We are looking for an Operational Director to lead and grow a world class UK Health, Safety and Asbestos Consultancy Team. This is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the strategic and operational delivery of the health & safety compliance disciplines.
This role ensures financial performance, quality assurance, client satisfaction, and team leadership across a high-performing business unit. The postholder will also play a pivotal role in business development and innovation, guiding the business unit into new markets and service offerings. This is a rare appointment to a prestigious role within the business.
The Operational Director will be expected to deliver financial performance in line with the division’s Annual Operating Plan, achieving revenue and profit margin targets while improving other key financial metrics set for the UK Health, Safety and Asbestos Consultancy Team. Success will also be measured by the growth and retention of key client accounts, the development of new business opportunities, and the launch of innovative and profitable service offerings. Strong leadership of the 40+person team is essential, with clear progress in succession planning and talent development to ensure long-term capability and resilience
Relevant facts & figures
The Operational Director leads a team of 40+ employees, including six direct reports comprising four Technical Directors, one Senior Business Development Lead, and one Business Support Manager. The division is structured into three core service areas: Asbestos, Health, Safety & Fire, and Legionella (Water & Indoor Air Quality). The role carries responsibility for delivering an annual revenue target of £5,000,000, with a current year-to-date profit margin of over 15.5%. The postholder is also expected to spend over 30% of their time working on projects (i.e billable work)..
Core Capabilities
Financial Management
Holds primary accountability for the financial performance of the business unit ensuring delivery against revenue and profit targets. This includes close oversight of project-level financials, proactive resolution of issues, and continuous monitoring of key metrics such as profitability and cashflow.
A strong grasp of financial data and performance indicators is essential, as the postholder will play an active role in shaping and delivering the divisional Annual Operating Plan (AOP) in collaboration with the Managing Director and finance team. The Operational Director will also produce an annual Business Plan for their team that aligns with the divisional AOP. The ability to interpret financial trends and act decisively is critical to sustaining growth and operational efficiency.
Leadership & Management
Lead a 40+person multidisciplinary team across three technical areas: asbestos, health & safety, and Legionella. This includes overseeing team structure, performance management, and professional development to ensure the business unit operates effectively and delivers high-quality outcomes.
While technical expertise in one of the service lines is beneficial, the emphasis is on fostering a collaborative and accountable culture that supports continuous improvement. The postholder is expected to build a resilient team, actively develop talent, and implement succession planning to ensure long-term capability and leadership continuity.
Client Relationship Management
Responsible for the strategic oversight of key client accounts, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality services across asbestos, fire, and Legionella. This involves coordinating multi - disciplinary teams to meet complex client requirements and maintaining strong, long-term relationships built on trust and responsiveness.
Acting as a senior point of contact and advisor to ensure client satisfaction across all service lines, proactively managing expectations, and resolving issues. Leadership in client engagement will be critical to sustaining and growing strategic accounts
Maintaining Quality Assurance Standards
Holds ultimate responsibility for maintaining all relevant quality accreditations, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and 45001, together with asbestos and legionella-specific certifications. This includes ensuring full compliance with both internal quality assurance processes and external regulatory standards.
Expected to champion a culture of quality and continuous improvement across the business unit. They will oversee audit readiness, oversee corrective action implementation, and ensure that quality remains a central pillar of operational delivery and client satisfaction
Business Development
Play a key role in driving business growth by identifying new markets and developing service offerings that respond to emerging client needs. This includes leading innovation initiatives and ensuring the business unit remains agile and responsive to industry changes. The role will include establishing and building relationships with new clients.
Expected to foster a culture of proactive market engagement, encouraging the team to seek out opportunities and build strategic partnerships. Collaborating with the wider company to help cross sell Tetra Tech’s services will be an important part of the role. Success in this area will be measured by the ability to expand the client base, increase revenue streams, and position the division as a leader in its field.
Apply today!