Head of Operations / Operations Director

Employer: Simtec
Location: Multi-site (base Leicester; regular travel to Brandon & Acton; occasional UK & Ireland travel)
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Reports to: Managing Director
Package: £65,000 - £70,000 base + company car + discretionary bonus + pension + private medical insurance

Role Purpose

The Head of Operations is responsible for leading and scaling Simtec’s operational delivery across all of our sites. The role ensures that projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and right first time while maintaining the highest standards of quality, compliance, and customer service.

This role will responsible for the ongoing development of the operational structure to support Simtec’s growth strategy, including new site openings and acquisitions. The Head of Operations will shape and embed a unified operational framework, develop high‑performing site leadership teams, and ensure operational delivery aligns with and outperforms company targets.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Performance

• Lead operational delivery across all Simtec sites, ensuring consistent standards, productivity, and service quality.
• Define and implement clear operational KPIs and a consistent reporting framework to drive high‑performance across all sites.
• Lead the end‑to‑end planning and mobilisation of testing projects, ensuring robust RAMS, confirmed access arrangements, equipment readiness, and effective technician resourcing.
• Oversee day‑to‑day operational delivery, proactively identifying and removing blockers to maintain project momentum and service quality.
• Deliver structured, insight‑led operational reviews with site supervisors and operational leaders to strengthen accountability and continuous improvement.

Multi-Site Management

• Ensure consistent operating procedures across all locations.
• Develop and support site leadership teams to improve accountability and performance.
• Identify operational improvements that increase productivity, utilisation, and margin.
• Implement scalable processes that allow the business to expand efficiently.

Integration & Expansion

• Lead the operational integration of new sites or acquisitions into the Simtec operating model.
• Develop and deploy a repeatable “site launch playbook” covering people, equipment, systems, and operational processes.
• Deliver clear integration milestones during the first 90 days of new site operations.
• Support the Managing Director in operational planning for expansion into new locations.

Equipment, Asset & Resource Management

• Maintain oversight of the company asset register, calibration schedules, and equipment utilisation.
• Ensure all testing equipment is compliant, calibrated, and available for operational needs.
• Standardise technician van kits and field equipment across all locations.
• Implement structured preventative maintenance programmes and drive reductions in asset downtime and losses.

Training, Capability & Workforce Development

• Lead and own technician capability development across the business, ensuring the workforce has the skills, confidence, and technical excellence required to deliver high‑quality operations.
• Maintain and improve the technician training passport and competency matrix.
• Ensure every new technician receives a structured, consistent, and engaging onboarding experience that accelerates competence, builds confidence, and promotes retention from day one.
• Develop and strengthen site supervisors and operational leaders through targeted coaching, mentoring, and leadership development to build a high‑performing, empowered operational leadership pipeline.
• Foster a culture of belonging, psychological safety, and purpose to ensure that employees feel valued, emotionally connected to their work, and motivated to stay and grow with the business.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Provide strong operational leadership on health and safety.
• Ensure consistent implementation of company H&S policies across all sites.
• Promote a proactive near-miss reporting culture.
• Lead incident investigations and ensure corrective actions are implemented.

Customer & Commercial Alignment

• Work closely with Commercial and Site Services teams to ensure smooth mobilisation of projects.
• Support key client relationships during major site mobilisations.
• Ensure operational delivery supports the company’s reputation for quality and responsiveness.

Key Measures of Success

Operational Delivery

• ≥98% On-Time-In-Full project delivery
• ≥95% reports delivered within agreed SLA

Health & Safety

• Zero RIDDOR incidents
• 100% corrective actions closed within target timescales

Operational Efficiency

• ≥98% equipment availability
• 100% calibration compliance

People & Capability

• Technician competency matrix ≥90% “green”
• Strong pipeline of site leadership capability

Growth & Integration

• Successful integration of new sites within defined 90-day milestones
• Consistent operational standards across all locations

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Proven leadership experience in multi-site operational environments.
• Experience in materials testing, construction services, laboratories, utilities, engineering, manufacturing or technical field operations.
• Strong operational management skills including scheduling, asset control, and performance management.
• Experience scaling operations or integrating new sites/business units.
• A confident leader capable of building and developing operational teams.
• Data-driven with strong planning and organisational ability.
• Calm, decisive and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Full UK driving licence (regular travel required)
• IOSH Managing Safely (preferred)
• CSCS or equivalent construction site credentials (desirable)
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365 and operational management tools

hat We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Performance-based bonus
• Company car
• Private medical insurance
• Pension scheme
• Opportunity to play a key leadership role in a growing multi-site business