Operations Director at Universal Business Team in Reading, England, GB

Operations Director

Shape the Future of Bespoke Joinery Delivery

Location: Reading, Berkshire Salary: £100,000 – £125,000 per annum DOE (negotiable) Package: Performance Bonus + Profit Share + Company Car/Allowance Type: Full-time | Senior Leadership Role | Site Visits Required

Our client is a highly respected bespoke joinery specialist with more than 30 years of experience delivering premium interior solutions across the commercial and residential sectors.

Operating throughout London, the South East and the Midlands, the business has built an outstanding reputation for delivering high-quality bespoke joinery packages from concept and technical design through to manufacture and installation.

Due to continued growth and an ambitious expansion strategy, they are now seeking an experienced and commercially astute Operations Director to lead their delivery function and play a key role within the senior leadership team.

This is a pivotal appointment for a driven operational leader who thrives on accountability, operational excellence and building high-performing teams.

The Opportunity

As Operations Director, you will take ownership of the full project delivery lifecycle — from contract handover through to final account.

You’ll lead the Project Management, Design and Procurement teams as one integrated operation, ensuring every project is delivered on programme, on budget and to the exceptional standards the business is known for.

This is not a desk-bound corporate role.

The successful candidate will be equally comfortable:

• Sitting around the boardroom table shaping strategy
• Reviewing project margins and programme risk
• Supporting teams through complex delivery challenges
• Building strong client relationships on site

You’ll play a critical role in protecting margin, strengthening operational discipline and creating a culture where accountability and quality are embedded throughout the business.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Join a Respected Industry Specialist

The business has earned an excellent reputation for delivering bespoke joinery solutions with precision, transparency and craftsmanship. Their clients include developers, architects, fit-out specialists and main contractors responsible for some of the most impressive interior spaces in the market.

Work Alongside an Experienced Team

From in-house CAD professionals and project managers to highly skilled joiners and installation teams, the business is built around experienced people who genuinely care about quality and delivery.

Influence the Future of the Business

As part of the senior leadership team, you’ll have genuine influence over operational strategy, systems, team development and future growth.

Deliver Exceptional Projects

With a structured delivery process and investment in modern manufacturing capabilities, the business consistently delivers high-quality outcomes across multiple sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead and develop the Project Management, Design and Procurement teams
• Drive operational consistency, accountability and delivery performance
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, profitably and on programme
• Maintain clear visibility across all live projects with accurate reporting and forecasting

Commercial & Contractual Control

• Oversee contract risk management across all active projects
• Drive disciplined variation management and commercial recovery
• Support Project Managers with client escalations and commercial decisions
• Work closely with Finance to ensure reliable revenue forecasting and cost control

Design & Procurement Oversight

• Ensure design outputs align with budgets, programmes and client expectations
• Strengthen procurement discipline, supplier performance and supply chain resilience
• Coordinate effectively across design, procurement, manufacturing and site delivery

Leadership & Culture

• Build a high-performance delivery culture with clear standards and accountability
• Coach and develop team capability
• Support recruitment, succession planning and operational growth
• Champion collaborative working and operational excellence

What We’re Looking For

Applicants will likely come from a joinery, fit-out, interiors, construction or specialist manufacturing background and will have a proven track record leading operational delivery within a fast-paced project environment.

We’re particularly interested in individuals who can demonstrate:

• Strong commercial and contractual understanding
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent project delivery and programme management capability
• Financial confidence around margins, forecasting and cost-to-complete
• A proactive, organised and decisive leadership style
• Strong client-facing communication skills
• The ability to identify issues early and implement solutions quickly

Experience within bespoke joinery, fit-out or interior manufacturing environments would be highly advantageous.

Applicants will likely come from a joinery, fit-out, interiors, construction or specialist manufacturing background and will have a proven track record leading operational delivery within a fast-paced project environment.

We’re particularly interested in individuals who can demonstrate:

• Strong commercial and contractual understanding
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent project delivery and programme management capability
• Financial confidence around margins, forecasting and cost-to-complete
• A proactive, organised and decisive leadership style
• Strong client-facing communication skills
• The ability to identify issues early and implement solutions quickly

Experience within bespoke joinery, fit-out or interior manufacturing environments would be highly advantageous.

IND25