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- Tasks: Lead operations in heating, plumbing, and facilities services across the South East.
- Company: Family-owned provider with a strong reputation in service delivery.
- Benefits: Up to £120,000 salary, private medical insurance, company car, and profit share.
- Why this job: Drive performance and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in senior operational leadership within service-led industries.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant impact and career growth in a respected company.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 84000 £ per year.
A large, family-owned, independent provider of heating, plumbing and property services across the South East is looking to appoint an experienced Head of Operations to lead day-to-day delivery across installations, repairs and planned/reactive maintenance. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can manage dispersed field teams, and can raise performance, compliance and customer outcomes across multiple contracts.
Location: Surrey / South East (with regular travel to sites and client meetings)
Reporting to: Operations & Client Services Director
The role
- Operational leadership: Own day-to-day delivery across field and office functions, keeping jobs flowing and resources deployed effectively.
- Workforce management: Lead, coach and develop managers, engineers and support teams; support recruitment, training and retention.
- Planning & scheduling: Oversee job allocation, productivity, and the handling of urgent works, cancellations and resourcing gaps.
- Quality & customer experience: Monitor performance and service quality; act as an escalation point and drive lasting resolution and improvements.
- Compliance & safety: Maintain strong H&S standards and ensure adherence to relevant regulations (e.g., Gas Safe / HSE requirements and company policies).
- Performance & improvement: Report on KPIs, team output and operational risks; identify process improvements and implement better ways of working/systems.
- Commercial support: Provide operational input into mobilisation, contract delivery, tenders and growth initiatives.
What we’re looking for (essential)
- 10+ years’ senior operational leadership experience in a service-led environment (heating, plumbing, building services, FM, utilities or similar).
- Proven experience managing large, geographically spread field teams and office-based functions.
- Strong working knowledge of H&S and compliance within a regulated environment.
- Commercially minded, comfortable with budgets, costs, KPIs and operational decision-making.
- Calm under pressure, solutions-focused, and able to drive high standards and accountability.
Desirable
- Technical background/qualifications in heating, gas or building services.
- Experience with scheduling/field service management systems and process optimisation.
Package & benefits
- Up to £120,000 basic salary (Depending on experience)
- Private medical insurance
- Company car + fuel card or car allowance
- Profit share: 1% of total profits (typically £10k–£15k p.a. based on the last two years)
This vacancy is being advertised discreetly due to the seniority of the role. Company details will be shared with shortlisted applicants only.
Head of Operations (Heating / Plumbing / Facilities Services) – S/E employer: Arco Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Arco Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations (Heating / Plumbing / Facilities Services) – S/E
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the heating and plumbing industry. Attend local events or join online forums where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their values and how they align with your experience in managing field teams and ensuring compliance. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and improved performance in previous roles. Highlight your ability to handle pressure and drive results – that’s what they want to hear!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s get you that Head of Operations role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations (Heating / Plumbing / Facilities Services) – S/E
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in operational leadership, especially in service-led environments like heating or plumbing. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Operations role. Share specific examples of how you've managed teams and improved performance in previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge: Since compliance and safety are key in this role, make sure to mention your strong working knowledge of H&S regulations. We want to know how you've maintained high standards in past positions, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arco Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the company's operations, especially in heating, plumbing, and facilities services. Familiarise yourself with their service delivery standards, compliance requirements, and any recent projects or challenges they’ve faced.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading dispersed teams and driving performance. Think of specific situations where you improved team output or resolved conflicts, as this will demonstrate your hands-on leadership style.
✨Be Ready to Discuss KPIs and Compliance
Since the role involves a lot of operational oversight, be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed KPIs and ensured compliance in previous roles. Bring data or reports that showcase your achievements in these areas to back up your claims.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions that show your interest in the company’s future. Inquire about their growth initiatives, challenges they foresee in the industry, or how they measure success in service delivery. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
