At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale operations across multiple sites, ensuring efficiency and high standards.
- Company: Established technical services business with a strong reputation in infrastructure and engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-related bonus, company car, and medical insurance.
- Other info: Exciting phase of expansion with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a growing company and make a real impact in operational leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site operations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 € per year.
An established and growing technical services business is seeking an experienced and commercially focused Head of Operations / Operations Director to lead and scale operational delivery across a multi-site operation. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an ambitious operations professional who thrives in fast-paced technical or engineering-led environments and is passionate about building high-performing teams, improving operational efficiency, and supporting business growth.
About the Business
The company is a well-established provider of specialist testing and technical services supporting major infrastructure, construction, and civil engineering projects across the UK. Operating both on-site and through a network of technical facilities, the business has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, responsive, and safety-focused services. As part of a larger international group operating within the Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) sector, the business is entering an exciting phase of expansion, investment, and operational development.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Head of Operations will take responsibility for leading operational delivery across multiple locations, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and right first time. The role will also play a key part in shaping and embedding scalable operational processes to support future growth, including new site openings and acquisitions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead operational delivery across multiple UK sites, ensuring consistent standards, productivity, and customer service
- Develop and implement operational KPIs and reporting frameworks to drive performance and accountability
- Oversee planning and mobilisation of projects, including RAMS, resourcing, equipment readiness, and access arrangements
- Support and develop site leadership teams through coaching, mentoring, and performance management
- Drive operational improvements that increase productivity, utilisation, efficiency, and margin
- Lead integration activities for new sites and acquisitions into the operating model
- Maintain oversight of equipment compliance, calibration, maintenance, and asset utilisation
- Strengthen technician capability, onboarding, and workforce development programmes
- Provide strong leadership across health, safety, and compliance activities
- Work closely with commercial and operational teams to ensure smooth project delivery and customer satisfaction
About You
We are looking for a confident and capable operational leader with experience managing multi-site operations within technical, engineering, construction, laboratory, utilities, manufacturing, or field service environments. You will bring:
- Proven experience leading operational teams across multiple locations
- Strong operational planning, scheduling, and performance management capability
- Experience driving operational improvement and scalable processes
- A hands-on leadership style with the ability to develop high-performing teams
- Experience supporting growth, acquisitions, or operational integration projects
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- A data-driven and solutions-focused approach
- The ability to remain calm and decisive in a fast-paced environment
Requirements
- Full UK driving licence
- IOSH Managing Safely (preferred)
- CSCS or equivalent site credentials (desirable)
- Strong Microsoft 365 and operational systems knowledge
The opportunity to play a key leadership role within a growing and ambitious business. If you are an experienced operational leader looking for the opportunity to make a genuine impact within a growing organisation, we would love to hear from you.
Director of Operations in Loughborough employer: Solutions Driven
Join a well-established and rapidly expanding technical services business based in Leicester, where you will lead multi-site operations and drive significant growth. With a strong focus on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and competitive benefits including a performance-related bonus and medical insurance, this role offers an exceptional opportunity for ambitious professionals to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment. Embrace the chance to shape operational excellence while being part of a supportive team dedicated to delivering high-quality services across major infrastructure projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations in Loughborough
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or industry contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with professionals in roles you’re interested in. This isn’t just about asking for a job; it’s about gathering insights and advice. Plus, it helps you build relationships that could lead to opportunities down the line.
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your achievements and how they relate to the role. Use specific examples of how you've improved operational efficiency or led successful projects in the past.
✨Apply Through Our Website
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We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Director of Operations. Highlight your experience in managing multi-site operations and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to lead teams and drive operational improvements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be specific about your experience in technical or engineering-led environments.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We want to know how you lead! In your application, share examples of how you've developed high-performing teams and improved operational efficiency. This will help us see your hands-on leadership style in action.
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solutions Driven
✨Know the Business Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research the company thoroughly. Understand their services, recent projects, and their position in the TICC sector. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Given the nature of the Director of Operations role, expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led multi-site operations or improved efficiency, and be ready to discuss them in detail.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a senior leader, your ability to develop high-performing teams is crucial. Be prepared to talk about your leadership style, how you coach and mentor others, and any specific strategies you've used to enhance team performance in fast-paced environments.
✨Demonstrate Your Data-Driven Approach
The role requires a strong focus on operational KPIs and performance management. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions and improvements in previous roles. Highlight any tools or systems you're familiar with that can support this aspect of the job.