Associate Director - Head of Operations in Newtownards

G S Stothers Smoke Ventilation Specialists Ltd (GSS) is one of the Northern Irelands leading specialist contractors in the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of smoke ventilation and extraction systems.

With a reputation built on technical excellence, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to life safety, GSS delivers complex projects across residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments throughout NI and ROI.

As we continue to grow and evolve, we are seeking an exceptional individual to join our senior leadership team in the newly created role of Associate Director - Head of Operations.

This is a pivotal appointment that will shape the future of our business across all sectors of our operation.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Directors, the Associate Director - Head of Operations will have strategic and operational responsibility for the full breadth of the business.

You will provide clear leadership across our commercial, technical, delivery, and support functions, driving performance, profitability, and growth whilst maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.

This is a board-facing leadership role requiring a commercially astute and technically credible professional who can inspire teams, manage client relationships at the highest level, and implement the organisational processes needed to scale the business effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
• Lead and manage all operational functions across the business, including estimating, project management, engineering, procurement, site delivery, and aftercare.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures that support business objectives and ensure consistent delivery standards.
• Drive continuous improvement across workflows, systems, and team structure to maximise efficiency and quality output.
• Take ownership of the business's P&L performance, working closely with the Directors to set and achieve revenue, margin, and growth targets.
• Oversee the tendering and commercial process, ensuring robust cost control, accurate pricing, and strong contract management.
• Identify new business opportunities and support business development across existing and emerging market sectors.
• Client Relations
• Serve as a senior point of contact for key clients, contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies, building lasting relationships founded on trust and expertise.
• Represent GSS at client meetings, design reviews, and industry forums, reinforcing our position as a market leader in smoke ventilation.
• Oversee and support the management of subcontractors and supply chain partners to ensure alignment with project requirements and company standards.
• People & Culture
• Provide inspirational leadership to a multidisciplinary team, fostering a high-performance, collaborative, and safety-first culture.
• Oversee recruitment, development, and retention of talent across all departments.
• Mentor and develop senior managers and rising talent within the business, building a pipeline for future leadership.
• Compliance & Technical Governance
• Ensure all operations comply with current UK building regulations, industry standards, and health & safety legislation pertinent to smoke ventilation and fire safety.
• Champion technical quality and innovation, keeping the business at the forefront of developments in smoke extraction technology and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis.
• Oversee certification, auditing, and quality assurance processes across the business.
• Candidate Profile
• Proven senior leadership experience within a specialist MEP, smoke ventilation, fire protection, or building services contractor environment.
• Experience with CFD analysis tools or smoke modelling as part of design and value engineering processes.
• Experience operating in a growth-stage SME environment and contributing to business scaling.
• BEng/BSc (Hons) in Building Services Engineering or an equivalent engineering discipline.
• Demonstrable track record of operational management across multiple business functions simultaneously.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing P&L, tendering, and contract administration.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage credibly at director, client, and site level.
• Sound understanding of UK building regulations, smoke control systems, and relevant life safety standards (e. g.

BS EN 12101, BS 9999, BS 9991, Smoke Control Association Guidance Documents, etc).

• Proficient in project planning, resource management, and business reporting tools.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and seniority.
• Pension scheme with employer contributions.
• 30 days Holidays.
• A genuine opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a respected, growing business.
• Collaborative, expert team environment with direct access to company directors.
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