How build-operate-transfer works
- Build. We set up the operating model, hire leadership and teams to your standards, and run knowledge transfer from your existing teams or vendors, ending with a supervised parallel run.
- Operate. We run the centre to agreed service levels under your governance, with transparent reporting and a quarterly executive review. Processes, documentation and controls are built to be handed over.
- Transfer. When the agreed readiness criteria are met, the people, processes, tools and assets move to your entity, with a transition period so delivery does not dip.
What transfers
- People: the leadership and teams, with continuity of roles and terms planned in advance.
- Processes: documented procedures, runbooks, controls and the governance cadence.
- Knowledge and IP: architecture records, code, configurations and process documentation, which are yours throughout.
- Assets and contracts: equipment, licences and supplier arrangements, as agreed.
Agree the transfer before you start
Most of the risk in build-operate-transfer comes from terms left open. We agree these at the outset:
- Readiness criteria that trigger the transfer: service levels met, documentation complete, leadership in place.
- Timing, with an option to bring it forward or extend it.
- The basis of any transfer fee, and how employees, assets and contracts move.
- Support after the transfer, if you want it.
Governance from day one
The centre runs on your governance from the start: an ownership matrix, KPIs agreed before go-live, and weekly, monthly and quarterly reviews. That way the centre you take over already works the way you do. See our approach.
When build-operate-transfer is the right choice
- You are confident you want your own centre, but want speed and lower risk at the start.
- You plan to grow the centre across several functions.
- You have, or will hire, the leadership to run it after the transfer.
Not sure yet? Many companies start with GCC as a service and keep the option to convert. Our GCC setup playbook covers the full set of decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is a build-operate-transfer model?
A partner builds and runs the capability centre for an agreed period, then transfers the people, processes and assets to your own entity on terms agreed at the start.
When does the transfer happen?
When agreed readiness criteria are met, such as service levels achieved, documentation complete and leadership in place, at a time agreed in the contract with the option to bring it forward or extend it.
What happens to the team at transfer?
The leadership and team members move to your entity, with continuity of roles and terms planned in advance, and a transition period so delivery is not disrupted.