218 Operations Director jobs in the United Kingdom

We are working with a leading leisure contractor who are long established and really well respected.

They are a relationship led contractor; they work nationwide for an exciting client base of blue-chip clients. These are valued working relationships ensuring the majority of their work is negotiated.

They are cash rich, typically make double digit margins on their projects, have an excellent supply chain who they pay promptly and treat with respect (we know this from our own experience of working with them), staff turnover is also very low as people like working there.

Projects are built on a traditional or a Design and Build basis with scheme values up to £15 Million.

The Role:

• We are looking for an Operations Director to drive delivery of their larger value schemes (typically these will be hotels, student accommodation or large leisure fit out schemes) throughout the UK
li>Leading a talented delivery team holding ultimate responsibility for the operational success of schemes
• Working closely with the Commercial department to achieve financial success on existing & new contracts
• Maintaining & implementing processes & procedure to ensure best in class delivery for their client base
• Hold an active involvement in the new business process, aiding with workload planning, tender adjudications etc.
• Work with their H&S department to ensure site teams are well informed and committed to safe working protocols.
• Maintain & build on their existing customer relationships by delivering first class projects in a collaborative manner
• Operational Board Level responsibilities to input into the company’s direction and long-term success.

The Person:

< i>We are looking for somebody with a track record of leading delivery teams. This could be a current Operations Director or an Operations Manager/Project Director looking for a board level position
• MCIOB or Construction Management degree with an appetite for continued professional development.
• The ability & commitment to travel nationwide to push delivery and build client relationships
• A varied project history and an excellent overall understanding of construction process.

The Package:

You will receive a good salary and a benefits package including, shares in the business, a bonus scheme that rewards endeavour and family-friendly benefits.
 

If this sounds of interest please forward a copy of your CV for a confidential conversation.

• Leadership & Strategic Direction:
  Set the vision and lead the strategic operational planning across a national cleaning portfolio. Ensure teams are aligned to organisational goals and customer expectations, driving a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Client Engagement & Relationship Management:
  Lead high-level engagement with key clients and stakeholders through regular reviews, strategic discussions, and performance presentations. Be a trusted point of contact and escalation for commercial and operational matters.
• Operational Oversight:
  Monitor service delivery across multiple high-value contracts, ensuring that key performance indicators (KPIs), service-level agreements (SLAs), and compliance standards are consistently met or exceeded.
• Commercial & Financial Accountability:
  Own the P&L across a portfolio valued at £2 +, identifying cost-saving opportunities and driving profitability. Lead commercial reviews and support pricing strategies, tender responses, and acquisition assessments.
• Team Development & Performance Management:
  Mentor, guide, and support a large and diverse operational team. Promote leadership capability across the business and ensure succession planning, skills development, and high engagement levels.
• Operational Excellence & Quality Assurance:
  Drive standards across safety, quality, and sustainability. Conduct regular site audits and leverage performance data to identify areas for innovation, efficiency, and optimisation.
• Change Leadership & Integration:
  Lead business transformation initiatives, including new contract mobilisations, change programmes, and acquisition integrations. Ensure seamless service delivery and cultural alignment through times of change.

• A strong background in senior operations leadership within soft services FM , with a heavy emphasis on cleaning services .
• Proven ability to manage and grow a 0m+ business portfolio , driving operational efficiency, margin growth, and customer satisfaction.
• Demonstrable experience of managing commercial risk, pricing strategies, and P&L responsibility in a complex, multi-site environment.
• Successful track record of leading and integrating acquisitions , delivering stability and commercial performance during transitional periods.
• Ability to inspire, lead, and mentor large operational teams, with excellent people leadership skills and experience in performance management and cultural development.
• Deep commercial insight with the ability to assess data, spot inefficiencies, and implement actionable solutions at pace.
• Experience working with clients in regulated sectors (e.g., healthcare, education, public sector) is desirable.
• High-level communication skills with the ability to influence at executive level, both internally and externally.

• Strategic thinking with a hands-on approach.
• Commercially savvy, financially astute, and numbers-driven.
• Calm under pressure with excellent decision-making ability.
• People-first mindset with a passion for leadership and development.
• Resilience, ambition, and integrity in equal measure.

Our client is a well-known/respected main contractor with a group turnover of 750m.

The need now exists for an experienced Operations Director to be based out of their head office in Central London. You will oversee various cut and carve projects in Central London and report into the board.

The ideal candidate would have a stable work history, gained with a recognised main contractor with previous experience on cut & carve projects in Central London. It is also essential you have experience with two stage tendering.

Our client is seeking an Operations Director with strong planning & pre-construction skills with the experience of liaising with client's architects, subcontractors and a knowledge of current building regulations.

In return, our client is offering a basic salary between 150k - 160k (basic) + full package & bonus system.

Operations Director

Derbyshire

£80,000-£5,000 + performance related bonus OTE 00,000, private medical cover, 4% matched pension, 33 days holiday

The Company

We are supporting an innovative and developing precision engineering organisation, specialising in the machining of large and complex performance-critical components to the aerospace and defence industry.

This business has seen over 50% growth over the last 3 years, targeting 4 million turnover in 2025. They continue to expand their capabilities, with a multi-million-pound investment in a new facility, with aims to increase their direct hours by 15% within the next year, as well as recruit additional headcount to meet increasing customer demand.

With advanced capabilities in both machining and high-integrity fabrications, their state-of-the-art facilities enable them to handle projects of various sizes, up to 9m diameter, with exceptional precision within a highly regulated, low-volume environment.

The Role

The role of Operations Director will involve managing the machining, fabrication, and engineering team to ensure the smooth running of operations. In this newly created role for the business, this is the perfect opportunity to take on a key leadership role and make a real impact on operational performance, in a role where you can drive change and help shape the future of the business. The Operations Director will be responsible for:

• Managing and leading key department heads, including Production, Materials, and Engineering, with 4 direct and approximately 70 indirect reports.
• Ensuring high-performance and developing a skills matrix for continued development.
• Oversee daily operations, develop efficient plans, and collaborate with the management team to streamline workflows and optimise production.
• Maintain timely, quality-driven delivery of orders, meeting quoted lead times and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Identify areas for improvement, reduce indirect time, and uphold the right first time approach to maintain high standards of productivity and quality.
• Ensure a safe working environment by adhering to health and safety standards, promoting a culture of safety across all teams.

The Candidate

To be successful in your application for this Operations Director role you will need:

• Experience managing operations in a highly regulated, low tolerance precision engineering environment.
• Management experience of teams totalling circa 70 people, including appraisals and people development.
• Strong knowledge of best practices, with the ability to bring innovative ideas to the table.
• Commercially aware, understanding the importance of on-time delivery and proactive planning to avoid delays.
• A leader capable of developing people, engaging with the people to make them feel a part of the team and build a good team culture.

The Benefits

For this Operations Director role the following benefits are on offer:

• 0,000- 5,000 base salary
• Performance related bonus
• 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays
• Private medical cover
• 4% matched pension
• Additional leave for Christmas shutdown

If you’re interested please apply online, send your CV to (url removed) or give me a call on (phone number removed).

ATA Recruitment specialises in Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Civil, Transportation and general Engineering recruitment on both a permanent and contract basis – for more opportunities like this one, visit our website.   

By applying you accept the terms of our Privacy Notice which can be found on our website.

ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

Are you a proven Operations Director, or Manager ready to take the next step, with Operational Excellence expertise and a track record in transforming manufacturing? Our client is a profitable, rapidly growing UK designer, manufacturer and installer of bespoke, project-based products fabricated from steel, supplying a wide range of markets including civil engineering, security, defence and utilities.

Long-established in the Black Country, West Midlands, but acquired by a small but successful and growing group in recent times, the business has experienced year on year sales and profit growth. Despite a marked improvement in discipline, management and operating systems over the last 18 months, there is still huge scope to improve operationally, incorporating progressive and modern operational and manufacturing methods that will not only increase capacity and profitability, but will also improve the working culture. With further significant, rapid expansion anticipated, the Operations Director role has been newly created and, as such, you will be critical to the business's future success.

Reporting to the Managing Director, leading Production, Supply Chain, Quality and Engineering teams, you will have the autonomy to be able to express creativity without the usual constraints of large corporate organisations (whilst still harnessing the synergies of the other companies in the group) and have freedom to lead a transformation journey. As the business scales you will lead the people agenda, recruiting and training a growing team.

You will:

• Be a proven Operations Director/Manager experienced in leading multi-discipline teams through transformation, striving for best-in-class. SME experience would be highly advantageous.
• Be an expert Continuous Improvement/Operational Excellence practitioner.
• Have high levels of EQ with a growth mindset.
• Be motivated and ambitious about driving change with a problem-solving skillset.
• Be easily adaptable to changes led by business demand, with the ability to positively influence adaptability and change in those around them.
• Be experienced in metal manufacturing environments, such as fabrication, stamping or forming, having seen what good looks like. Experience working on a low-volume project basis with design and installation would be highly advantageous.
• Have a good understanding of design for manufacture and manufacturing principles and techniques.

To help you succeed you will be supported by an ambitious organisation committed to cultural change, Continuous Improvement and investment.

Are you the one we're looking for?

Join Fresh as our Next Operations Director – South

Fresh, an award-winning residential for rent accommodation provider with a portfolio of over 20,000 beds across the UK and Ireland, is seeking a highly strategic and people-focused Operations Director .

In this pivotal role, you will lead operational performance across our fast-growing and diverse portfolio, operating within the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), Build to Rent (BTR), and Co-Living sectors. You’ll take full ownership of more than 8,500 units and foster strong, strategic partnerships with a valued client base of over 15.

This is a senior operations role reporting to the COO, responsible for leading the region with a matrix team of marketing and property SMEs to drive client outcomes. You’ll work closely with the COO to shape and deliver the future vision of residential living—driving strategy, commercial performance, and delivering exceptional experiences for both residents and clients.

Acting as the vital link between our teams, assets, and stakeholders, you’ll ensure operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and continued commercial success across the region.

Location: Ideally based within commuting distance of London, with regular travel required across London, the South of England, and South Wales. Flexible home working is available.

What We’re Looking For:

We’re searching for a confident, accomplished, and forward-thinking Operations Director who brings a balance of strategic vision and hands-on leadership. You’ll play a key role in delivering operational excellence, inspiring high-performing teams, and shaping the resident and client experience across our growing portfolio.

Strategic Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Proven experience leading large, multi-site operational teams within residential property, hospitality, or student accommodation.
li>Ability to deliver scalable, consistent, and efficient services across a wide portfolio.
• Data-driven mindset with the ability to use insights to improve performance and decision-making.

People-First Leadership

• A motivating and collaborative leader who builds trust and drives a culture of service excellence.
• Track record in developing and empowering high-performing teams through coaching, clarity, and support.
• Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing—aligned with our Be Wellbeing programme.

Resident & Customer Experience

< i>Strong understanding of the full resident lifecycle—from move-in to move-out—and the drivers of satisfaction and retention.

Commercial Acumen & Partner Management

• Strong commercial skills, including experience managing budgets, operating margins, and meeting client expectations.
• Capable of building long-term partnerships with institutional clients, JV partners, and developers.
• Experience with bids, mobilisations, or award submissions is a plus.

Growth Mindset & Innovation

• Passionate about shaping the future of residential living in a dynamic, evolving market.
• Confident in managing change, scaling operations, and driving continuous improvement.
• Brings fresh thinking, challenges the status quo, and actively contributes to innovation.

You’ll be proactive, energetic, and solutions-focused—someone who leads by example and isn’t afraid to get hands-on when needed. Your integrity and credibility will earn the trust of colleagues, clients, and partners. With a forward-looking mindset and a focus on results, you’ll continually seek opportunities to innovate, improve, and move the business forward.

If you’re ready to lead transformational change and deliver lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Operations Director – c£60K + bonus, car/car allowance and much more. Guildford

The Employer

Approaching our 20th year, the business continues to grow, offering consulting and niche engineering and maintenance services predominantly to the energy, waste and biomass sectors across the UK and Ireland.  An employer of choice, fostering a good team spirit and employee involvement at all levels in the business. 

The Package – Operations Director

c£60K per annum; performance-related bonus up to 20% of salary per annum; company car or car allowance option; pension; office based near Guildford; occasional travel and more….

Overview

Reporting to the Managing Director, the Operations Director is responsible for overseeing a company's day-to-day operations and ensuring they align with the overall business strategy for the delivery of a competent, efficient and high performing workforce. This role involves developing and implementing operational plans, managing business processes, and analysing operational efficiency to drive productivity and profitability. High level HR duties, ensuring Health & Safety compliance, attracting talent and development of staff in situ.

Main Responsibilities – Operations Director

• Developing and executing operational strategies that support the company's overall objectives
li>Identifying areas for improvement in processes, workflows, and resource allocation to optimize performance
• Customer contact and account management (and new client enquiries), assessing customer satisfaction, addressing issues and scheduling work
• Managing and controlling budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation, and track spending
• Overseeing and guiding direct reports and the wider teams, fostering a positive, productive workplace 
li>Ensuring all staff adherence to relevant regulations (Health & Safety), industry standards (ISO9001 and ISO45001), and company policies, while mitigating operational risks  li>Working with other departments to ensure seamless operations and achieve business goals
• Identifying and implementing strategies to improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and reduce operational bottlenecks 
li>Focusing on delivering high-quality services and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction
• Compiling a quarterly report for the Board Meeting, presenting operational aspects to the board

Ideal Applicant Attributes & Experience

• Previous responsibility for a busy operations team
• Proven people management skills
• Experience driving a positive company culture
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Familiarity with ISO9001 and ISO45001
• Driving license, able to travel to the Northern office (average once per month) and occasionally to client sites across the UK

Job Title: Operations Director – Facilities Management 

Location:  Newcastle
Salary: £80,000 – £100,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus 
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Industry: Facilities Management / Technical Services

Overview:

We are recruiting for an experienced and results-driven Operations Director to lead and expand a fast-growing Facilities Management business with a core strength in building services and technical maintenance. This is a senior strategic role, suited to a commercially focused leader with a proven track record in operational excellence and hard FM delivery.

Reporting directly to the Group Board, you will be responsible for the direction, performance, and culture of the operational division. Your focus will be on delivering sustainable growth, optimising service performance, and maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance, and client satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

• p>Lead the operational delivery of all FM and HVAC services, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and quality across national contracts.

• Define and deliver the company’s strategic goals in line with growth and client retention targets.

  /li>

• Oversee all operational, financial, and commercial performance metrics, ensuring strong profitability and resource management.

• Identify and secure new business opportunities while developing and maintaining long-term client relationships.

• Act as a key figurehead for the business, representing the company in industry forums, client meetings, and stakeholder engagements.

• Mentor and develop a high-performing management team, promoting a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.

• Ensure robust structures and controls are in place to meet legal, regulatory, health & safety, and quality standards across all operations.

Candidate Profile:

We are seeking a strategic and commercially minded leader who can balance hands-on operational control with high-level decision-making. You will ideally bring:

• A proven background in senior FM or engineering operations leadership, preferably in regulated or technical service environments.

• In-depth knowledge of HVAC systems, compliance standards, and building services operations.

• Strong commercial insight, with a demonstrable record of driving revenue growth, profitability, and contract performance.

• Excellent client relationship and business development skills, with experience leading complex, multi-site portfolios.

• Experience in strategic planning, budgetary control, and senior-level stakeholder engagement.

• A clear commitment to delivering service excellence and promoting a strong compliance, safety, and quality culture.

• Familiarity with ISO, SFG20, GMP, or industry best practices is highly desirable.

Why Join?

• Opportunity to lead a high-growth business with autonomy and board-level influence.

• Work with prestigious clients across healthcare, manufacturing, and commercial sectors.

• Supportive leadership culture with real scope to innovate, build, and deliver.

Ready to drive operational success in a leading FM environment?
Apply today to take your next step into a career-defining leadership role.

Zachary Daniels Recruitment is delighted to be supporting this newly named, Times Top 100 Fastest Growing Businesses, in the appointment of a Director of Operations .

Their mission is simple is simple - to help people unlock their greatest performance every single day. With a well established product range and extremely exciting innovations in the pipeline, backing from Google and a host of elite athletes and even an appearance on Dragons Den, this really is a fantastic time to join the founders and their team in this exciting journey.

About The Role:

In the role of Operations Director you will be responsible to oversee and optimize our clients direct-to-consumer operations.

This senior leadership role is responsible for end-to-end operational management across Supply Chain, Fulfillment, Logistics, Customer Experience, and E-commerce Operations.

To be considered for this role:

* The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of scaling D2C brands, driving operational excellence, and delivering a seamless customer journey.

* You will show a clear understanding of ecommerce functions and experience running operations for a growing ecommerce brand and working with manufacturers in the Far East.

* You have a growth mindset: This is a very fast paced start-up environment, we are looking for someone who is always learning and has the tenacity to overcome challenges in a very fluid environment.

* You are extremely analytical: Expert level with excel, obsessed with using data to improve outcomes.

* You are commercial: Thinking about the financial impact on the company with an eye on opportunity and ways to impact the bottom line.

* You are a leader: You have held a leadership role and are keen to continue to progress your skills in leadership and are passionate about developing others.

* You aren't interested in average: Our clients aspirations are to build a big business with a small and extremely focused team.

* Ultimately the prospect of building something within an incredibly fast growth environment and genuinely shaping a business within a demanding role will excite you.

* The successful candidate can expect an excellent basic salary , attractive bonus scheme based on company performance with equity which will grow as your tenure increases.

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