Head of Operations

Signet Recruitment and Retention; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

Job summary

Signet Recruitment and Retention is recruiting an experienced Head of Operations to lead the day-to-day performance of a multi-site FM contract portfolio across the UK. You will manage Operations Managers, contract managers and site teams, ensuring service excellence, contractual compliance and commercial performance, while fostering strong client relationships and continuous improvement.

This senior role offers autonomy to shape the function, a competitive package including car allowance,

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading multi-site FM portfolios.
• Strong commercial acumen and P&L management.
• Excellent people leadership and stakeholder management.
• Ability to develop and implement process improvements.
• Experience working with senior clients and contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Operations Managers and site teams.
• Ensure SLA/KPI targets and compliance across the portfolio.
• Own the P&L for the operations function, with budget control.
• Drive mobilisation and onboarding of new contracts.
• Build strong client relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Report performance to senior leadership using data-driven insights.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Client relationship management

P&L management

Multi-site portfolio

Contract management

Job description

Our client is an established facilities management provider delivering hard and soft FM services to a diverse portfolio of commercial and industrial clients across the UK. With a strong reputation for service delivery and a growing contract base, they are now seeking an experienced Head of Operations to lead and develop their operational function.

The Role

This is a senior leadership position responsible for the day-to-day operational performance of a multi-site FM contract portfolio. You will lead a team of Operations Managers, Contract Managers, and site-based teams, ensuring service excellence, contractual compliance, and commercial performance across the estate. You'll act as the key link between frontline delivery and the senior leadership team, driving continuous improvement while maintaining strong client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage operational delivery across a portfolio of hard and soft FM contracts, ensuring SLAs, KPIs, and statutory compliance are consistently met. Provide clear leadership and direction to a team of direct reports, building capability and accountability throughout the operational structure. Own the P&L for the operations function, managing budgets, cost control, and margin performance. Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, acting as an escalation point and trusted senior contact. Drive mobilisation and implementation of new contracts, ensuring smooth onboarding and service standards from day one. Identify opportunities for operational efficiency, process improvement, and account growth. Ensure robust health & safety, quality, and compliance standards are embedded across all sites. Report on operational performance to the senior leadership team, using data to inform decision-making.

About You

You will be an experienced operations leader, ideally with a track record of managing multi-site, multi-client contract portfolios. You'll combine strong commercial acumen with genuine people leadership skills; comfortable holding your team to account while developing them, and confident engaging with clients at a senior level.

What's on Offer

A senior leadership role within a growing and ambitious business, competitive salary and car allowance, private healthcare and pension scheme, and genuine autonomy to shape and develop the operational function.