Please double check you have the right level of experience and qualifications by reading the full overview of this opportunity below.
Aquarius is a specialist water treatment and hygiene services business [circa 30 FTE], operating as part of the Vadella group. With a field team of approximately 26 engineers, we deliver expert Legionella risk management, pre-commission cleaning, water hygiene monitoring, and associated compliance services to clients across a range of sectors.
We are seeking an Operations Director to take broad ownership of the business — a genuine leadership role with accountability for commercial performance, organisational capability, and operational delivery. This is not an execution role. We are looking for someone who can set direction, build a scalable structure, and drive the next phase of Aquarius's growth within an acquisitive, scaling group environment.
LOCATION
* Camberley, Surrey & field based as required
TERMS & CONDITIONS
* £70k+ dependent on experience and package commensurate with director-level appointment
* Full Time, Permanent
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Company vehicle
REPORTING TO
* Managing Director
Key Responsibilities
Business Ownership & Strategic Direction
* Take broad ownership of Aquarius as a business — accountable for commercial outcomes, people performance, and operational delivery across the whole business.
* Define and drive the strategic direction of the business, translating the group's growth ambitions into clear operational priorities and measurable outcomes.
* Act as a genuine co-leader of the business alongside the MD, contributing to investment decisions, acquisitive growth, and the integration of new capabilities or businesses within the Vadella portfolio.
* Build and maintain a strong external profile — representing Aquarius at industry events, trade bodies, and within key client and partner networks.
Commercial Leadership
* Own the commercial performance of the business — taking direct accountability for revenue growth, margin, contract profitability, and pricing strategy.
* Lead contract strategy end-to-end: from pricing and tendering through to renewal, renegotiation, and portfolio optimisation — driving commercially sound, competitive outcomes.
* Identify and pursue new business opportunities including sector growth, geographic expansion, and new service lines, personally leading key pursuits where strategic value warrants it.
* Oversee the preparation and submission of payment applications, management of final accounts, and commercial administration across the portfolio.
* Work closely with the accounts team to maintain robust financial control and ensure the business delivers against its P&L commitments.
Building a Scalable Leadership Layer
* Build the leadership structure Aquarius needs to scale — identifying, developing, and where necessary recruiting the management layer that reduces dependency on any individual and creates a platform for sustainable growth.
* Develop the organisation's capability to operate effectively without over-reliance on current key individuals, ensuring continuity of performance as the business evolves.
* Lead, inspire, and develop the broader operational team — creating a high-performance culture with clear accountability, strong development pathways, and effective succession planning at every level.
* Drive workforce planning, resource allocation, and field management to maximise productivity, contract profitability, and team engagement.
Performance Cadence & Data-Led Management
* Establish and own a rigorous performance management framework — introducing clear cadences for operational, commercial, and people performance review across the business.
* Champion a data-led management culture, ensuring key metrics are defined, tracked, and acted upon consistently — from engineer productivity and contract margin to client satisfaction and compliance KPIs.
* Report into the Vadella group operating model with confidence, presenting clear performance data and narrative to the board and OpCo leadership on a regular basis.
* Drive accountability throughout the business, ensuring leaders at all levels own their numbers and make evidence-based decisions.
Client Relationships & Account Growth
* Serve as a senior point of contact for strategic clients, building long-term partnerships underpinned by technical credibility and consistent service delivery.
* Proactively identify and develop opportunities for account growth, cross-sell, and contract renewal across the existing client portfolio.
* Resolve complex technical and operational issues promptly, maintaining client confidence and protecting the Aquarius reputation.
Technical Governance & Compliance
* Provide credible senior oversight across water treatment and hygiene services, with particular authority in Legionella risk management (L8), pre-commission cleaning (BSRIA BG29/BG50), and relevant regulatory frameworks.
* Ensure the business maintains best-in-class compliance — overseeing quality management systems, accreditations (LCA, CHAS, Safecontractor, ISO), and audit readiness.
* Stay abreast of legislative and industry developments (HSG274, CIBSE, BSRIA) and translate these into operational policy and practice.
Skillset (person Specification)
Essential Requirements
* Significant senior leadership experience within water treatment, water hygiene, or building services compliance — with a track record of leading commercial as well as operational outcomes.
* Proven commercial instincts: experience owning or co-owning P&L, leading pricing and contract strategy, and driving revenue growth through both existing accounts and new business.
* Demonstrated ability to build a leadership layer and create scalable organisational structures — not just manage an existing team.
* Experience operating in a scaling, acquisitive, or multi-site environment, with the judgment to navigate change and build for growth.
* Strong data-led management discipline — comfortable with performance frameworks, KPIs, and presenting commercial and operational data to senior stakeholders.
* Sufficient technical authority in Legionella risk management (L8) and related regulatory frameworks to command credibility with engineers, clients, and regulators.
* Exceptional client-facing skills with the ability to operate at Board and senior stakeholder level.
* Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
* Experience in an MD, Operations Director, or equivalent leadership role within a specialist contractor or compliance services business.
* Familiarity with field service management software and job management systems.
* IOSH, NEBOSH, or equivalent health and safety qualification.
* Experience managing or supporting industry accreditations (LCA, CHAS, Safecontractor, ISO).
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