Job Title: Asbestos Operations Manager/Director

Location: Essex

Salary: Up to £60,000 plus bonuses

Job type: Full time, Permanent

We’re working with a well-established UKAS accredited asbestos consultancy seeking an Operations Manager/Director to take charge of their Southern office and operations. This is a key leadership role where you’ll manage a skilled team, streamline operations, and ensure projects meet the highest technical and compliance standards. You’ll be the driving force behind efficient service delivery, client relationships, business development, and the continued growth of the business.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Southern operations team and office, ensuring smooth delivery of asbestos surveying, air monitoring, and analytical services.
• Mentor and develop technical staff, maintaining training, competency, and performance standards.
• Act as senior client contact, providing technical expertise, managing relationships, and driving business development to secure, grow, and bring new work to the business.
• Support strategic planning and growth initiatives alongside senior leadership.
• Oversee project scheduling, resourcing, and delivery to meet or exceed client expectations.
• Develop and implement operational procedures, processes, and best practices to enhance efficiency, quality, and service.
• Monitor budgets, project costs, and resources to optimise operational efficiency and profitability.
• Provide regular management reports and insights on performance, business opportunities, and client satisfaction.
• Foster a high-performance, accountable team culture, promoting engagement and continuous improvement.
• Step in to assist with site work during staff shortages, holidays, or peak periods to ensure project continuity.

Company benefits:

• Salary up to £60,000 depending on experience.
• Performance-related bonuses to reward business growth and operational excellence.
• Opportunity for progression to Director level for candidates joining at Manager level.
• Potential for shares in the business, offering a stake in long-term success.
• Autonomy and influence to grow the team, implement operational processes, and shape the business with your own ideas.
• Company car and fuel card.
• Supportive, high-performance culture with a focus on professional development and career growth.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance, including the option of a blend of office and home-based work.

We’re looking for:

• Proven experience at Operations Manager or Director level within a UKAS accredited asbestos consultancy.
• Strong knowledge of asbestos legislation, UKAS requirements, and best practice.
• BOHS qualifications – minimum P402 required; P403/ P404 and additional qualifications are highly desirable.
• Based within a commutable distance of the Essex office, with flexibility to travel to other locations as business needs require.
• Demonstrable experience in business development, winning work, and growing accounts, with the ability to bring new business to the company.
• Commercially aware, client-focused, and able to balance operational delivery with strategic growth.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Proven ability to implement operational processes, drive efficiency, and maintain compliance across all activities.
• Comfortable stepping in to assist with operational or site work when required.
• Strategic thinker with experience in long-term planning, budgeting, and reporting to senior leadership.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of building a high-performance team culture while delivering commercial results.