At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations through growth, improving efficiency and customer experience.
- Company: THX, a fast-growing plant and equipment hire business.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, car allowance, and pension.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant influence and career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of operations in a thriving company.
- Qualifications: Proven senior operations leadership in equipment hire or logistics.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.
About THX
THX is a founder-led specialist plant and equipment hire business serving the fit-out sector, built on a simple promise: no ordinary hire experience. The business has grown revenue strongly year on year, operates a modern fleet with 95% of assets under five years old, and employs around 190 people. THX has a clear and ambitious growth plan across the next few years. This role exists to lead operations through that journey.
The Role
- Reports To: Managing Director
- Location: Bedford, on site (multi-site presence as THX grows)
- Team: Warehouse, Workshop, Transport and Health & Safety; c.140 operational staff via departmental managers
- Seat: Senior Leadership Team member
Role Purpose
To lead THX operations through a significant growth journey while materially improving operational efficiency, safety and customer experience. The Operations Director owns the operational P&L levers (operational wages, haulage, workshop cost, fleet availability) and is directly accountable for improving operational wage efficiency as the business scales. The role is a genuine player-coach position: strategic at the SLT table, hands-on in the yard, and a developer of the management team beneath it.
Key Accountabilities
- Operational efficiency and EBITDA: Own the operational cost base and drive a material reduction in operations wages as a percentage of revenue, without degrading service. Embed and improve the operational efficiency scorecard: trips per driver, inspections per head, NCRs (process errors), and on-time in-full delivery, reported monthly into the board pack. Design an operating model that grows revenue faster than operational headcount, so volume scales through process, planning and technology rather than bodies. Work with the Commercial Director to strengthen cross-hire partner performance and commercial outcomes.
- Leadership and capability building: Partner with the warehouse, workshop and transport managers to shape how the operation scales. Set clear KPIs and hold weekly operational cadence, feeding accurate data into the monthly board pack. Champion the HIRE values (Humility, Innovation, Refreshing, Energetic) and protect the THX customer experience as the business scales.
- Fleet and asset performance: Maximise return on the hire fleet: availability, utilisation, first-time fix, servicing schedules and asset lifecycle decisions in partnership with Finance and Procurement. Unlock the currently unutilised on-hire value potential identified in the fleet through better availability and turnaround.
- Safety, compliance and infrastructure: Own health and safety across all operational areas, ensuring compliance with UK regulation, FORS/transport requirements and industry best practice. Play a leading role in premises and depot decisions, ensuring operational needs shape the property strategy.
- Process and continuity: Document operational processes and systems so the business runs by method, not memory, and can withstand external scrutiny. Build a demonstrable multi-year track record of improving efficiency metrics across the operation. Partner with the Digital Transformation Director to automate operational workflows, with a bias to more volume through fewer touches.
Requirements
Essential:
- Proven senior operations leadership (Operations Director, Head of Operations or equivalent) in equipment hire, rental, plant, tool hire or closely related logistics-intensive businesses.
- Has operated at or scaled a business through a significant revenue growth phase, with demonstrable P&L accountability for operational cost lines.
- Track record of measurably improving operational efficiency: labour productivity, transport cost per drop, workshop throughput or equivalent.
- A genuine player-coach: credible at board level and equally credible on the depot floor, with evidence of developing inexperienced managers into strong ones.
- Strong data literacy: comfortable owning KPIs, building scorecards and presenting numbers confidently in a board environment.
- Deep understanding of warehouse, workshop and transport operations, including UK transport compliance and health and safety leadership.
Desirable:
- Experience in a private equity backed, owner-managed or high-growth environment, including exposure to operational due diligence.
- Experience of multi-depot expansion or greenfield site openings.
- Lean, continuous improvement or operational excellence methodology applied in a hire or distribution context.
- Experience implementing operational technology (telematics, routing, workshop management, ERP).
Benefits
The Opportunity and Package
THX is a founder-led, fast-growing specialist hire business with a clear and ambitious growth plan across the next few years. This role offers a rare combination of SLT influence, genuine operational ownership and the chance to build the operations function that underpins the next phase of growth. The package comprises a competitive six-figure base salary, car allowance, performance bonus linked to EBITDA and operational efficiency, pension and benefits. For the right candidate there is scope to discuss long-term incentive participation aligned to the company's value creation plan, subject to performance and board approval.
Operations Director in Bedford employer: THX
At THX, we pride ourselves on being a family-centred business where our employees are at the heart of everything we do. As a Financial Controller, you will not only lead and develop a growing finance team but also enjoy a collaborative culture that values diversity and inclusivity. With competitive benefits, opportunities for career growth, and a supportive environment, THX is an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced, evolving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in Bedford
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like THX and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at THX!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like THX keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to THX:This is your chance to really connect with the team at THX. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at THX
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with THX.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show THX that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at THX. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
