Regional Operations Director in Leeds

Barron Williams are delighted to be retained to deliver this key search and selection instruction for our client, a leader in energy-efficient cooling and heating installations. The goal of this international Group is to be a role model in sustainable climate solutions that deliver energy efficient commercial and industrial cooling and heating systems. They offer a full-service solution to their clients in a number of countries, from idea, planning, installation, and delivery to maintenance and service.

The group is growing rapidly and, in the UK & Ireland through a "buy & build" strategy, acquiring established businesses across the countries. With more acquisitions planned, the business is looking to realise the benefits of operating as a Group, whilst retaining the unique selling points of the individual acquired businesses. To this end, a Group Operations Director is now required to lead and execute the strategic development of the group operations function.

Initially, the role will involve reviewing current processes and practices and then executing the plan to create real value through shared best practices to maximise value, both collectively and individually. The Group Operations Director will also play a pivotal role in developing the commercial offer to larger clients to meet their specific needs consistently on a national basis and to develop the long-term people development plan.

The role will require travel across the UK & Ireland, with occasional trips to the EU to meet colleagues, to assist leading Group businesses of varying sizes through positive change.

You will be an experienced Refrigeration or Air Conditioning / Vent operations professional with a proven track record in relevant markets, i.e. working with Refrigeration or Air Conditioning / Vent sales and service-related businesses and leading multi-site operations teams. Instantly credible, you will have a proven ability to build good relationships at all levels - with colleagues, clients and suppliers alike.

You will review current practices, identify quick, readily available wins and then implement your developed plans to deliver on the stated strategic objectives. This is a fantastic role for a proven sector specialist looking to make a significant contribution to the delivery of the Group's ultimate goals.

• Review current operations and service delivery processes and practices across the UK/Ireland businesses.
• Develop a national service offering and Group identity to enable a key strategic business growth initiative.
• Plan and execute the long-term people plan strategy for operations, including recruitment and training plans.
• Drive and embed best practices to build a consistent continuous improvement approach to delivering operational excellence.
• Recommend appropriate action plans to deliver short-, medium- and long-term benefits to the Group.
• Quickly build practical relationships with individual group businesses to maximise impact of improvements.

Candidate Profile:

• Experienced Refrigeration or Air Conditioning / Vent operations professional with a background in delivering relevant strategic objectives.
• Demonstrable track record, leading multi-layered and multi-site teams in delivering high service standards.
• Exemplary inter-personal skills, builds great relationships in organisations of all sizes, including SMEs.
• Refrigeration and/or Air Conditioning / Vent sector experience essential (related sector operations & service delivery experience useful).
• Hands-on, comfortable in small business settings as well as strategic, able to deal with national clients.
• Profile characteristics would include sector operations expert, pragmatic, engaging & down-to-earth.