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- Tasks: Lead and scale a fast-growing fire safety company with full operational control.
- Company: Join Preventr, a leading national fire protection services provider in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, share options, and extensive health benefits.
- Why this job: Be part of an exceptional team driving sustainable growth and innovation in fire safety.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in B2B service operations with P&L ownership and team leadership.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for travel and career advancement.
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’ve 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 won’t be building from scratch. You’ll be scaling something that already works, and building the platform from which we grow through both organic performance and acquisition. You’ll 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
Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer in Devon, Plymouth employer: Preventr
Contact Detail:
Preventr Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer in Devon, Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Know their values, recent achievements, and challenges. This will help us show that we’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources. The more comfortable we are talking about our experience and skills, the better we’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep us top of mind and show our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer in Devon, Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your previous roles that align with the COO/MD position. We want to see your proven track record in managing B2B service businesses, especially if you've handled P&L ownership before.
Be Specific About Achievements: When detailing your experience, use specific metrics and achievements. We love numbers! Show us how you’ve driven growth or transformed operations in your past roles.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Tailor your application to reflect the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for someone who understands our industry and can hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother 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 Managing Director, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of P&L ownership. Brush up on the financials of similar businesses and be ready to discuss how you've driven revenue growth in the past. Show them you can handle the numbers like a pro!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
With a team of 70+ employees, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led large teams, especially in high-pressure environments. Highlight your people-first approach and how you build trust and visibility within your teams.
✨Be Ready for Operational Challenges
Expect questions about operational transformation and scaling businesses. Think of specific instances where you've systemised operations for growth. Be prepared to discuss your experience with OKRs and KPIs, and how you've fostered a culture of measurable outcomes.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Industry Standards
Since this role involves fire safety, having a working knowledge of ISO standards and HSEQ leadership is essential. Brush up on these areas and be ready to discuss how you've implemented safety as a core value in previous roles.