Head of Operations, England

Location: Head office is based in Derbyshire, this role is open to nationwide candidates-  International Travel Required

Salary: Up to £90,000 per annum (dependent on business) + company car or car allowance

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced and commercially focused Head of Operations to lead and develop our clients operational function across the UK and Europe.

This is a key senior leadership position responsible for driving operational excellence, profitability, service delivery, and strategic growth across specialist divisions, including Data Centre Cleaning, Passive Fire Protection, and Raised Access Flooring.

The Role

As Head of Operations, you will take overall responsibility for the performance, management and development of the operations function, ensuring all projects, contracts and service commitments are delivered safely, efficiently and profitably.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead operational delivery across multiple contracts, projects, and service activities.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that support business growth.
• Drive operational excellence, performance improvement, and profitability.
• Oversee budgets, forecasting, resource planning, and cost control.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
• Manage customer relationships, service performance, and contract compliance.
• Lead, develop, and mentor operational management teams.
• Promote a strong health & safety culture and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Support tendering, mobilisation, and business development activities.
• Implement KPIs, reporting processes, and continuous improvement initiatives

Essential Experience:

• Senior operational leadership experience managing multiple contracts, projects, and teams.
• Strong commercial and financial management skills.
• Experience within technically complex or high-risk environments.
• Excellent understanding of Health & Safety legislation and compliance.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Full UK Driving Licence and willingness to travel.

Desirable:

• Background in electrical, mechanical or infrastructure services.
• Experience supporting business growth, mobilisation or transformation projects.
• Engineering, Construction Management or Business-related qualification.
• IOSH, NEBOSH, PRINCE2, APM or similar professional qualifications.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards.
• Experience managing operational P&L performance.
• Exposure to blue-chip or enterprise-level customers.

The successful Head of Operations will demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Commercial awareness and sound business judgement.
• Excellent customer relationship management abilities.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement.
• High levels of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• The ability to drive performance while maintaining exceptional service standards.

To apply please either:

• Call Dana on View phone number on essentialrecruitment.co.uk between the hours of 8am – 5pm Mon to Fri
• Email your CV to View email address on essentialrecruitment.co.uk

This role is being advertised by Essential Recruitment and Professional, a recruitment agency.