Buro Happold Looking for Global Knowledge Leader (Buildings) at Abu Dhabi Full Time

We are looking for a Global Knowledge Leader to drive knowledge sharing, technical development, and technology deployment across our buildings teams (, , and ) on a global basis.

This role will be pivotal to maintaining Buro Happold’s reputation for world-class design services, bringing together our capability and expertise to harness innovation and drive efficiency.

The position could be based in any location where Buro Happold has an office, though we have a preference for the UK and Europe.

We value flexible working and welcome applications from those who are seeking this in their careers.

More about the role…

In this role you will be a key member of the Global Buildings Board (GBB), which includes the Global Directors for each of the disciplines (MEP, Structures, and Sustainability & Physics) affiliated with Buildings.

The GBB has been created to enhance the technical authority of the firm through the following aims

• Accelerated knowledge management and sharing.
• Driving global work-sharing and standardisation initiatives.
• Enhancing design communication and technical rigour on projects.
• Further development of technical skills (both established and emergent).
• A consistent global approach to technology deployment.

With this mission in mind, this role is expected to have two primary focus areas:

1. Knowledge Management Leadership

• Defining the Buro Happold approach to knowledge & communities, identifying resources required (human & financial), benchmarks and Objectives and Key Results (OKR) where appropriate. The purpose of this is to enhance excellence in the design and delivery of our clients projects.
• Developing the business case for a global network of knowledge managers & Subject Matter Experts to support the implementation of this plan.
• Working with Programme leads (e.g. Automation, computational collective, Net Zero) to develop our networks, and develop network leaders. Create any necessary learning modules to upskill SMEs and community leaders.
• Bringing SME’s and community leaders together in engaging ways, either physically or virtually, to build a sense of purpose.
• Working with IT, communities, and Knowledge Managers to improve our knowledge sharing technology.
• Being a lead stakeholder in the SharePoint / Intranet steering group.
• Acting as an escalation point for Knowledge Managers with their Clients (e.g. the Discipline Directors).

2. Strategic project leadership as part of the Global Buildings Board

• Supporting the Global Buildings board (GBB) in the design and execution of projects to achieve their strategic aims.
• Acting as lead customer for key cross Buro Happold Programmes, such as net zero, computational engineering, work-sharing etc. Work with these programmes to develop a shared view on how to move adoption forward.
• Preparing, facilitating, and executing the Global Buildings board meetings (e.g. writing agendas, content, and reporting), attending as a full member.
• Pitching for, monitoring and managing the global buildings budget.
• Supporting the GBB audit of regions, offices, disciplines and programmes as required, for example, conducting regional reviews.
• In collaboration with HR, designing and developing a reward and recognition culture for progress against the identified change projects (including but not exclusively knowledge sharing).

What will success look like

Your skills & experience:

• Significant practical experience as an in-house knowledge manager.
• An understanding of the engineering / construction industry.
• Qualifications in Knowledge Management (e.g. CILIP Chartership, Knowledge Management Certification (KMI CKM))
• Qualifications in Change Management (e.g. APMG Practitioner or Prosci) are desired.
• Proficient in the Microsoft 365 suite (e.g. SharePoint, PowerBI), with emergent experience in AI technologies (e.g. MS CoPilot) desirable.

Here at Buro Happold, expect the exceptional.

From the projects you will work on to the clients we work with. From career-defining opportunities to an inclusive and diverse practice where we all contribute to a more equitable world. From our reputation to our relationships. Wherever your Buro Happold career takes you, it’ll be anything but ordinary.

Apply today and be a part of our legacy.

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