Overview

The Operational Director will lead and grow a world class UK Health, Safety and Asbestos Consultancy Team. This is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the strategic and operational delivery of the health & safety compliance disciplines.

This role ensures financial performance, quality assurance, client satisfaction, and team leadership across a high-performing business unit. The postholder will also play a pivotal role in business development and innovation, guiding the business unit into new markets and service offerings.

This is a rare appointment to a prestigious role within the business.

Responsibilities

• Deliver financial performance in line with the division’s Annual Operating Plan, achieving revenue and profit margin targets while improving other key financial metrics. Contribute to growth and profitability across the unit.
• Drive growth and retention of key client accounts, develop new business opportunities, and launch innovative and profitable service offerings.
• Provide strong leadership of the 40+ person team with clear progress in succession planning and talent development to ensure long‑term capability and resilience.
• Lead a team of 40+ employees, including six direct reports (four Technical Directors, one Senior Business Development Lead, and one Business Support Manager). Manage three core service areas: Asbestos, Health, Safety & Fire, and Legionella (Water & Indoor Air Quality). Manage annual revenue target and profit margins.
• Hold primary accountability for the financial performance of the business unit, including oversight of project-level financials, issue resolution, and monitoring of profitability and cashflow.
• Collaborate with the Managing Director and finance team to shape and deliver the divisional Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and produce an annual Business Plan aligned to the divisional goals.
• Leadership & Management – Lead a multidisciplinary team across asbestos, health & safety, and Legionella; oversee structure, performance management, and professional development to ensure effective delivery and high-quality outcomes. Foster a collaborative, accountable culture with talent development and succession planning.
• Client Relationship Management – Strategically oversee key client accounts, coordinate multidisciplinary teams to meet complex requirements, and maintain long-term relationships built on trust and responsiveness. Act as a senior point of contact to ensure client satisfaction across service lines.
• Maintaining Quality Assurance Standards – Maintain relevant quality accreditations (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001) and asbestos/Legionella-specific certifications. Ensure compliance with internal QA processes and external regulatory standards; champion a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
• Business Development – Drive growth by identifying new markets and developing service offerings; lead innovation initiatives and establish relationships with new clients. Collaborate with the wider company to cross-sell services. Measure success by client base expansion, revenue growth, and market leadership.

Seniority – Mid-Senior level

Employment type – Full-time

Industries – Services for Renewable Energy