Job Description:

Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and commercially astute Operations Director to lead and transform operational performance within a private equity backed, international business. The organisation operates at c.£18m turnover with 50+ employees and is entering a significant growth and global expansion phase.

Reporting directly to the board, this role will be pivotal in driving operational excellence, strengthening governance and compliance, and leading transformation across systems, processes, and organisational structure. The successful candidate will also lead the post-acquisition integration and merger of two businesses, ensuring strategic alignment, operational efficiency, and a seamless consolidation of teams, systems, and processes.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Lead end-to-end operational strategy and execution across logistics, and fulfilment
• Oversee stock control functions, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and cost optimisation
• Manage operational performance across a growing international footprint, supporting global expansion initiatives

Private Equity & Growth Environment

• Operate effectively within a Private Equity backed business environment, delivering value creation, EBITDA improvement, and scalable infrastructure
• Support investor reporting, performance metrics, and strategic initiatives aligned to growth targets

Mergers & Acquisitions

• Proven track record in successful M&A integration, including operational alignment, cultural integration, and delivery of synergies
• Lead post-acquisition integration of systems, processes, teams, and supply chains

Systems, Processes & Transformation

• Own and lead systems strategy, implementation, and optimisation across the business
• Lead systems integration across acquired businesses and legacy platforms
• Redesign end-to-end operational processes to improve efficiency, scalability, and control
• Drive automation and digitisation of core operational workflows

Structure & Governance

• Oversee organisational structures to support growth, accountability, and performance management
• Implement and maintain robust governance frameworks, ensuring compliance across all operational areas
• Take responsibility for compliance in international trade, import/export regulations, and operational risk

Performance Management

• Introduce and embed a formal performance and appraisal process, cascaded through line management structures
• Build a high-performance culture with clear KPIs, accountability, and continuous improvement

Leadership & People Management

• Lead and develop operational teams
• Strengthen leadership capability across middle management and operational functions
• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and delivery excellence

Key Requirements

• Proven experience as an Operations Director or senior operational leader in a £30m-£100m+ turnover business
• Experience in the transport sector or similarly complex, customer-facing operational environments is desirable, but not essential
• Hands-on experience in procurement and stock control within a product-based business
• Previous experience working in a Private Equity backed environment would be an advantage
• Demonstrable success in M&A integration and business consolidation
• Experience leading systems implementation and enterprise-wide systems integration
• Strong track record of process redesign and operational transformation
• Experience leading businesses through growth, international expansion, and scaling operations
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, and risk management in a commercial environment
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams of 50+ employees

Personal Attributes

• Commercially driven with strong financial and operational acumen
• Strategic thinker with hands-on delivery capability
• Strong change leader with a track record of transformation
• Influential leader able to operate at board and investor level
• Highly structured, organised, and process driven
• Has an understanding of the link between operational performance and customer satisfaction, using this insight to drive improvements in service delivery and reputation