Regional Operations Manager

Kiota Recruitment; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering and hire business is seeking a Regional Operations Manager based in Bedford or Dartford. This hands-on leadership role oversees multiple branches, ensuring operational excellence and financial performance, including managing a £85k–£90k salary package with bonuses and benefits. Ideal for a strategic leader with a background in related industries, strong financial acumen, and a commitment to health and safety.

Benefits

Company Car

Bupa Private Medical Insurance

Performance Bonus

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing multi-site operations at regional or senior level.
• Strong background in Plant Hire, water utilities, construction, or related industries.
• Financially astute with extensive P&L and budget management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor Branch Managers across multiple sites.
• Take ownership of regional P&L performance, driving revenue growth.
• Champion SHEQ standards and maintain compliance.

Skills

Multi-site operations management

Plant Hire knowledge

Development of high-performing teams

P&L management

Change management experience

Health and safety standards understanding

Stakeholder management

UK driving license

Job description

Overview

Bedford or Dartford - Multi-Site Leadership. We are representing a leading engineering and Hire business looking for a Regional Operations Manager to take charge of a high-performing network of branches across the South East. This senior role carries full accountability for multi-site operations, P&L performance, and the leadership of Branch Managers. With responsibility for 4-5 locations, £60m turnover, and a team of Branch Managers reporting directly, you'll be at the forefront of driving service delivery, operational improvements, and sustainable growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor Branch Managers across multiple sites, ensuring operational and financial targets are achieved
• Take ownership of regional P&L performance, driving revenue growth and controlling costs
• Oversee day-to-day branch operations, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and compliance across the network
• Champion SHEQ standards, maintaining ISO and regulatory compliance while embedding a culture of safety and accountability
• Provide guidance on HR matters including performance, disciplinaries, recruitment, and succession planning
• Drive operational excellence by sharing best practices across branches and encouraging continuous improvement
• Build strong relationships with customers and stakeholders, supporting business development and contract mobilisation
• Report performance and regional updates to the UK Operations Director, contributing to board-level insight and planning

This is a hands-on leadership role that blends operational control, financial responsibility, and people management. Highly visible across the region, you'll ensure every site hits its targets, maintains the highest safety standards, and delivers consistent service excellence. You will play a key part in change management, contract mobilisation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience managing multi-site operations at regional or senior level
• Strong background in Plant Hire, water utilities, construction, or related industries
• Track record of leading managers and developing high-performing teams
• Financially astute with extensive P&L and budget management experience
• Experienced in change management and embedding continuous improvement
• In-depth understanding of health, safety, environmental and quality standards; IOSH or NEBOSH is advantageous
• Strong HR capability, confident in handling employee relations and people issues
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Full UK driving licence with flexibility to travel across branches (Bedford, Dartford, Bracknell, Great Yarmouth, London)

Summary

Position: Regional Operations Manager

Location: Bedford, or Dartford with regular regional travel

Type: Permanent, full-time

Pay: £85,000 - £90,000 includes Bonus + Company Car + Bupa Private Medical Insurance + Benefits

Start: Notice dependent

This is a career-defining opportunity for a proven senior operations leader to take ownership of a large, high-value region within a respected national business. If you have mix of multi-site management, financial control, and people leadership - we'd like to hear from you!

Apply now or contact the Kiota team for more details