Client Operations Manager | Business Development - FTC

Are you someone who thrives on bringing structure to complexity, turning strategy into action, and driving meaningful business improvement?

Knight Frank is looking for a Client Operations Manager to join our Commercial Business Development team on an 18-month fixed term contract. This is a newly created role with a unique opportunity to shape how our Business Development function operates, evolves and delivers value across the business.

Working closely with the Head of Business Development and senior stakeholders, you'll play a key role in improving operational effectiveness, embedding best practice, driving strategic initiatives and ensuring measurable business outcomes.

You'll act as a strategic partner to the Head of Business Development, helping translate priorities into practical plans, scalable processes and successful outcomes. This role combines operational leadership with hands-on delivery, making it ideal for someone who enjoys building, improving and influencing within a fast-moving environment.

Key areas of focus include:

• Driving business improvement initiatives from concept through to implementation • Enhancing processes, governance and operating models • Developing performance reporting and ROI measurement frameworks • Supporting strategic client development initiatives • Using commercial data and insight to inform decision making • Building stakeholder engagement and driving adoption of new ways of working • Championing continuous improvement across the Business Development function

You'll bring experience from a business operations, programme management, consultancy or business management background, with a track record of delivering change and improving performance within a professional services or commercial environment.

We're looking for someone who:

• Is highly organised, proactive and outcome-focused • Enjoys solving problems and creating clarity from ambiguity • Can influence senior stakeholders and drive momentum across multiple projects • Balances strategic thinking with practical execution • Has strong commercial acumen and data-driven decision-making skills • Is comfortable working autonomously and taking ownership of outcomes • Thrives in an evolving environment where priorities can shift

Experience within professional services, real estate or a commercial business would be beneficial, but is not essential.

• Experience delivering business improvement programmes and operational change • Strong understanding of governance, process improvement and organisational effectiveness • Commercial awareness with exposure to budgeting, performance management and business planning • Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills • Confidence working with business systems, CRM platforms and emerging AI tools

At Knight Frank, we believe property is personal. With more than 125 years of heritage and a presence spanning over 50 territories worldwide, we are one of the world's leading independent property consultancies. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to providing an environment where individuals can develop, grow and make a real impact.

Competitive salary

Please note: this is a Direct Search led by Knight Frank. Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs, even if provided by PSL agencies.