At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale a fast-growing fire safety company with full operational ownership.
- Company: Join Preventr, a leading national fire protection services provider in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, share options, and extensive health benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for travel and career advancement.
- Why this job: Be part of an exceptional team driving sustainable growth and innovation in fire safety.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as COO/MD in B2B service or manufacturing, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Preventr is one of the fastest growing national fire safety companies in the UK. We deliver end-to-end fire protection solutions to the public and private sector, providing fire door manufacturing and installation, and a full suite of passive fire protection services. We are one of the most comprehensively accredited passive fire businesses in the country.
Since March 2024, we have grown revenue from £4.4m to £13.2m, delivering a 73% CAGR and 164% YoY growth in FY26. We are now entering a more scaled phase, targeting £17m in FY27 (~29% YoY growth), with a focus on sustainable expansion, operational strength, and continued market share gains.
We have created the position of COO / Managing Director to allow our CEO to focus entirely on strategy and M&A. This is your business to run — full P&L ownership, Heads of Division reporting directly to you, and a workforce of 70+ employees and subcontractors across national, multi-site operations spanning fire door manufacturing, on-site passive fire works, fleet, supply chain, HSEQ, HR, L&D and recruitment.
You will be scaling something that already works, and building the platform from which we grow through both organic performance and acquisition. You will be part of the executive team, working closely with the CEO, CFO and CCO, supported by a dedicated team of Divisional Heads, Contract Managers and Operational Team Leaders.
What We're Looking For
- Proven COO / MD / Director of Operations experience in a B2B service, construction, FM, fire safety, or manufacturing business
- Full P&L ownership at £30–50m+ revenue — not just exposure, ownership
- Team leadership at scale — 70+ employees and subcontractors, 4+ direct reports
- Operating model transformation — proven track record of systemising businesses for scale
- OKR and KPI leadership — building cultures of measurable outcomes, not activity
- PE-backed business experience — comfortable with M&A processes and investor reporting
- Technology-confident — able to evaluate, implement, and embed digital tools that actually stick
- National, multi-site management with genuine willingness to travel regularly
- ISO 9001 / 45001 / 14001 familiarity — working knowledge, not just awareness
- HSEQ leadership — safety as a value, not a compliance function
- Degree educated — Business, Management, Finance, or related discipline
- A people-first leader — visible, trusted, and as effective on a job site as in a boardroom
Desirable — strongly preferred:
- Passive fire, active fire, or building safety sector experience as a senior leader
- Management consulting experience alongside operational roles
- Familiarity with BM TRADA / FIRAS / SSIP accreditation environments
- M&A integration and post-acquisition operating experience
The Package
- Base salary — negotiable, commensurate with experience
- Company car allowance
- Performance-related annual bonus
- Share option plan — long-term, performance-based, meaningful
- Vitality Private Health Insurance & Private GP
- Employee Assistance Programme · private prescriptions · counselling sessions
- Annual health check through Vitality
- Laptop, company phone and eSim
- 50% off monthly memberships at Virgin Active, Nuffield Health or PureGym
- 25% off Specialized Bikes · 25% off Gymshark
- 12-month Headspace subscription · Mindful Chef discounts
- Up to 75% off Champneys Health Spa
- Up to 25% cashback at Waitrose & Partners
- Up to 20% off Expedia · up to 25% off Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels
- 30 days annual leave + bank holidays
The role will involve hybrid working from our HQ at 8 Bishopsgate, London, as well as regular visits to our manufacturing facility in West Yorkshire, and our operational base in Poole.
Please apply via LinkedIn or by confidentially emailing (CEO).
Locations
Chief Operating Officer / Managing Director in Basingstoke, Hampshire employer: Preventr®
Contact Detail:
Preventr® Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer / Managing Director in Basingstoke, Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that COO/MD role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your proven track record in operational leadership and P&L ownership. Make sure they see how you can scale their business.
✨Tip Number 3
Be tech-savvy! In today’s world, being comfortable with digital tools is a must. Share examples of how you've implemented technology to improve operations in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team at Preventr.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer / Managing Director in Basingstoke, Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the COO/MD role. Highlight your relevant experience in B2B service businesses and any specific achievements that align with our growth goals. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We’re looking for a people-first leader, so don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've effectively led teams in the past. Talk about your approach to team management and how you’ve fostered a culture of accountability and measurable outcomes.
Demonstrate Your Operational Expertise: Since this role involves full P&L ownership and operational transformation, be sure to include specific instances where you've successfully scaled operations or implemented systems that improved efficiency. We love seeing concrete results!
Apply Through Our Website: While you can apply via LinkedIn, we encourage you to submit your application through our website for a more streamlined process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Preventr®
✨Know Your Numbers
As a COO or Managing Director, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of P&L ownership. Be prepared to discuss specific revenue figures and growth metrics from your previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can drive them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
With a workforce of 70+ employees, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've led teams through transformation and operational scaling. Highlight your people-first approach and how you’ve built trust and visibility within your teams.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Given the nature of the fire safety sector, brush up on your knowledge of ISO standards and HSEQ leadership. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented safety as a core value in past roles, not just as a compliance function.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
The role involves working closely with the CEO on strategy and M&A. Prepare to discuss your experience with operating model transformations and how you've successfully integrated acquisitions in the past. Show that you can think strategically while managing day-to-day operations.