At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial and operational management to drive business growth and performance.
- Company: Dynamic specialist trade contractor with a strong reputation in the industry.
- Benefits: Opportunity for future shareholding, leadership role, and career progression.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and make a real impact on company success.
- Why this job: Become a key player in shaping the future of a growing business.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior commercial or operational roles, ideally in construction.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A growing specialist trade contractor is seeking an experienced Operations Manager / Director to take full commercial and operational control of the business, while supporting the Directors in strengthening operational structure, compliance, and overall day-to-day performance.
The company has built a strong reputation in its sector and is now looking to implement further structure, procedures and commercial controls as it continues to grow.
The Directors are keen to progress the business and require a senior individual who can take responsibility across the commercial and operational management of the company, while also maintaining an overview of operational performance.
This is a key appointment for the business.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Directors, support the existing team and help drive the company towards its next phase of growth.
The Role
This is a commercially and operationally focused senior management role, with responsibility for financial control, commercial reporting, cash-flow management , operations management and the overall performance of the business.
The Operations Manager/ Director will work closely with the Directors to provide commercial structure across the business, while also maintaining an operational overview of day-to-day business activity.
The role will involve reviewing project performance, monitoring cash flow, managing cost reporting and ensuring the Directors have clear visibility across the financial and commercial position of the company.
Alongside the commercial and financial responsibilities, the successful candidate will also support the operational running of the business, reviewing internal procedures, team performance, project delivery processes and yearly compliance audits.
- Key responsibilities of the Operationa Manager / Director will include:
- Leading the commercial and financial management of the business
- Managing cash flow, cost control, forecasting and commercial reporting
- Providing regular financial and commercial reports to the Directors
- Reviewing project performance, margins, valuations, variations and final accounts
- Ensuring the Directors have clear visibility across the financial position of the business
- Reviewing and negotiating main contract agreements, ensuring key commercial terms, risks and obligations are understood before entering into contract
- Providing senior-level support on contractual disputes, payment issues, variations and commercial negotiations
- Meeting with clients where required to review, discuss and resolve escalated commercial matters following initial review by the project or commercial team
- Implementing procedures across commercial, financial and operational functions
- Maintaining an operational overview of day-to-day business activity
- Reviewing the performance of Project Managers, Estimators and Quantity Surveyors
- Managing compliance across commercial, operational and project delivery processes
- Overseeing yearly compliance audits and ensuring actions are followed through
- Ensuring projects are commercially controlled from tender stage through to final account
- Identifying areas for improvement across systems, processes and internal procedures
- Helping to create structure within the business as it continues to grow
- Supporting business development and client relationship activity where required
- Providing clear leadership and accountability across the commercial and operational functions
- The Candidate
The ideal candidate will have experience working within a main contractor, specialist trade contractor, interiors contractor or similar environment.
They must be commercially strong, financially aware and operationally capable, with the ability to bring structure, process and leadership into a growing business.
The successful candidate is likely to have experience in one or more of the following roles:
- Commercial Manager
- Operations Manager
- Commercial / Operations Manager
- Senior Quantity Surveyor ready to step up
- Contracts Manager with strong commercial understanding
- General Manager within a specialist trade contractor environment
Key Requirements for the Operations Manager/ Director role
- Minimum 5+ years’ experience in a senior commercial, operational or management position within a main contractor, specialist trade contractor, interiors contractor or similar environment
- Relevant construction, commercial or quantity surveying degree preferred
- Strong commercial and financial awareness
- Experience managing cash flow, cost reporting, forecasting and commercial processes
- Strong understanding of project cost control, valuations, variations and final accounts
- Experience managing or supporting Project Managers, Estimators and Quantity Surveyors
- Ability to implement systems, procedures and structure within a growing business
- Experience overseeing compliance procedures and yearly compliance audits
- Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills
- Comfortable reporting directly to business owners / Directors
- Ambitious, commercially driven and interested in long-term progression
The Opportunity for the Operations Manager / Director
This is not just a standard management role. The Directors are looking for someone who can become a key part of the business long term, with the opportuinty of full Directorship.
For the right individual who can demonstrate leadership, structure, financial control and measurable improvement within the company, there is a genuine opportunity to be rewarded with future shareholding and ownership.
Apply
This role would suit an ambitious commercial or operational construction professional who wants to take commercial responsibility for a growing business and play a key role in its future success.
Along with submitting your CV, please include a brief cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the requirements of the role, particularly around commercial management, financial control, operational oversight, compliance and business growth
Operations Manager/ Director in Chelmsford employer: Verdant Recruitment Ltd
Join a dynamic and growing specialist trade contractor that values leadership and innovation. As an Operations Manager/Director, you will not only take charge of commercial and operational management but also have the opportunity for significant career progression, including potential shareholding in the company. With a strong emphasis on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and a commitment to excellence, this role offers a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager/ Director in Chelmsford
✨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 Verdant Recruitment Ltd, 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 Manager/ Director at Verdant Recruitment Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager/ Director in Chelmsford
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 Verdant Recruitment Ltd
✨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!
