WHL Group
FRICS or MRICS Operations Director Role – Description
Reporting To: Samuel Watt (CEO)
Businesses Covered: Clarke & Watt Building Consultancy (CWBC), WHL Surveying & Engineering (WHL S&E), WHL Projects
Working Hours: 9am – 5.30pm
Location: Didsbury Office (4 days per week)
Annual Leave: 28 days plus bank holidays.
Role Overview ( Phase 1 )
Will lead day-to-day management across CWBC, WHL S&E, and provide strategic support to WHL Projects when required. The senior role involves executing the business’s vision, driving business development and growth, and overseeing quality and accreditation standards. The Operations Director will also act as a Chartered Surveyor, providing senior-level consultancy where required, managing key client accounts, and delivering professional services.
Strategic Growth Targets
FY 2025/26 Revenue Goals:
- CWBC: TBC
- WHL S&E: TBC
- WHL Projects: TBC - Will support revenue generation and strategic growth
5-Year Vision (2025–2030):
Double group revenue and profits year-on-year. Operations Director alongside CEO will scale delivery capacity, improve margins, build team capability, and lead business development strategy to support this vision.
Key Responsibilities
1. Revenue & Business Growth
- Deliver team billing across the three businesses
- Support WHL Projects by identifying and helping convert new opportunities
- Personally lead business development and high-value client engagement
- Work alongside procurement manager to win high-value tenders and long-term contracts
- Pitch to win new business and support tenders in line with growth strategy
- Attend networking events monthly and represent WHL Group externally
2. Strategy & Leadership
- Conduct quarterly strategy sessions with MD and Head of Operations
- Align delivery and team structure with MD growth roadmap
- Drive utilisation within the surveying & engineering team, consultant team performance, and resourcing efficiency
- Support development and implementation of best practices across the group
3. Client Account Management
- Serve as senior lead on key client accounts across CWBC and WHL S&E
- Ensure client satisfaction, repeat business, and service quality
- Oversee onboarding and delivery for new contracts or long-term clients
- Resolve escalated issues and implement client feedback into service delivery
4. Chartered Surveyor Responsibilities
- Undertake high-value and technically complex surveying/consultancy work as required
- Act as signing Chartered Surveyor on specific reports, surveys, and technical outputs
- Support the delivery pipeline during busy periods or for strategic clients
- Mentor and support junior surveyors in their professional practice and development
5. Staff Development & Quality ( Team structure – TBC )
- Line-manage surveyors alongside Head of Ops
- Conduct QPRs, drive CPD, and support APC progression
- Build structured CPD pathways and drive professional development
- Lead QA processes across reporting and surveying functions
6. Accreditations & Compliance
- Register WHL S&E with RICS (Would need to be registered at least 1 month prior to joining).
- Lead and manage all group-wide accreditations and audit readiness
- Develop and maintain QA strategy and ensure consistency in reporting
7. Remuneration & Performance Incentives
Salary between £70,000 - £90,000 (depending on experience)
Performance Bonus:
- Percentage of net profit from any new business personally brought in by the operations Director in the first 12 months (between 5 – 10% on a sliding fee scale).
- Paid quarterly following accounts reconciliation.
Phantom Share Scheme (Post-6 Months):
- Access to shares post-successful 6-month performance review (6-month probation period)
- Bonus incentive mirroring equity value, subject to performance and agreement
Pre-Offer Requirement
Candidate must present a written 3, 6, and 12-month plan outlining:
- Revenue and business development strategy
- Operational changes and resourcing plans
- QA and team development priorities
- Accreditation and compliance roadmap
This plan will be reviewed prior to formalising the appointment.
Review Timeline
· 6-month review: Salary review + phantom share eligibility confirmed
- 6-month review: Strategic progress against roadmap
- 12-month review: Eligibility for equity and bonus structure reassessed
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £70,000.00-£90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company pension
- Free or subsidised travel
- Free parking
- Private medical insurance
- Profit sharing
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Manchester M20 2EZ
