Director of Operations

Newquay Town Council; Newquay; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Newquay is looking for its first Director of Operations to lead operational services and infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, a NEBOSH General Certificate, and experience in estates and facilities management. Responsibilities include overseeing public services, managing the Council's fleet, and ensuring compliance with health and safety. Applications should be submitted by midday on 10 November 2025.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in estates/facilities and compliance.
• Leadership experience across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience in local government, procurement, or sustainable fleet transition is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Council's designated Competent Person for Health & Safety.
• Oversee estate management, facilities, public buildings and open spaces.
• Lead refurbishment and improvement projects for civic assets.
• Manage the Council's fleet and drive sustainable transition.
• Represent the Council in key partnerships.

Skills

Confident leadership

Technical skills

Communication

Political awareness

Resilience

Education

NEBOSH General Certificate

Facilities Management qualification

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to join Newquay Town Council as its first Director of Operations.

Newquay is one of Cornwall’s most distinctive and ambitious towns. With a resident population of 20,000 (which grows significantly in the summer), the Council delivers a wide range of services including public toilets, CCTV, open spaces, events, maintenance, enforcement and community facilities. The Council has set a clear vision for Newquay to be a safe, clean, inclusive and sustainable town, where residents, businesses and visitors thrive.

About the Role

The Director of Operations is a newly created senior post, reporting to the Chief Executive and leading on all operational services and infrastructure. You will have direct line management responsibility for the Estate Manager and CCTV Manager, and wider leadership of facilities, environment, enforcement and health & safety staff.

You will:

• Act as the Council’s designated Competent Person for Health & Safety.
• Oversee estate management, facilities, public buildings and open spaces.
• Lead refurbishment and improvement projects for civic assets.
• Manage the Council’s fleet and drive sustainable transition.
• Represent the Council in key partnerships across public safety, highways and Safer Cornwall.
• Deliver high-quality, compliant, and community-focused services.

About You

We are seeking a confident, collaborative and technically skilled leader who can combine strategic vision with hands-on operational oversight.

You will bring:

• NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent H&S qualification).
• Facilities Management or Building Services qualification.
• Strong experience in estates/facilities and compliance.
• Leadership experience across multi-disciplinary teams.

Excellent communication, political awareness and resilience. Experience in local government, procurement, or sustainable fleet transition would be desirable.

How to Apply

Full details about the role can be found here:

Director of Operations – Newquay Town Council - Public Leaders Appointments

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact our recruitment partners:

Anna Jay, Managing Director – [e-mail]; Melissa Stewart, Associate – [e-mail]

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter (max 3 pages each) outlining your motivation and how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role, to: [e-mail] by midday on Monday 10 November 2025 with reference ‘NTC OPS’. Please also provide details of two professional referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer (references will not be taken up without your prior consent).

Closing date: Monday 10 November 2025 (midday)

Interviews: Wednesday 10 December 2025

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.