At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale operations in the Northern region, driving performance and growth.
- Company: A well-established UK engineering services provider with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape a region, backed by private equity investment.
- Other info: High-visibility role with excellent long-term career potential.
- Why this job: Join a major growth journey and make a real impact from day one.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience with a strong commercial and operational background.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
The Opportunity
We are exclusively partnered with a growing, private equity-backed engineering services business to appoint a Commercial Operations Director for their Northern region. This is a pivotal hire at an exciting stage of the company’s journey - moving from a successful, organically grown business into a more structured, performance-driven organisation with ambitious growth plans. If you’re someone who thrives on building, improving and scaling operations, this is a role where you can genuinely make your mark.
The Business (Confidential)
Our client is a well-established UK engineering services provider with a strong reputation in the delivery of specialist industrial access solutions and associated maintenance services. Operating nationally, the business supports a diverse customer base across logistics, manufacturing, infrastructure and the public sector, delivering a mix of installation, planned maintenance and reactive services, alongside complementary fabrication capabilities. Following recent private equity investment, the business is now entering a new phase of growth, focused on improving regional performance, driving consistency and scaling the operation over the next 3-5 years.
The Role
You will take full responsibility for the Northern region, overseeing two key branches (Manchester and Newcastle), with a combined turnover of c.£6-7m. This role goes beyond day-to-day operations - it’s about driving performance, embedding structure and delivering growth.
- Full ownership of regional P&L performance
- Driving revenue growth and margin improvement
- Improving accountability, KPIs and operational consistency
- Leading and developing branch managers and regional teams
- Enhancing health & safety, compliance and service delivery standards
- Identifying and securing new business opportunities
- Building stronger local customer relationships alongside national contracts
- Supporting the wider business growth strategy
Newcastle is a strong, well-performing branch, while Manchester offers a clear opportunity for improvement and growth - making this a high-impact role from day one.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in a regional or multi-site leadership role
- Strong commercial and operational background
- Experience with full P&L ownership
- Background in engineering services, FM or a closely aligned sector
- Ability to operate at all levels - from senior leadership to engineers on-site
- Track record of driving change, improving performance and delivering growth
- A hands-on, pragmatic leadership style
- Experience within industrial access solutions, doors, fabrication or similar sectors would be highly advantageous.
Why Apply?
- Join a business at the start of a major growth journey
- Backed by private equity investment
- Opportunity to shape a region and build something
- High-visibility role with real influence
- Strong long-term career potential as the business scales
Commercial Operations Director in Manchester employer: HVAC Recruitment
Join a forward-thinking company in Cornwall that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to job security, competitive salary, and comprehensive training opportunities, this role as a Fire & Security Engineer offers a supportive work culture where your contributions are valued. Experience genuine career progression while working across diverse commercial sites in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Operations Director in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Commercial Operations Director at HVAC Recruitment!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like HVAC Recruitment or be willing to refer you for that Commercial Operations Director position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from HVAC Recruitment who’s on the lookout for their next Commercial Operations Director star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Commercial Operations Director role at HVAC Recruitment!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Operations Director in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at HVAC Recruitment. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at HVAC Recruitment
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at HVAC Recruitment. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!