About the Role
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We are seeking an experienced Operations Director to initially support the implementation of the new contract and to hold full responsibility and accountability for the operations and aftercare functions, ensuring the effective delivery of projects from initial conception through to completion of the defect’s liability period, supporting Birmingham City Council to deliver modern, responsive, tenant focused service.
This is a senior leadership role with strategic and operational accountability for the contract’s delivery, commercial performance, Health & Safety, and customer satisfaction. You will ensure all projects are delivered on sound operational and commercial principles, working collaboratively with design, commercial, technical and customer care teams to achieve successful outcomes.
As Operations Director, you will lead the development and maintenance of key client relationships, ensure SHEQ requirements are fully embedded across all activity, and provide strategic oversight of resourcing, recruitment and capability to support current and future business needs. You will also be responsible for implementing group policies and developing departmental policies and procedures as required.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Provide overall leadership and accountability for the Operations and Aftercare functions, ensuring effective delivery from project inception through to defects liability
2. Lead on Health & Safety and SHEQ compliance, chairing monthly SHEQ meetings and setting clear standards across all projects
3. Ensure strong commercial control, programme delivery and performance management across all live sites
4. Drive collaborative working between operations, technical, commercial and customer care teams
5. Maintain and develop key client relationships, ensuring consistently high levels of customer satisfaction
6. Oversee project progress and delivery, implementing corrective actions to meet contractual and programme targets
7. Lead on resourcing, recruitment and retention, ensuring departments are appropriately staffed
8. Prepare and present board and senior management reports, providing insight on performance, risk and opportunity
9. Support tender activity and mobilisation, ensuring operational input and resourcing is in place
10. Ensure group and departmental policies, procedures and management systems are implemented and maintained
Key Criteria:
11. Proven senior operational leadership experience within social housing repairs and maintenance, with responsibility for departments, people and live contracts
12. Strong commercial and contractual understanding, with experience managing financial performance and delivery
13. Demonstrable ability to lead, influence and manage teams, including recruitment and retention
14. Strong focus on Health & Safety, compliance and customer satisfaction
15. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
16. IT‑literate, with experience using Microsoft Office and working knowledge of Microsoft Project
17. Organised, adaptable and able to operate effectively in a fast‑paced environment
18. CSCS and GCSE (or equivalent) essential
19. NVQ in Site Management and/or professional qualification (CIOB or equivalent) desirable
20. Full UK driving licence
All our roles require candidates to have the entitlement to work within the UK, Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship.
To drive a Mears vehicle, you must be aged over 21 have held your licence over 3 months and have less than 9 points.
Candidates should be aware that all our roles are subject to relevant Background, Identity & Security checks before commencement of employment.