Strategic Operations Director - Housing & FM

Build Recruitment; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Pension scheme

Paid holidays

Job summary

Build Recruitment is seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead housing maintenance and social housing contracts in Essex. This permanent role combines strategic leadership, contract delivery, and a strong focus on safety, quality and customer satisfaction.

You will oversee P&L, drive efficiency, manage relationships with housing associations and local authorities, and report performance to the Board. Proficiency in MS Office and MS Project is desirable; hybrid working is supported.

Qualifications

• Experience leading housing/maintenance contracts.
• Proven track record in managing KPIs and SLAs.
• Strong IT skills and data reporting.

Responsibilities

• Contract delivery: strategic leadership across day-to-day repairs, voids, and minor works contracts with KPI/SLA targets.
• Commercial: full P&L responsibility, overseeing cash flow and profitability.
• Client relationships: act as executive contact for housing associations/local authorities.
• Safety & quality: drive zero-harm culture and maintain health & safety standards.
• Leadership & team management: direct and mentor a multi-tiered operational team.
• Planning & reporting: produce and present progress reports to Board and clients.
• Technical proficiency: review schedules and resource planning; knowledge of social housing maintenance.

Skills

Strategic leadership

P&L management

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Tools

MS Office

MS Project

Job description

Build Recruitment is seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead housing maintenance and social housing contracts in Essex. This permanent role combines strategic leadership, contract delivery, and a strong focus on safety, quality and customer satisfaction.

You will oversee P&L, drive efficiency, manage relationships with housing associations and local authorities, and report performance to the Board. Proficiency in MS Office and MS Project is desirable; hybrid working is supported.