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- Tasks: Lead branch operations and enhance customer experience across multiple sites.
- Company: Respected leader in building products distribution with a values-led culture.
- Benefits: Opportunity for significant impact, career growth, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Join a growing business where your leadership can drive real change.
- Qualifications: Strong people leadership and commercial acumen required.
- Other info: Must be present on-site five days a week; relocation candidates welcome.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Our client is a long-established business and a respected leader within their sector. Privately owned and values-led, the company has achieved sustained growth through investment, diversification, and a deep commitment to service excellence. With multiple specialist divisions, the group continues to evolve and strengthen. Led by an impressive senior team, the Board now seeks to build further capabilities around an already strong and cohesive leadership team.
We are seeking a credible, people-focused Operations Director to lead the branch network and core operational functions. The role has full responsibility for branch performance, customer experience, and operational standards, as well as oversight of a small central operations team covering Facilities, Fleet, and Health & Safety.
Working closely with the Sales Director and the Board, the successful candidate will bring structure, pace, and commercial focus – ensuring operations and sales work hand-in-hand to deliver growth, service excellence, and continuous improvement across the business. You'll be a visible, hands-on leader, comfortable spending most of your time in the field engaging with branch teams. You'll combine a sales and customer mindset with the discipline and structure to raise operational standards across a multi-site business.
Key traits:
- Strong people leader – able to engage, challenge, and inspire Branch Managers and teams.
- Commercially sharp – understands that sales are the lifeblood of the business.
- Structured and disciplined – brings rigour and consistency without losing the entrepreneurial feel.
- Visible and present – thrives on being in branches, not behind a desk.
- Culturally aligned – authentic, grounded, and values-led.
- Committed for the long term – this is a role for someone who wants to grow with the business and make a lasting impact.
The company is open-minded about background – candidates could come from merchanting, trade distribution, DIY Retail, or related multi-site, high-SKU B2B environments – but you must bring credibility, leadership presence, and a track record of improving performance through people.
This is a rare opportunity to join a respected, growing business with strong foundations, significant potential, and the autonomy to make a real difference. This is not a hybrid/WFH role – the Operations Director must be on-site and present in the network five days a week. Candidates outside the region are welcome to apply if willing to relocate.
Operations Director - Building Products Distribution - Southern England in London employer: Builders' Merchants News
Contact Detail:
Builders' Merchants News Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director - Building Products Distribution - Southern England in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, culture, and recent achievements. This will help you connect with the team during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and insights into the company. This can give you an edge and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you've led teams, improved operations, or tackled challenges in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director - Building Products Distribution - Southern England in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Operations Director. Highlight your experience in leading teams, improving performance, and driving sales. We want to see how your background aligns with our values and the specific needs of the business.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your leadership style and how you engage with teams. Share examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in multi-site environments. We love a good story!
Showcase Your People Skills: As a people-focused leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to inspire and challenge teams. In your application, mention specific instances where you've successfully led teams or improved customer experiences. We’re all about that hands-on approach!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Builders' Merchants News
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's history, values, and recent developments. Understanding their commitment to service excellence and how they’ve achieved growth will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a people-focused leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to engage and inspire teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in multi-site environments, to highlight your leadership presence.
✨Emphasise Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss how you’ve driven sales and operational performance in previous roles. Use specific metrics or achievements to illustrate your commercial sharpness and how you can contribute to the company’s growth.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and operational discipline. Think of scenarios where you had to improve performance or manage challenges in a branch network, and be prepared to share your thought process and outcomes.
