Head of Operations

AUSTIN MATLEY; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fit-out company is looking for a Head of Operations to oversee delivery of projects ranging from £100K to £10M across the UK. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on management, ensuring timely delivery and high standards of quality and safety. Candidates should have extensive experience in operations leadership in construction or commercial fit-out settings and a degree in a relevant field. This is an office-based role in Bristol with frequent travel required.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing £100K–£10M fit-out projects in various sectors.
• Proven track record of leading multiple concurrent projects across the UK.
• Strong engagement in health & safety and compliance guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and operational management for fit-out projects across the UK.
• Manage and develop a high-performing operations team.
• Ensure adherence to quality and safety standards.

Skills

Operations leadership in commercial fit-out or construction projects

Subcontractor procurement and performance oversight

Health & safety compliance knowledge

Strategic planning

Budgeting and cost control

Communication and collaboration skills

Education

Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Teams

Job description

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.

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

Reports to: Managing Director/Board

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.

Responsibilities

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; is a model for all employees through his/her actions
• 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 such as Outlook, Excel, Word and Teams.
• 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—driving high-performance operational teams.
• 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 supported by sustained CPD evidence.