At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a national team in delivering reactive maintenance and building services.
- Company: Growing building maintenance provider with a focus on innovation and client satisfaction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and long-term progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a stable and expanding business.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a key operational division and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilities management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 € per year.
We are exclusively partnered with a growing building maintenance and reactive FM provider to appoint a Head of Reactive FM Operations. This is a key leadership role within a well-established business delivering reactive maintenance, building fabric and minor works services across a diverse national client portfolio including public sector, education, commercial and retail environments.
The role has been created as part of a planned succession strategy and offers the opportunity to take ownership of a growing operational division with genuine autonomy and long-term progression potential. You’ll lead a national team of Contract Managers, engineers and operational support staff, taking full responsibility for operational delivery, client relationships, commercial performance and the ongoing development of the division.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone from a reactive FM, building fabric or maintenance background who enjoys building structure, improving performance and leading teams in a fast-paced operational environment.
The Role
- Leading the day-to-day operational delivery of a national reactive maintenance division
- Managing and developing Contract Managers and operational teams across multiple regions
- Full ownership of divisional P&L performance
- Driving commercial performance, margin improvement and operational efficiencies
- Overseeing pricing, estimating and additional works submissions
- Supporting mobilisation of new contracts and service growth opportunities
- Building strong relationships with key clients across public and private sector accounts
- Leading performance reviews, operational reporting and continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensuring compliance across H&S, RAMS and operational governance
- Supporting delivery across a range of reactive maintenance and building fabric contracts
The division currently delivers reactive maintenance and minor works across a varied client base including universities, local authority environments, commercial properties and retail portfolios.
About You
We’re looking for someone who combines operational leadership with commercial awareness and strong client management skills. You will likely have experience within:
- Facilities Management
- Reactive Maintenance
- Building Fabric
- Mobile Maintenance Services
- Hard Services FM
- Public Sector or Framework Contracts
Candidates should ideally demonstrate:
- Experience managing reactive FM or maintenance operations at regional or national level
- Strong commercial and financial awareness including P&L responsibility
- Technical understanding of building fabric/reactive maintenance works
- Experience managing Contract Managers and operational teams
- Confidence dealing with demanding clients and escalations
- Knowledge of pricing, estimating and variations management
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- Experience within public sector frameworks or schedule of rates pricing would be advantageous
The Package
- £70,000 - £80,000 basic salary
- Car allowance/company vehicle
- Bonus
- Long-term progression opportunity
- Autonomy to shape and develop the division
- Stable and growing business
- Supportive senior leadership team
For a confidential discussion, please apply or contact Sarah at HVAC Recruitment directly.
Operations Manager in Chelmsford employer: HVAC Recruitment Limited
Join a dynamic and growing building maintenance provider in Essex, where you will have the opportunity to lead a national team and shape the future of reactive FM operations. With a competitive salary, car allowance, and a supportive senior leadership team, this role offers genuine autonomy and long-term progression potential in a fast-paced environment. The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and values strong client relationships, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the facilities management and maintenance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its clients. Understand their operations and challenges in reactive maintenance. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in leading their operational division.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed teams and improved performance in past roles. Highlight your experience with P&L responsibility and client management to demonstrate your commercial awareness.
✨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 are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Operations Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in reactive FM and building maintenance, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills and commercial awareness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific achievements in managing teams and improving operational performance that align with what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Client Management Skills:Since client relationships are key in this role, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed demanding clients or escalated issues in the past. We want to see your confidence and problem-solving abilities!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at HVAC Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of reactive maintenance and facilities management. Brush up on your knowledge of building fabric, P&L responsibilities, and operational efficiencies. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and managing Contract Managers. Think about times when you improved performance or navigated challenges in a fast-paced environment. This is your chance to show how you can take ownership and drive success in the division.
✨Understand the Client Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the types of clients the company serves, especially in the public sector and commercial spaces. Be ready to discuss how you would build strong relationships and manage client expectations effectively. This shows you’re not just focused on operations but also on client satisfaction.
✨Prepare for Commercial Discussions
Since the role involves driving commercial performance, be prepared to discuss your understanding of pricing, estimating, and margin improvement. Bring examples of how you’ve successfully managed budgets or improved financial outcomes in previous roles. This will highlight your commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
