Partner, Head of Executive Office and Group Strategy

Who are we

Founded in 1896, Knight Frank was registered as Knight Frank LLP a Limited Liability Partnership, on 3 November 2003, registered in England & Wales at 55 Baker Street, London, W1U 8AN with the registered number of OC305934. Headquartered in London, UK, Knight Frank is one of the world's leading independent real estate consultancies. We work responsibly in partnership to enhance people's lives and environments in over 50 Markets, 600+ Offices, 20,000+ People, 1 Global Network.

At the heart of all we do are our Clients. A relationship built on trust is vital. As trusted partners in property, we act with integrity and care, understanding our clients’ unique needs and consistently thinking about the bigger picture to provide personalised, clear and considered advice across all areas of property. Through our deep understanding of key markets and sectors – both emerging and established – we are dedicated to meeting and exceeding their property goals.

A true partnership is a balanced one, and our People are passionate about, and committed to, making our business inclusive and diverse. We give every individual the space and opportunity to perform at their best and be recognised for the immense value they bring. We empower everyone to have autonomy in their role and encourage them to use their voice in how we can make a positive impact as a firm and shape the future of real estate, the built environment and the impact on the communities we serve. Our collaborative and engaged teams provide excellent and dedicated client service. In our workplace, opinions are respected, everyone is invited to contribute to the success of our business and innovation, and new ideas are celebrated.

In 2021 we celebrated our 125th anniversary and set out Our Desired Future, cemented in three pillars: People Potential, Client Centricity and always Creating our Future, together. Learn more about what sets us apart here.

About The Role

Knight Frank is seeking a Partner, Head of Executive Office & Group Strategy to join their Head Office in 55 Baker Street.

The Head of Group Strategy & Executive Office is a senior leadership role, working in close partnership with the Senior Partner to support shape, prioritise and drive our Group strategy and agenda.

The role exists to ensure that the Partnership is focussed on the right priorities, pursuing a coherent group ambition that maximises long‑term value.

Operating at the centre of the Group’s governance and leadership system, the Head of Executive Office & Group Strategy acts as a strategic partner, problem solver,  integrator and catalyst—bringing together group, regional, service line and functional perspectives to define enterprise‑level direction and enable effective execution.

In summary, The candidate will have the credibility, judgement and breadth of perspective to act as a true enterprise partner to the Senior Partner, operating comfortably at the intersection of strategy, governance and leadership in a global partnership context.

Required Experience:

• Strategic leadership at enterprise level, with direct accountability for shaping, integrating or advising on organisation‑wide strategy rather than discrete business unit plans.

• Close partnership with the most senior leader(s) of an organisation, acting as a trusted adviser and confidant on sensitive, high‑impact matters.

• Exposure to top‑tier governance forums, including Boards or executive committees, with experience of framing issues, facilitating effective decision‑making and ensuring strategic follow‑through.

• Operating successfully in a partnership‑style or similarly complex stakeholder environment, with an understanding of how influence, consensus and legitimacy are built.

• Leading or shaping major enterprise‑wide initiatives, with proven organisational and project management skills on complex matters.

• Strong strategic judgement, demonstrated through the ability to prioritise, frame trade

Scope and Authority:

As the Partnership enters its next phase of growth and development, the role plays a critical part in supporting the Senior Partner to:

• articulate and evolve the Group’s overarching vision and strategic ambition;

• translate that ambition into a small number of clear, enterprise priorities; and

• ensure alignment between strategy, operating model, financial framework and risk management across the global network.

Personal Qualities:

• Enterprise‑wide perspective, with deep understanding of the partnership model, governance dynamics and global operating context.

• Proactive and forward‑looking, shaping the agenda rather than responding to it.

• High integrity, judgement and discretion, operating effectively in a complex, senior stakeholder environment, with a deep respect for Partnership principles.

• Influence‑led leadership, able to align and mobilise without formal authority.

• Strong communicator & proven collaborator, valuing diverse perspectives and working effectively across functions, regions and levels of seniority

• Strategically selective, focusing time and effort on the issues that matter most to the long‑term success of the Group.

• Commercially sharp & analytically rigorous, with the ability to frame complex issues clearly and drive well informed decisions

• Deeply curious, with growth mindset. Able to “look around corners”, synthesis data, keep up with current trends and bring in outside thinking.

Reporting and Governance:

The role reports to the Senior Partner & Group Chair and acts as Officer to the Group Executive Board. In addition, the following roles report to and/or must collaborate closely with:

• The Executive Office team, as defined from time to time

• Global Head of Corporate Affairs

• Senior Partner Communications

The role will also collaborate with our Group CFO, Group CPO, Regional strategic leaders, CRO, COO and CMO to ensure focus on our Group strategic priorities.

Core Accountabilities:

Group Strategy Development & Prioritisation             

To support the Senior Partner in leading the development and ongoing evolution of the Group’s strategic agenda, working closely with the Group CFO and Group Executive Board. Integrate regional, global service line and functional strategies into a clear and coherent articulation of where the Group is focused and why. Act as guardian of strategic focus, ensuring that leadership attention and investment are aligned to agreed priorities and that trade offs are actively managed

Strategic Advisor to the Senior Partner           

Serve as a trusted adviser and sounding board to the Senior Partner, providing objective challenge, insight and perspective on the most critical, strategic, organisational and partnership matters. Proactively surface emerging opportunities, risks and themes impacting the Group, ensuring these are addressed ahead of formal strategy or planning cycles. Act with delegated authority on behalf of the Senior Partner or GEB where appropriate, facilitating pace, clarity and follow through.

Global Connection, Integration & Transformation   

Work alongside Partners and global leaders to shape major enterprise wide initiatives, defined as priorities of the Senior Partner or Group Executive Board/ Group Strategy Board. Ensure that significant proposals are strategically coherent, commercially sound and appropriately framed for decision making by the Group Executive Board and Proprietary Partners. Focus on defining the end state and strategic rationale, leaving operational delivery to members of the Executive Office, functional and programme leadership (where appropriate)

Executive Governance & Leadership Effectiveness 

Ensure effective functioning of the Group Executive Board, ensuring agendas, discussions and decisions are focussed on matters of greatest strategic impact. Work in close partnership with the Company Secretary to balance strong governance with strategic depth, clarity of decision making and meaningful forward focus. Enable the Senior Partner to operate effectively across the Group’s governance forums by curating priorities, sequencing decisions and ensuring alignment.

Executive Office Leadership

Lead the Executive Office as a high impact, enterprise focused team, ensuring capacity is focused where it adds the greatest strategic value. Set clear expectations on scope, priorities and ways of working, recognising the scale of the global network and the need for disciplined focus. Develop the capability of the team to operate with judgement, influence and credibility at the most senior levels of the firm.

Senior Partner Matters and Initiatives              

Lead and coordinate complex and high impact projects and initiatives sponsored by the Senior Partner, as well as matters affecting the Proprietary Partnership of the firm, to include senior Partnership elections, Partnership conferences, amendments to the Partnership constitution or ways of working. Through the Group Head of Corporate Affairs and Senior Partner communications lead, ensure that the Senior Partner is well represented in the forums he/she needs to attend globally, regionally and locally.

Group Connectivity & Industry Influence      

Represent the Senior Partner within the global network, as needed, guiding group strategy & investment decisions. Ensure there is a connected understanding of our global capability, reputation, brand & innovation. Support the Senior Partner to balance group and regional interests with Partnership priorities constructively & credibly. May be asked to participate in, or be a representative in industry forums, as appropriate.

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.