the Technology function operates efficiently using effective operating and sourcing models based on market best practice and experience. This individual will plan, coordinate, direct and design Technology-related activities of the organisation and will work closely with decision makers in other functions to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective technology solutions. The role is commercial and required to negotiate and manage supplier relationships.

Strategically, the role will be responsible for working with the Head of Enterprise Architecture on developing the Technology strategy which is based on the direction set out by the business heads and the Knight Frank vision and business plan. The Technology strategy is evolving and required to be leading and competitive. The role is required to play a key role in the development of our Digital and Data strategies, leading, inputting and advising from an Technology perspective, as well a building the operating model that is fit to support each of the Technology, Digital and Data strategies.

From a geographic perspective, the role will be required to evolve the Global operating model. This means working with the Head of Regions/Countries to develop global standards for Technology, building an operating model that is financially and operationally efficient for the Knight Frank businesses.

Acquisition & Deployment

• Input into the improvement and growth of the Technology infrastructure and systems using best practice and market tested approach
• Lead the Technology Department finance function, including purchasing, budgeting, and budget review
• Support colleagues in developing business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for Technology spending and initiatives
• Support colleagues in the development and implementation of all Technology policies and procedures, including those for architecture, security, disaster recovery, standards, purchasing, and service provision

Leading the team in:

• building a first class, market leading service with associated SLA\'s and KPIs
• how to be true business partners to the business
• how to add value to the business and be more that just a \'support function\'
• keeping the security of Knight Frank, a key priority in our delivery
• managing demand and being able to prioritise
• keeping ahead of technology advancements
• being decision makers and inputting to the success of the Technology function
• personal development and how to be good Technology leaders
• supporting each other and the Knight Frank people agenda
• making the Technology function efficient, inputting ways to run in a cost-effective manner

Professional experience and personal skills profile

Knowledge & Experience

The candidate must be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• technology skills leadership in large organisations
• implementing operating models across multiple geographies
• variety of sourcing models, adaptable for different businesses
• leadership of large complex technology and business focused programmes
• senior stakeholder experience, internally and externally
• implementation of the business partnering model
• data strategies and experience with implementation and data analytics
• implementation and running of the digital strategy, interoperable with the model
• building and implementing an Technology strategy
• in-depth knowledge of applicable data privacy practices and laws
• implementing and inputting to the People Agenda

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to present ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language
• Highly self-motivated and directed
• Proven analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to effectively prioritise and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Exceptional customer service orientation
• Extensive experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment

Particular Aptitudes/Skills Required

• This role requires an individual who can lead people in a high pressured Technology function as well as communicate as business level with senior stakeholders across multiple geographies
• The successful candidate will be flexible, self-motivated, organised and pro-active with the ability to adapt to a wide range of tasks. They will also have a \xe2\x80\x9chands on\xe2\x80\x9d attitude and possess the necessary skills, manner and experience to provide an excellent service to the Global Firm

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