Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Business Unit Director - Advisory to join our organisation in Leeds. In this pivotal leadership role, you will oversee the strategic direction, operational excellence, and commercial performance of part of our Advisory team. The successful candidate will drive business growth, lead high-performing teams, and deliver exceptional results whilst maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

Responsibilities

Operational duties

• Operate as a member of the Aqua Leadership Team contributing to strategic and tactical actions to deliver the business plan, ensuring Aqua is a great place to work and ensure the business is set to succeed
• Operating within the Advisory Leadership Team, leading the operational management of the Advisory business unit / service line
• Responsible for the Advisory P&L and required corrective actions and margin enhancement initiatives
• Managing approved revenue and EBITDA (margin) of Advisory commissions as Sponsor/ Project Director working closely with Delivery & Performance to exploit opportunities to outperform
• Working with the service line leadership team to manage workload and staff utilisation through development and maintenance of a resource plan
• Preparing and ongoing management of the Advisory budgets and forecasts in year and rolling year-on-year plans
• Quality management, compliance with standards, ethics, corporate governance and policies/procedures
• Developing headcount requirements and supporting recruitment, retention and employee development
• Act as nominated person in respect of finance and performance working in collaboration with finance and commercial teams to ensure best in class client outcomes and commercial performance
• Develop and embed the performance management and behavioural frameworks within the business unit. Ensure clear and accurate reporting of people and business unit performance in line with key metrics.
• Own and supporting client engagement and relationships within the agreed delegation from Service Line Director and Clients and Partnerships team.
• Be accountable for the delivery of specific client commissions and projects acting in the role of project or programme manager.
• Support Advisory SME’s to develop new and enhance existing capabilities, moving towards productization.
• Design and implement processes and procedures to manage a team of highly skilled consultants across a national client base, cross sector
• Deputise for the Director of Strategic Advisory Services as required.