Operations Director

About the Role

Located in South-East UK, this executive leadership role offers a permanent position within a privately owned business recognized for excellence in specialist equipment hire. The company has built a strong reputation for outstanding customer service and operational efficiency and is poised for significant growth in the next three years.

Reporting to the Managing Director as a board-level executive, the Operations Director will lead multifaceted operational functions including warehouse management, workshops, transportation, fleet oversight, and health and safety protocols. The role demands creating a scalable operational framework that supports rapid business expansion while enhancing productivity, profitability, customer satisfaction, and overall operational performance. Collaboration with other senior leaders will be essential to shape strategic direction and ensure operational excellence is maintained to support ongoing commercial achievements.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute operational strategies that align with ambitious growth objectives.
• Oversee warehouse, workshop, transport, fleet, and health & safety departments across multiple locations.
• Enhance operational efficiency, asset utilization, and productivity.
• Champion continuous improvements in systems, processes, and overall performance.
• Develop and lead a high-performing operations leadership team.
• Achieve measurable improvements in operational KPIs, customer experience, and commercial outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with governance and robust health & safety standards.
• Work closely with Commercial, Finance, and Digital teams to drive enterprise-wide enhancements.

Candidate Profile

• Substantial experience as an Operations Director, Head of Operations, or similar senior operational leadership role.
• Background in tool hire, plant hire, equipment rental, specialist distribution, or similarly asset-intensive and multi-site operational environments.
• Demonstrated strong commercial insight, including budget management and profit improvement.
• High energy, proactive approach with significant dynamism.
• Proven success in driving operational transformations, continuous improvement, and business growth.
• Exceptional leadership ability to cultivate engaged and high-performing teams.
• A hands-on leadership style combined with strategic board-level perspective.

Additional Information

Experience working in founder-led, private equity-backed, or investment-ready organizations will be considered favorable.