Technical Operations Director

Airborne Environmental Consultants Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading compliance consultancy is seeking a Technical Operations Director in Manchester. The role involves leading a multidisciplinary team and ensuring health & safety compliance while advancing operational success. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in asbestos and occupational hygiene, strong leadership skills, and relevant qualifications. This position offers a competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Private healthcare

Company vehicle

28 days leave plus bank holidays

Pension scheme

Hybrid working

Strong career development opportunities

Qualifications

• 10+ years in asbestos & occupational hygiene.
• Experience managing consultants and senior teams.
• Proven ability to shape training and performance reviews.

Responsibilities

• Lead a 40+ person technical team with a focus on operational success.
• Ensure compliance with ISO/UKAS audits and health & safety.
• Coach managers to build high-performing, motivated teams.

Skills

Leadership

Compliance Expertise

Commercial Acumen

Education

BOHS/RSPH qualifications

Certificate of Competence in Asbestos (CoC Asbestos)

Job description

Celebrating 28 years of growth and major project wins, AEC is a leading compliance consultancy in the built environment with over 120 staff across Manchester and Essex. We’re seeking a Technical Operations Director in Manchester with 10+ years’ experience in Asbestos and Occupational Hygiene. This senior role blends technical leadership, operational management, and strategic influence as you lead a multidisciplinary team and ensure Health & Safety compliance.

Ideally, you’ve progressed from roles like Asbestos Analyst or Occupational Hygienist, hold BOHS/RSPH qualifications and a Certificate of Competence in Asbestos (CoC Asbestos), and have strong knowledge of environmental compliance. People leadership is vital, with a focus on staff development, retention, and working alongside HR to build a resilient, engaged workforce.

If you’re ready to lead a high-performing team and make a lasting impact in a growing consultancy, this is your chance to take a significant leadership role. As an Employee-Owned Trust (EOT), AEC values collaboration, safety, and quality — and treats its people like family.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead a 40+ person technical workforce of 6 direct managers and 2 project managers
• Own all things technical and operational in asbestos & occupational hygiene
• Coach and inspire managers to build high-performing, motivated teams
• Drive operational and commercial success — with efficiency and integrity
• Champion training, upskilling, and internal growth – retain our rising stars
• Ensure excellence in compliance, ISO/UKAS audits, health & safety, and QA systems
• Represent AEC at national associations like BOHS, ATAC, and FAAM
• Be the go-to expert for technical queries, client strategy, and major projects

Required Skills. Experience & Qualifications

• 10+ years in asbestos & occupational hygiene
• Proven experience managing consultants, surveyors, and senior teams
• Commercial acumen + compliance expertise
• Natural leadership with a focus on people, purpose, and progress
• Experience shaping training, audits, performance reviews, and strategic goals
• Hunger to make change, and the drive to make it stick

Why Join AEC

We offer a competitive salary, company vehicle, 28 days’ leave plus bank holidays, private healthcare, pension, and more — including hybrid working and strong career development. This is your chance to lead strategy, grow a high-performing team, and make a real impact in an empowered, director-led environment, with opportunities to raise your profile across BOHS, ATAC, FAAM and beyond.