Operations Director

City, Manchester
Winner Recruitment

Operations Director Passive Fire (Nationwide)
North England (Ideally Sheffield-based) with Nationwide Coverage
£80,000 £85,000 + Car Allowance

An established Facilities Management organisation is seeking an experienced Operations Director Passive Fire to lead and develop their nationwide passive fire division. This is a senior leadership role offering the opportunity to shape strategy, drive operational excellence, and oversee large-scale compliance-focused projects across the UK.

Working in partnership with a leading agency, this position is ideally suited to a driven and commercially aware professional with a strong background in passive fire protection and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set and deliver the overall operational strategy for the passive fire division, aligning with wider business objectives and growth plans
• Lead the end-to-end delivery of passive fire projects nationwide, ensuring all works are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards
• Ensure full compliance with current fire safety legislation, third-party accreditation requirements, and industry best practices (e.g. FIRAS, BM TRADA)
• Oversee audit processes, quality assurance programmes, and site inspections to maintain consistent standards across all regions
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing national team, including Contracts Managers, Supervisors, and site-based operatives
• Implement training and development plans to upskill teams and maintain competency in line with regulatory requirements
• Act as the senior point of contact for key clients, developing long-term relationships and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and retention
• Work closely with commercial teams on tender submissions, pricing strategies, and contract negotiations to secure new business
• Monitor financial performance across projects, managing budgets, forecasting, and ensuring profitability targets are met or exceeded
• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies to protect the business and ensure continuity of service
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, introducing efficiencies in processes, systems, and resource planning
• Collaborate with other business units within the FM organisation to ensure integrated service delivery across contracts
• Provide regular reporting to senior leadership on operational performance, KPIs, compliance metrics, and growth opportunit

Requirements:

• Extensive experience (typically 8 10+ years) within passive fire protection, with a strong track record in senior operational or director-level roles
• In-depth technical knowledge of passive fire measures including fire stopping, compartmentation, fire doors, and fire protection systems
• Strong understanding of UK fire safety legislation and guidance, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order and relevant British Standards
• Proven experience managing large-scale, multi-site contracts across a national footprint within the FM, construction, or specialist fire protection sectors
• Demonstrable leadership experience managing and developing large teams, including senior managers, with the ability to build high-performing, accountable cultures
• Experience working with third-party accreditation schemes such as FIRAS, BM TRADA, or equivalent, with a clear understanding of audit and compliance processes
• Commercially astute with experience in P&L responsibility, budget management, cost control, and driving profitability across business units
• Strong experience in client relationship management, particularly with Tier 1 contractors, public sector frameworks, housing associations, or blue-chip clients
• Proven ability to contribute to and win new business, including involvement in tendering, bid writing, and strategic growth initiatives
• Excellent knowledge of health & safety legislation and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of HSEQ across all operations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and implement effective solutions
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to engage at board level as well as across operational teams
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationwide as required

What s on Offer:

• Competitive salary of £80,000 £85,000
• Car allowance
• Opportunity to lead a growing national division
• Career progression within a forward-thinking organisation

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious professional looking to make a significant impact within a reputable and expanding FM business.