At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor teams to deliver high-quality aluminium projects across the UK.
- Company: A leading specialist contractor in the aluminium glazing and façade sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a focus on health and safety.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to safety and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior role driving operational excellence and business growth.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in façade projects with strong leadership and commercial skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
A leading specialist contractor within the aluminium glazing, façade and curtain walling sector is looking to appoint an experienced Commercial Head of Operations to lead the successful delivery of multiple live projects across the UK.
This is a senior leadership role with full responsibility for operational performance, commercial delivery and strategic oversight from pre-construction through to final account. You'll oversee Design, Project Management, Site Operations and Health & Safety, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on programme, within budget and to the highest quality standards.
Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, you'll play a key role in driving operational excellence, commercial performance and business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Lead and mentor the Design, Project Management, Site Management and Health & Safety teams.
- Manage operational resources across multiple live projects.
- Chair operational meetings, monitor project performance and resolve delivery risks.
- Drive collaboration between technical, commercial and operational departments.
- Commercial Management
- Maintain commercial control across all live projects.
- Oversee valuations, applications, variations and final accounts.
- Manage subcontract procurement and commercial performance.
- Identify project risks, maximise opportunities and protect margins.
- Support forecasting, reporting and business planning.
- Project Delivery
- Ensure projects are delivered safely, on programme and within budget.
- Oversee project programmes from design through manufacture and installation.
- Monitor critical paths and implement recovery plans where required.
- Build strong relationships with clients, consultants and main contractors.
- Design & Technical
- Provide leadership to the Design Team.
- Ensure buildable, compliant and commercially viable design solutions.
- Review technical submissions and major design decisions.
- Coordinate design, manufacturing and installation activities.
- Health & Safety
- Promote a positive safety culture throughout the business.
- Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations and industry legislation.
- Oversee audits, RAMS, permits, inspections and site safety standards.
- Leadership
- Lead, develop and mentor operational teams.
- Carry out appraisals and succession planning.
- Identify training needs and drive continuous improvement.
- Promote accountability, collaboration and high performance.
What We're Looking For
- Minimum 10 years' experience delivering façade, curtain walling or aluminium glazing projects.
- Previous experience leading multidisciplinary operational teams.
- Strong commercial background within construction, façades or specialist glazing.
- Excellent knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts.
- Experience within Quantity Surveying, Contracts Management or Project Management.
- Strong leadership, negotiation and client management skills.
- Excellent commercial awareness and financial management.
- CSCS Manager Card.
- SMSTS essential (or equivalent).
- IOSH Managing Safely desirable.
Key Measures of Success
- Delivery of projects on time and within budget.
- Strong commercial performance and margin protection.
- Excellent client satisfaction.
- Effective leadership and staff development.
- High standards of Health & Safety compliance.
- Successful coordination between design, manufacturing and installation.
Commercial Head of Operations employer: Porterhouse Recruitment
As a leading specialist contractor in the aluminium glazing and façade sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that prioritises operational excellence and employee development. Located in High Wycombe, our team enjoys a collaborative environment where innovation is encouraged, and opportunities for professional growth are abundant, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Head of Operations
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Porterhouse Recruitment, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Commercial Head of Operations at Porterhouse Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Porterhouse Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
