At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise operational performance across multiple facilities management contracts.
- Company: Established FM provider with a strong reputation for dependable service.
- Benefits: Salary up to £45k, company vehicle/allowance, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of operations in a growing company and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior operations management and strong leadership skills required.
Ideal candidate locations – Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes, Northants, Oxon, South Birmingham, M40 corridor
Salary – Up to £45k, company vehicle/allowance
Overview
My client has been delivering facilities management services for 40+ years. They are an established, nationally operating FM provider with a strong reputation for dependable service, operational consistency and trusted client partnerships. As they continue to grow and expand their national portfolio, we are seeking an experienced senior level Operations Manager to support and deputise for their Operations Director. This is a senior leadership role focused firmly on operational delivery across a predominantly soft FM portfolio, including cleaning and security, sites include schools/colleges, medical and offices. The successful candidate will lead and optimise day-to-day operational performance across multiple national contracts. This role requires a highly organised, visible and proactive leader who understands facilities management at scale, someone comfortable managing dispersed teams, holding service performance to account and ensuring standards are delivered consistently across all sites. You will play a pivotal role in translating operational objectives into measurable results, strengthening delivery frameworks and embedding a culture of accountability, responsiveness and continuous improvement across the business. This is a key leadership position, the Senior Operations Manager will help shape the next phase of the client’s operational growth, ensuring that as they expand, they remain consistent, reliable, and operationally disciplined. They are looking for a delivery-focused leader who takes ownership, values accountability and understands that facilities management excellence is built through strong people leadership and attention to detail.
Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee operational delivery across national, multi-site facilities management contracts, ensuring services are delivered safely, consistently and in accordance with contractual requirements.
- Develop and maintain operational procedures, service standards and reporting frameworks that enhance efficiency and drive service consistency across the portfolio.
- Monitor and analyse KPIs and SLAs across contracts, identifying performance gaps and implementing corrective action plans where required.
- Support contract mobilisations and service transitions ensuring smooth implementation and operational readiness.
- Lead, coach and develop regional operational managers, supervisors and frontline teams, maintaining high levels of engagement, accountability and service ownership.
- Conduct regular site visits, quality audits and compliance reviews to ensure service standards and regulatory obligations are consistently met.
- Oversee resource allocation across contracts, including workforce planning, supplier management and cost control, working closely with commercial and finance teams.
- Collaborate with the Operations Director and senior leadership to strengthen operational resilience and scalability as the business continues to grow.
- Maintain strong, professional relationships with clients and key stakeholders, acting as a senior operational point of contact where required.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation, quality assurance standards and company policies across all operational activities.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance productivity, service quality and client experience.
- Manage operational risk assessment processes and implement mitigation strategies proactively.
Skills and Experience
- Proven experience in senior operations management within facilities management, ideally across national or large multi-site contracts and used to running contracts directly and interacting with cleaners, supervisors and the end client.
- Strong background in soft FM service delivery, with experience managing cleaning and support services at scale.
- Demonstrable leadership capability, with experience managing geographically dispersed operational teams.
- Excellent organisational and operational planning skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
- Strong commercial awareness and experience managing KPIs, SLAs and performance reporting frameworks.
- Confident communicator, capable of engaging with clients, suppliers and internal stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to make decisive, practical decisions under pressure whilst maintaining operational discipline.
- Sound understanding of health and safety regulations, compliance requirements and quality assurance standards within the FM sector.
- IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent qualification is desirable.
- Candidates should be happy to travel.
- A recognised qualification in Facilities Management or related discipline is advantageous but not essential.
Operations Manager in Solihull employer: Fairford Associates
As a leading facilities management provider with over 40 years of experience, our company is committed to fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment for our Operations Manager. We offer competitive salaries, a company vehicle or allowance, and a culture that prioritises employee development and accountability. With opportunities for growth and the chance to lead a dedicated team across diverse sites in Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes, Northants, Oxon, and South Birmingham, we ensure that our employees are equipped to excel in their roles while contributing to our mission of operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Solihull
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the facilities management sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their service delivery model and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past. This will help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, check out our website for more opportunities that suit your skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Solihull
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in facilities management and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in operational delivery and team management that align with our needs.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a senior position, we’re keen to see your leadership style. Mention any experience you have in managing dispersed teams and how you’ve driven performance improvements in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fairford Associates
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the operations management landscape, especially in facilities management. Familiarise yourself with key terms like KPIs, SLAs, and soft FM services. This will help you speak confidently about your experience and how it aligns with the company's needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to manage dispersed teams and maintain high engagement levels. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and demonstrate your leadership capabilities effectively.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Operations Managers often face unexpected challenges. Think of a few scenarios where you identified performance gaps and implemented corrective actions. Share these stories during your interview to illustrate your proactive approach and decision-making skills under pressure.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their current operational challenges or how they measure success in their facilities management contracts. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
