At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead project delivery from start to finish, ensuring quality and profitability.
- Company: Respected bespoke joinery specialist with over 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, profit share, and company car allowance.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional interior solutions.
- Why this job: Shape operational strategy and influence the future of a growing business.
- Qualifications: Experience in joinery, fit-out, or construction with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 125000 - 125000 £ per year.
Shape the Future of Bespoke Joinery Delivery
Location: Reading, Berkshire
Salary: £100,000 - £125,000 per annum DOE (negotiable)
Package: Performance Bonus + Profit Share + Company Car/Allowance
Type: Full-time | Senior Leadership Role | Site Visits Required
Our client is a highly respected bespoke joinery specialist with more than 30 years of experience delivering premium interior solutions across the commercial and residential sectors. Operating throughout London, the South East and the Midlands, the business has built an outstanding reputation for delivering high-quality bespoke joinery packages from concept and technical design through to manufacture and installation.
Due to continued growth and an ambitious expansion strategy, they are now seeking an experienced and commercially astute Operations Director to lead their delivery function and play a key role within the senior leadership team. This is a pivotal appointment for a driven operational leader who thrives on accountability, operational excellence and building high-performing teams.
The Opportunity
As Operations Director, you will take ownership of the full project delivery lifecycle — from contract handover through to final account. You'll lead the Project Management, Design and Procurement teams as one integrated operation, ensuring every project is delivered on programme, on budget and to the exceptional standards the business is known for. This is not a desk-bound corporate role. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable:
- Sitting around the boardroom table shaping strategy
- Reviewing project margins and programme risk
- Supporting teams through complex delivery challenges
- Building strong client relationships on site
You’ll play a critical role in protecting margin, strengthening operational discipline and creating a culture where accountability and quality are embedded throughout the business.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
- Join a Respected Industry Specialist: The business has earned an excellent reputation for delivering bespoke joinery solutions with precision, transparency and craftsmanship. Their clients include developers, architects, fit-out specialists and main contractors responsible for some of the most impressive interior spaces in the market.
- Work Alongside an Experienced Team: From in-house CAD professionals and project managers to highly skilled joiners and installation teams, the business is built around experienced people who genuinely care about quality and delivery.
- Influence the Future of the Business: As part of the senior leadership team, you'll have genuine influence over operational strategy, systems, team development and future growth.
- Deliver Exceptional Projects: With a structured delivery process and investment in modern manufacturing capabilities, the business consistently delivers high-quality outcomes across multiple sectors.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Lead and develop the Project Management, Design and Procurement teams
- Drive operational consistency, accountability and delivery performance
- Ensure projects are delivered safely, profitably and on programme
- Maintain clear visibility across all live projects with accurate reporting and forecasting
Commercial & Contractual Control
- Oversee contract risk management across all active projects
- Drive disciplined variation management and commercial recovery
- Support Project Managers with client escalations and commercial decisions
- Work closely with Finance to ensure reliable revenue forecasting and cost control
Design & Procurement Oversight
- Ensure design outputs align with budgets, programmes and client expectations
- Strengthen procurement discipline, supplier performance and supply chain resilience
- Coordinate effectively across design, procurement, manufacturing and site delivery
Leadership & Culture
- Build a high-performance delivery culture with clear standards and accountability
- Coach and develop team capability
- Support recruitment, succession planning and operational growth
- Champion collaborative working and operational excellence
Requirements
What We’re Looking For: Applicants will likely come from a joinery, fit-out, interiors, construction or specialist manufacturing background and will have a proven track record leading operational delivery within a fast-paced project environment. We’re particularly interested in individuals who can demonstrate:
- Strong commercial and contractual understanding
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams
- Excellent project delivery and programme management capability
- Financial confidence around margins, forecasting and cost-to-complete
- A proactive, organised and decisive leadership style
- Strong client-facing communication skills
- The ability to identify issues early and implement solutions quickly
- Experience within bespoke joinery, fit-out or interior manufacturing environments would be highly advantageous.
Benefits
Applicants will likely come from a joinery, fit-out, interiors, construction or specialist manufacturing background and will have a proven track record leading operational delivery within a fast-paced project environment. We’re particularly interested in individuals who can demonstrate:
- Strong commercial and contractual understanding
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams
- Excellent project delivery and programme management capability
- Financial confidence around margins, forecasting and cost-to-complete
- A proactive, organised and decisive leadership style
- Strong client-facing communication skills
- The ability to identify issues early and implement solutions quickly
- Experience within bespoke joinery, fit-out or interior manufacturing environments would be highly advantageous.
Operations Director in Reading employer: Universal Business Team
Universal Business Team is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees. Located in Barnton, England, the company offers a vibrant work culture with comprehensive training and clear advancement paths, making it an ideal place for recent graduates to kickstart their careers. With competitive salaries and uncapped bonuses, employees are rewarded for their hard work while being supported in their professional journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in Reading
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Universal Business Team, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Operations Director at Universal Business Team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal Business Team
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
