Service Director

Johnson Controls; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global service provider is seeking a Service Director to lead the operational strategy for a fast-paced service and installation business in the UK. The role requires a visionary leader with a minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience in operations or service management. Responsibilities include delivering outstanding customer experiences, managing service delivery and installation projects, ensuring compliance with regulations, and driving sustainable growth. The ideal candidate will also have strong financial management capabilities and a proven track record in end-to-end operational management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ senior leadership experience in operations or service management within a fast-paced service and installation environment in the UK.
• Proven track record of end-to-end operational management.
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrable success in managing budgets, P&L, and delivering financial targets.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
• Expertise in compliance, health & safety, and risk management.
• Ability to drive digital transformation.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the service strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Take full accountability for service delivery across multiple regions.
• Own P&L responsibility for the service division and drive profitability.
• Ensure adherence to UK regulatory frameworks and industry best practices.
• Champion a customer-first culture ensuring service quality.
• Implement process optimization and performance metrics.
• Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing team.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Operational Oversight

Financial Management

Customer Experience

Compliance & Governance

Continuous Improvement

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Professional qualifications in operations management, project management, or business leadership (e.g., MBA, Prince2, Lean Six Sigma)

Job description

What you will do

We are seeking a high-caliber Service Director to lead the operational strategy and execution for a fast-paced service and installation business in the UK. This role demands a visionary leader with exceptional operational expertise, commercial acumen, and the ability to deliver outstanding customer experiences while driving sustainable growth.

How you will do it

• Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the service strategy aligned with business objectives, ensuring operational excellence and scalability.
• Operational Oversight: Take full accountability for service delivery, installation projects, workforce planning, and resource optimization across multiple regions.
• Financial Management: Own P&L responsibility for the service division, driving cost efficiency and profitability while maintaining high service standards.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure adherence to UK regulatory frameworks, health & safety legislation, and industry best practices.
• Customer Experience: Champion a customer-first culture, ensuring service quality and responsiveness exceed expectations.
• Continuous Improvement: Implement process optimization, digital transformation initiatives, and performance metrics to enhance operational efficiency.
• Leadership & Development: Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and professional growth.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with senior leadership and key clients to support strategic partnerships and business development.

What we look for:

• Minimum 10 years’ senior leadership experience in operations or service management within a fast-paced service and installation environment in the UK.
• Proven track record of end-to-end operational management, including large-scale service delivery and installation projects.
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrable success in managing budgets, P&L, and delivering financial targets.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Expertise in compliance, health & safety, and risk management.
• Ability to drive digital transformation and leverage technology for operational efficiency.

Desirable

• Experience in sectors such as security, fire safety, facilities management, or technology-driven service businesses.
• Professional qualifications in operations management, project management, or business leadership (e.g., MBA, Prince2, Lean Six Sigma).
• Track record in change management and scaling operations for growth.