Job Title – Head of Operations

Location: South West (office-based in Bristol with frequent travel across the UK)

Reports to – Managing Director/Board

Overview: The Head of Operations will be responsible for leading and overseeing the successful delivery of multiple fit-out projects across the UK, ranging in value from £100K to £10M, as well as a smaller range of project values which will be continue to be serviced (£0 - £100K). Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this role combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational management, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality, health & safety, and client satisfaction.

Main purpose of job: The post holder will manage and continue to develop a high-performing operations team, coordinate and monitor subcontractors, and drive continuous improvement in project delivery processes. They will play a pivotal role in scaling the business while maintaining the client’s reputation for craftsmanship, integrity, and personal service.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

Strategic Responsibilities

• Define and shape the operational strategy for the organisation across a range of office and laboratory fit-out projects, ensuring alignment with the company’s values.
• Support business growth by identifying opportunities in target sectors (e.g., commercial offices, labs, warehouse spaces), enhancing project delivery standards, and expanding geographic reach across the UK.
• Full operation alignment to the business plan, including:-
• 50% business growth over the next 3 years
• Adherence to ISO 9001, in order to achieve this accreditation by June 2026
• Improvement of GP margin throughout the project portfolio
• Ensure excellence and consistency in execution of projects from conception to completion—integrating design, joinery, furniture installation, and subcontractor management under a unified operations framework.
• Lead operational scalability, setting processes that support simultaneous projects (ranging from £100K to £10M), scalable staffing, and robust subcontractor networks, while preserving personal-level service quality.
• Champion quality, efficiency, and innovation, fostering continuous improvement in operational methods, technology adoption, and work practices.
• Steer health & safety strategy, cultivating a culture of safety and compliance across all work sites and embedding this within operational planning and subcontractor management.
• Continued development of the Operations team’s skills and qualifications around the new building regulations Act and ensuring the team remain current with any changes.
• Work with the other heads of department to continue enhancing the client’s green credentials of both fit-out design and methods of implementation. Aligning the approach with schemes such as BREEAM and SKA.

Operational Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the Delivery team end-to-end on projects: from detailed scope planning, budgeting, and resourcing through to on-time, on-budget handover—ensuring that all elements (joinery, furniture, design/build) follow a clear operational process.
• Oversee subcontractor partnerships, including selection, performance management, compliance monitoring, and coordination—ensuring they meet high standards.
• Manage a consistent H&S approach across Operations including dissemination of learnings and quarterly review of H&S data to meet UK standards and certifications.
• Simultaneously coordinate multiple projects across the UK—prioritising schedules, resource allocation, and logistics to ensure timely progression without compromising quality.
• Manage budgets, financial forecasting, cost control, and commercial oversight—maintaining profitability and operational resilience.
• Collaborate with internal leadership, including Design, Finance, HR & Facilities, Business Development, Sales and other operations staff—ensuring seamless integration across design, finance, and execution teams.
• Represent the organisation externally, building trust-based client and supplier relationships that reflect the company’s values and reputation for craftsmanship and reliability.
• Nurture team excellence, mentoring operational, project, and site teams to uphold values, deliver consistent service, and drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee the reporting of all projects to the board, with specific regard to Health and Safety, Quality, Time & Cost

Qualities & characteristics

• Maintains a professional relationship and positive attitude with co-workers, the public, sub-contractors, staff, Board of Directors and all clients and customers
• Maintains the highest professional ethics and is honest in dealing with people
• Strives to learn more and is receptive to learning different ways of doing things
• Displays enthusiasm toward the work and the values of the company.
• Calm and collected in the face of pressure

Professional knowledge, skills & abilities

• Proficient use of Microsoft programmes.
• Extensive experience in operations leadership of commercial fit-out or construction projects in the £100K–£10M range, covering offices, labs, or warehouse fit-outs.
• Experience in some construction-based projects or fit-out projects, which have involved elements of construction.
• Proven track record of managing multiple concurrent projects across varied locations in the UK.
• Strong expertise in subcontractor procurement, negotiation, management, and performance oversight.
• Deep knowledge of UK health & safety regulations (e.g., CDM Regulations) and experience ensuring site compliance and safety culture.
• Excellent strategic planning, operational execution, and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercial acumen—budgeting, cost control, forecasting, and P&L responsibility, driving EBITDA.
• Leadership and team development capabilities
• Solutions-oriented mindset, excellent communication, and collaboration skills, aligned with a hands-on leadership approach.
• Educational background: Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, or equivalent.