Operations Director

About THX

THX is a founder-led specialist company providing plant and equipment hire services to the fit-out sector. With a focus on exceptional customer experience, the company has experienced strong revenue growth annually. THX operates a modern fleet where 95% of assets are less than five years old and employs approximately 190 staff. The company is currently pursuing an ambitious expansion strategy.

Role Overview

The Operations Director reports to the Managing Director and is based onsite in Bedford, with responsibilities expanding to multiple locations as the company grows. This senior leadership role manages teams across warehouse, workshop, transport, and health & safety, overseeing approximately 140 operational employees through departmental managers. The position is critical for guiding THX’s operational growth while enhancing efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Take charge of operational cost management, significantly lowering wages as a percentage of revenue without compromising service levels.
• Implement and refine operational efficiency metrics such as trips per driver, inspections per employee, non-conformance reports, and on-time full deliveries, reporting monthly to the board.
• Create an operating model that enables revenue growth to outpace increases in operational headcount by leveraging processes, planning, and technology.
• Collaborate with the Commercial Director to improve cross-hire partnerships and commercial results.
• Work alongside warehouse, workshop, and transport managers to drive operational scaling.
• Establish clear KPIs and maintain a weekly operational rhythm, delivering timely and accurate data for monthly board reporting.
• Embody and promote the company’s core values of Humility, Innovation, Refreshing, and Energy, ensuring the customer experience remains central as the business expands.
• Maximize utilization and availability of the hire fleet, oversee servicing schedules, and partner with finance and procurement on asset lifecycle management.
• Enhance fleet value by optimizing availability and turnaround times.
• Lead health and safety compliance across operations in accordance with UK regulations, FORS standards, and industry best practices.
• Contribute to decisions on premises and depots to align property strategies with operational needs.
• Document operational processes thoroughly to ensure consistency, transparency, and readiness for external review.
• Demonstrate a sustained, multi-year record of improving operational efficiency metrics.
• Work closely with the Digital Transformation Director to automate workflows, emphasizing increased volume with reduced manual input.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Extensive senior operational leadership experience (Operations Director, Head of Operations, or equivalent) within equipment hire, rental, plant, tool hire, or similar logistics-focused sectors.
• Proven ability to manage P&L accountability during periods of substantial revenue growth.
• Documented success in enhancing operational efficiency, including metrics like labour productivity, transport costs, and workshop throughput.
• A balanced leader comfortable at both board level and hands-on operational environments, with experience in nurturing managers' development.
• Strong numeracy skills with competence in KPI ownership, scorecard creation, and confident data presentation to executive stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of warehouse, workshop, and transport functions, along with health and safety management and UK transport regulatory compliance.

Desirable

• Experience within private equity-backed, owner-operated, or rapidly growing companies, including involvement in operational due diligence.
• Exposure to multi-site growth or launching new depot locations.
• Application of Lean, continuous improvement, or operational excellence strategies in hire or distribution settings.
• Implementation experience related to operational technologies such as telematics, routing software, workshop management tools, or ERP systems.

Compensation and Benefits

This position offers a substantial six-figure base salary complemented by a car allowance, a performance-based bonus tied to EBITDA and operational efficiencies, pension contributions, and additional benefits. There is potential for eligible candidates to participate in long-term incentive schemes linked to company value creation, pending performance and approval by the board.