We are looking for an inspirational, pragmatic and collaborative leader who will leverage their excellent communication and organisational skills to partner with key leaders across HDR to identify, direct and develop strategic new projects, opportunities and market sectors. Under your guidance, we will continue to grow our presence in the existing sectors within the region whilst establishing opportunities and becoming an employer of choice within the Australian market.

In the role of Country Director of Operations, you will be accountable and responsible for HDR’s operations in Australia. This position has shared responsibility with Country Business Group Managers for HDR’s growth, profitability, management and overall vision across all Business Groups.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, manage and execute strategic and operating plans and budgets.
• Manage project and business risk and drive operational efficiencies.
• Provide overall leadership for the Australian Leadership Team & Shared Services Leaders.
• Collaborate and support the leadership team across all sectors in the pursuit of opportunities with existing and new clients to secure opportunities to further grow the business across Australia.

Key Role Components

Business Operations

• Manage and execute the development of strategic and operating plans and budgets. Take shared responsibility along with the Business Groups for profitability, control and direction of business units and geographic cost centres to ensure operating plan is implemented to achieve maximum results.
• Use your operations and business expertise to drive financial performance – bookings, revenue, and profit.
• Routinely monitor ongoing progress of business strategies and re-direct as necessary.
• Establish business unit policies and adhere to corporate policies, risk management, project contract financial fee and budget information in conjunction, and establish and maintain quality control processes and procedures.
• Contribution to corporate and global initiatives within HDR.
• Manage and execute the development of strategic and operating plans and budgets.
• Leverage your strategic mind by aiding with development of department/business group initiatives, client relationship development, key hires, investments and strategies for growth, and maximum profitability.
• Develop a robust growth strategy for the Australian HDR entity, including positioning for new strategic opportunities and market sectors, whilst continuing to grow our presence in the existing sectors within this region.

Leadership

• Lead the Australian Leadership Team
• Supervise and support Country Business Group Managers
• Supervise and support Shared Services Leader
• Champion diversity, equity and inclusion across the business.

Statutory Board and Delegated Authority

• Statutory Director of various HDR entities related to Australian Operations.
• Ensure that statutory obligations are identified in the entity’s board meetings and operationally executed.
• Apply the Matrix of Authority for HDR in Australia.
• Apply signatory authority for HDR in Australia.

People

• Build staff capabilities through recruitment, mentoring, performance appraisal, development and training.
• Mentor business unit managers and key personnel within the region
• Serve as an advocate to optimise company resources internationally and between other existing HDR practices.

Community

• Continue the growth of HDR’s civic involvement through HDR Foundation, community involvement and outreach programs.
• Enhance and grow the HDR brand through marketing initiatives to assure HDR is being viewed by existing and prospective clients as a premier full-service consultant of choice.
• Lead HDR’s Reconciliation Action Program

KPI’s

• Project Performance (NSR, EBITA, DSO, Cost Utilisation, Book to Burn.)
• Client project satisfaction, NPS.
• SH&E goals.
• Employee engagement.
• Turnover rates.
• ED&I objectives, including female participation rates.

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline
• 15+ years progressive management experience, preferably in a professional services business of which at least 5 years represent direct accountability for financial results and program growth.
• Extensive experience in client development and management of diverse teams.
• Demonstrated organisational leadership skills with focus on staff development, client service and financial accountability.
• Strong business acumen.
• Strong interpersonal and group communication skills.
• Demonstrated previous experience with an emphasis on strategic planning and yearly budget planning.
• Ability to work cooperatively with remote leadership teams.
• Willingness and ability to travel both interstate and internationally as required.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
• Demonstrate the behaviours that are central to our Brand Values – honesty, integrity, passion, teamwork, enthusiasm, energy, drive.