LOCATION : Hybrid role – 2-3 days a week in East London Office + UK Travel
PACKAGE : To £100,000 + Bonus + Company Car + Benefits
REFERENCE : 1M26012
KEYWORDS : Operations, Management, Leadership, Director, Plant Hire, Groundworks, Ground Force, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Performance
THE COMPANY
A well-established, privately owned industrial services business is seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead a national operational estate comprising depots across the UK and various manufacturing operations.
This is a senior leadership role with full responsibility for operational performance, safety, relevant team members, and continuous improvement across a complex, asset-heavy environment.
THE ROLE
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take ownership of end-to-end operations, ensuring consistent standards, strong leadership, and scalable performance across all sites.
You will be highly visible across the business, spending time in depots and manufacturing facilities while working closely with the senior leadership team to deliver operational strategy.
This role requires a proven background in both plant hire (or adjacent industries) and manufacturing. Candidates without experience in these sectors will not be considered.
You will be responsible for :
* Lead and develop multi-site operational teams across a national depot network
* Drive operational excellence across plant hire depots and manufacturing operations
* Ensure consistent standards of safety, quality, service, and performance nationwide
* Oversee asset utilisation, logistics, capacity planning, and workflow efficiency
* Champion health & safety compliance and a strong safety-first culture
* Deliver continuous improvement, cost control, and operational standardisation
* Use KPIs and data to drive accountability and informed decision-making
* Support business growth, depot integration, and operational change initiatives
THE PERSON
In order to succeed in this role, it is essential that you have the following background, skills and experience :
* Senior operational leadership experience within plant hire and manufacturing environments
* Proven track record managing multi-site, geographically dispersed operations
* Strong understanding of asset-heavy businesses, equipment lifecycle management, and manufacturing processes
* Extensive experience leading large operational teams and site leaders
* Deep knowledge of health & safety best practice within industrial settings
* Willingness to travel regularly across the UK
Personal Attributes
* Hands-on, commercially minded, and operationally focused
* Credible, calm leader able to influence at all levels
* Comfortable operating in fast-paced, complex environments
* Strong communicator with a practical, solutions-led approach
* High standards around safety, people, and performance
This role will suit a senior operator from the plant hire sector who also brings strong manufacturing experience and enjoys being close to the operation rather than operating purely at board level.
#J-18808-Ljbffr