Operation Director

Compass Group UK; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading facilities management organization is seeking an Operations Director in London to oversee operations, inspire teams, and build strong client partnerships. Candidates should have over 3 years of director-level experience in facilities management, excellent leadership skills, and a strong financial acumen. The role emphasizes a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement in service delivery.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience at director level in facilities management, property services, or multi-site operations.
• Proven track record of leading and developing teams.
• Strong experience in managing client relationships focused on service excellence.
• Collaborative leadership style emphasizing coaching.
• Commercial acumen with contract management knowledge.
• Understanding of health & safety and compliance in FM operations.

Responsibilities

• Build and develop high-performing FM teams across multiple service lines.
• Strengthen client partnerships and ensure retention.
• Champion compliance and quality across all services.
• Oversee budgets and performance metrics.
• Drive efficiency, sustainability, and service innovation.

Skills

Proven leadership skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Strategic thinking

Strong financial acumen

Knowledge of FM compliance standards

Solutions-focused mindset

Job description

Operations Director - Facilities Management
Are you a people-first leader with a passion for building high-performing teams and delivering exceptional client service? We’re seeking an outstanding Operations Director to lead our facilities management operations, driving performance while inspiring the people behind it.

In this strategic leadership role, you’ll oversee a portfolio of multi-site contracts, developing talent, strengthening client partnerships, and ensuring sustainable business growth. Your leadership will create a culture of operational excellence where teams thrive, standards are exceeded, and long-term relationships flourish.
Key Responsibilities

• Inspire and Lead Teams: Build and develop high-performing FM teams across multiple service lines, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence.
  
• Drive Growth: Strengthen client partnerships, ensuring retention and identifying opportunities for innovation and service expansion.
  
• Operational Excellence: Champion compliance, quality, and consistency across all FM services, including hard and soft facilities management.
  
• Financial Leadership: Oversee budgets, performance metrics, and reporting to achieve financial and contractual targets.
  
• Foster Innovation: Lead continuous improvement initiatives, driving efficiency, sustainability, and service innovation.
  

Key Skills & Competencies

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire, guide, and motivate diverse teams.
  
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
  
• Strategic thinker with a focus on efficiency, client satisfaction, and innovation.
  
• Strong financial acumen, including budget management, forecasting, and cost control.
  
• In-depth knowledge of FM compliance standards (health & safety, statutory maintenance, sustainability).
  
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, client-centric environment with a solutions-focused mindset.
  

What You Bring

• 3+ years’ experience at director level within facilities management, property services, or multi-site operations.
  
• A proven track record of leading and developing teams in a multi-contract environment.
  
• Strong experience in managing and growing client relationships with a focus on service excellence.
  
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style with an emphasis on coaching and development.
  
• Commercial acumen with practical knowledge of contract management and P&L responsibility.
  
• A strong understanding of health & safety, statutory compliance, and sustainability in FM operations.
  

At Compass Group UK&I, we’re committed to fostering an environment where every individual can be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to progress. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, backgrounds, and abilities of all our people. We want colleagues to feel valued, empowered, and able to thrive — because diversity is our strength.