Job Title: Operations Director
Location: Ireland/Manchester - There will be some travel involved in the role
Salary: £80,000 - £85,000 Basic
Industry: Facilities Management
This is not your typical director-level role. Our client is looking for a hands-on director who thrives under pressure, isn’t afraid to make tough calls, and genuinely leads from the front. This is the perfect opportunity for an experienced Operations director who doesn’t wait to be told what to do, someone who takes action, delivers under pressure, and wants to work in a no-nonsense, results-driven environment.
This is a company with a reputation for getting things done, and they need someone who matches that energy. You’ll be joining a high-performing leadership team where initiative is valued more than job titles, and results speak louder than words. This is a highly demanding role, and the right candidate must be adaptable and resilient. Your calendar can change at a moment’s notice, and you’ll need to be ready to respond quickly, take initiative, and do whatever it takes to keep operations running smoothly.
Job Overview
As Operations Director, you will oversee the day-to-day running of nationwide projects, ensuring operational delivery is consistently efficient, safe, and on time. You’ll be a key member of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Managing Director.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Strategic Leadership:
* Contribute to and help shape the overall business strategy as part of the senior leadership team.
* Translate strategic goals into practical, measurable operational plans.
* Lead business transformation, service innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
* Support business development and growth through operational input in tenders, bids, and the mobilisation of new contracts.
Operational Management:
* Oversee daily operations across multiple sites/contracts, ensuring services are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
* Ensure that contractual obligations are met or exceeded, and that KPIs and SLAs are consistently achieved.
* Monitor resource allocation, staff productivity, and subcontractor performance.
* Take ownership of operational risks, develop contingency plans to mitigate them.
* Champion health & safety culture, compliance, and best practices across the business.
Team Leadership & Development:
* Lead, manage and develop a team of Contract Managers, Site Managers, Supervisors, and support staff.
* Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and customer focus.
* Provide clear direction, mentoring, and support to ensure high team performance and employee engagement.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement:
* Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key clients and stakeholders.
* Act as the senior point of contact for escalations, complex issues, or change requests.
* Attend client meetings, site visits, and performance reviews regularly.
* Promote a collaborative approach with clients and ensure high levels of satisfaction.
Financial & Commercial Oversight:
* Take full P&L responsibility for operational budgets.
* Monitor and manage operational expenditure, resource planning, and cost control.
* Identify commercial opportunities for upselling, contract extensions, and efficiencies.
* Work closely with the finance and commercial teams to report on performance and forecast future needs.
What we are looking for
We’re looking for a confident, seasoned director who has been there, done that, and is still ready to get stuck in.
You’ll need:
* Proven experience in a senior operational role within construction or facilities management.
* Strong leadership skills, you know how to get the best from people.
* A practical, sleeves-rolled-up approach to challenges and problem-solving.
* High standards of delivery and accountability.
* Excellent knowledge of H&S and operational compliance requirements.
* Flexibility to travel nationwide and respond quickly to operational issues.
What’s on Offer:
* Basic Salary: £80,000 - £85,000
* Company vehicle or car allowance
* Pension, holiday allowance, and other benefits
* A dynamic and challenging role with real influence and impact