Director of Operations

UBT

Reading

On-site

GBP 90,000 - 150,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Performance Bonus

Profit Share

Company Car/Allowance

Job summary

UBT is seeking an Operations Director to lead the delivery function across project management, design and procurement. The role involves on-site leadership, board-level involvement, and responsibility for margins and programme delivery.

The candidate will drive operational excellence, build high-performing teams, and shape the strategic direction of live projects across the UK, with travel to sites as required.

Qualifications

Applicant should come from joinery, fit-out, interiors, construction or specialist manufacturing backgrounds.
Proven track record leading operational delivery within a fast-paced project environment.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop the Project Management, Design and Procurement teams to drive delivery.
Oversee contract risk management and commercial decisions to protect margins.
Coordinate design, procurement, manufacturing and site delivery for aligned outcomes.
Build a high-performance delivery culture with clear standards and accountability.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Programme management

Leadership

Contractual understanding

Multidisciplinary team leadership

Job description

Shape the Future of Bespoke Joinery Delivery

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: