At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform operational performance in a growing international business.
- Company: Dynamic private equity backed company with a focus on global expansion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to drive real change.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of operational excellence and make a significant impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations leadership and M&A integration preferred.
- Other info: Join a culture of accountability and continuous improvement with a strong growth trajectory.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly experienced and commercially astute Operations Director to lead and transform operational performance within a private equity backed, international business. The organisation operates at c.£18m turnover with 50+ employees and is entering a significant growth and global expansion phase. Reporting directly to the board, this role will be pivotal in driving operational excellence, strengthening governance and compliance, and leading transformation across systems, processes, and organisational structure. The successful candidate will also lead the post-acquisition integration and merger of two businesses, ensuring strategic alignment, operational efficiency, and a seamless consolidation of teams, systems, and processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operational Leadership
- Lead end-to-end operational strategy and execution across logistics and fulfilment.
- Oversee stock control functions, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and cost optimisation.
- Manage operational performance across a growing international footprint, supporting global expansion initiatives.
- Private Equity & Growth Environment
- Operate effectively within a Private Equity backed business environment, delivering value creation, EBITDA improvement, and scalable infrastructure.
- Support investor reporting, performance metrics, and strategic initiatives aligned to growth targets.
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Proven track record in successful M&A integration, including operational alignment, cultural integration, and delivery of synergies.
- Lead post-acquisition integration of systems, processes, teams, and supply chains.
- Systems, Processes & Transformation
- Own and lead systems strategy, implementation, and optimisation across the business.
- Lead systems integration across acquired businesses and legacy platforms.
- Redesign end-to-end operational processes to improve efficiency, scalability, and control.
- Drive automation and digitisation of core operational workflows.
- Structure & Governance
- Oversee organisational structures to support growth, accountability, and performance management.
- Implement and maintain robust governance frameworks, ensuring compliance across all operational areas.
- Take responsibility for compliance in international trade, import/export regulations, and operational risk.
- Performance Management
- Introduce and embed a formal performance and appraisal process, cascaded through line management structures.
- Build a high-performance culture with clear KPIs, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Leadership & People Management
- Lead and develop operational teams.
- Strengthen leadership capability across middle management and operational functions.
- Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and delivery excellence.
Key Requirements:
- Proven experience as an Operations Director or senior operational leader in a £30m-£100m+ turnover business.
- Experience in the transport sector or similarly complex, customer-facing operational environments is desirable, but not essential.
- Hands-on experience in procurement and stock control within a product-based business.
- Previous experience working in a Private Equity backed environment would be an advantage.
- Demonstrable success in M&A integration and business consolidation.
- Experience leading systems implementation and enterprise-wide systems integration.
- Strong track record of process redesign and operational transformation.
- Experience leading businesses through growth, international expansion, and scaling operations.
- Strong understanding of governance, compliance, and risk management in a commercial environment.
- Proven ability to lead and develop teams of 50+ employees.
Personal Attributes:
- Commercially driven with strong financial and operational acumen.
- Strategic thinker with hands-on delivery capability.
- Strong change leader with a track record of transformation.
- Influential leader able to operate at board and investor level.
- Highly structured, organised, and process driven.
- Has an understanding of the link between operational performance and customer satisfaction, using this insight to drive improvements in service delivery and reputation.
Operations Director employer: Proftech Talent
Contact Detail:
Proftech Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their operations, recent news, and challenges they face. This will help us tailor our responses and show that we’re genuinely interested in driving their operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine our answers and boost our confidence. The more we rehearse, the better we’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating our interest can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows that we’re proactive and keen on the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in operational leadership, M&A integration, and any relevant achievements that align with our growth ambitions. We want to see how you can drive operational excellence!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led transformation in previous roles and how you can contribute to our exciting growth phase.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for someone who can lead and develop teams effectively. In your application, make sure to highlight your leadership style and any successful initiatives you've implemented to foster a high-performance culture.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Proftech Talent
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Operations Director, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of financial metrics and operational performance. Brush up on key figures related to EBITDA, turnover, and cost optimisation strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've improved these metrics in previous roles.
✨Showcase M&A Experience
Since the role involves post-acquisition integration, prepare specific examples of your past M&A experiences. Highlight how you successfully aligned operations, integrated teams, and delivered synergies. This will show that you can handle the complexities of mergers and acquisitions.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Leadership is crucial for this position. Think of instances where you've led teams through change or transformation. Be prepared to discuss how you foster a high-performance culture and develop middle management capabilities. This will illustrate your ability to lead and inspire others.
✨Understand Governance and Compliance
Familiarise yourself with governance frameworks and compliance regulations relevant to international trade and operational risk. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented robust governance structures in previous roles, ensuring accountability and performance management across teams.