Head of Operations

Head of Operations role based in Rochdale. Site Leadership role with an expanding installation and industrial services provider.

Client Details

Our client is a rapidly expanding SME business in Rochdale who specialise in industrial installations, engineering services and equipment maintenance.

They are a trusted provider of industrial installation, maintenance, and engineering services, supporting customers across sectors including distribution, Retail, Hospitality, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, food production, utilities, and industrial processing.

With a reputation built on quality, safety, and customer service, they are entering an exciting phase of growth and investment and are looking for a leader who can help scale up operations while maintaining exceptional service standards.

Description

We are looking for an ambitious and commercially focused Head of Operations to lead and develop the business

This is a senior leadership role with full responsibility for the safe, efficient, and profitable delivery of installation projects, maintenance services, engineering support, and customer contracts, running all site operations. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will play a critical role in driving operational performance, customer satisfaction, business growth, and operational excellence.

The successful candidate will combine strong operational leadership with a hands-on understanding of industrial engineering, field service delivery, project management, and health & safety compliance.

As Head of Operations, you will oversee the day-to-day delivery of maintenance engineering, equipment installation and service activities, ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.

You will lead multiple teams across project management, engineering, field service, and operational support functions, while working closely with Sales, Finance, and the Board to achieve strategic business objectives.

Operational Leadership

• Lead all installation, maintenance, and service operations across the business.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that support growth, profitability, and customer retention.
• Drive a culture of safety, accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor operational performance against KPI, SLA, and financial targets.

Project & Service Delivery

• Ensure successful delivery of installation projects from planning through to completion.
• Oversee field service operations, maintenance programmes, and reactive service activities.
• Improve project execution, resource utilisation, and operational efficiency.
• Manage workloads, scheduling, labour planning, and contractor resources.

Customer Excellence

• Build strong relationships with key customers and stakeholders.
• Ensure consistently high levels of service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Support commercial teams in securing and mobilising new contracts.
• Resolve escalated operational and customer issues effectively.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Manage operational budgets, profitability, and cost controls.
• Drive improvements in project margins, service productivity, and operational efficiency.
• Contribute to strategic planning, forecasting, and business growth initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvement and revenue growth.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Champion a safety-first culture across all operational activities.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry legislation, regulations, and company standards.
• Lead investigations, audits, and corrective actions where required.
• Promote best practices in risk management and safe working procedures.

Leadership & People Development

• Lead, motivate, and develop operational managers and engineering teams.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on engagement, accountability, and results.
• Support talent development, succession planning, and skills growth.
• Encourage collaboration across all departments and business functions.

Profile

You are an experienced operational leader who thrives in a fast-paced engineering, manufacturing or industrial services environment. You have a proven ability to manage site operations while balancing customer expectations, commercial performance, and team development.

You are equally comfortable discussing business strategy in the boardroom and supporting operational teams in the field.

• Must understand EBITDA and be able to manage a full P&L
• Significant senior operations leadership experience within an industrial services, manufacturing, engineering services, installations, maintenance, or field service environment.
• Proven track record of managing large operational teams across multiple sites or regions.
• Strong understanding of project delivery, service operations, engineering support, and resource planning.
• Demonstrable experience improving operational performance and profitability.
• Sound commercial and financial management capability.
• Strong knowledge of health, safety, and compliance requirements within industrial environments.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Degree or professional qualification in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business Management, or a related discipline is helpful
• Experience within industrial installations, materials handling, automation, mechanical or electrical engineering or manufacturing sectors.
• IOSH, NEBOSH, or equivalent Health & Safety qualification would be useful but not essential
• Experience leading business transformation or operational improvement programmes.
• Knowledge of Lean, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence methodologies.

Job Offer

£80,000 to £100,000, depending on current salary and experience, plus benefits