Operations Director, Carlisle (site-based), £55,000 - £65,000 dep on exp
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time (40 hours per week)
Reporting to: Managing Director
This is a newly created role within a thriving, independently owned SME in Carlisle that's been profitable every year since formation and is now ready for its next stage of growth. The Managing Director is looking for a strong number two – someone with exceptional operational experience who can bring fresh ideas, fine-tune processes, and modernise areas of the business as it navigates an exciting period of change and planned expansion.
This is a rare opportunity to join a business at a pivotal moment, work directly alongside a steady and grounded MD, and genuinely make your mark. You'll have a seat at the board table, direct influence over strategy, and the autonomy to apply your ideas in a business that's ready to listen.
The Business
Based in Carlisle in Cumbria, this SME has been grown from the ground up and now employs over200 colleagues across Cumbria and further afield. The team is a mix of very long-standing, proud employees and newer staff, creating a varied and busy environment. They service a wide range of customers – from SMEs to large, well-known national names – and have built a strong reputation for quality and reliability in a fast-paced, 24-hour operational sector.
With great modern office facilities, free parking, and easy accessibility, this is a business that values its people and is committed to creating the right environment for success. The company also has a small hub office in the North managed by an Operations Manager, which will fall under your directorship.
The Role
As Operations Director, you will be responsible for leading operational delivery across the business, managing a team of around 6 managers (including back-office support functions and operationally focused divisions), and working hand-in-hand with the MD to drive the business forward. This is a hands-on and strategic role in equal measure. That's what makes it really interesting! You'll need to be visible, accessible, and credible with the teams on the ground, while also thinking commercially and contributing to board-level decision-making.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading and developing the operations management team to deliver consistent, high-quality service
- Bringing in new ideas and fine-tuning processes to modernise and improve efficiency
- Balancing the needs of sometimes demanding customers, internal stakeholders, and the bottom line
- Helping to cement cultural change across the business – uniting teams towards one operationally focused goal: to be better for customers, each other, and the wider business
- Managing operational P&L, driving margin improvement, and ensuring commercial focus
- Building strong client relationships and acting as an escalation point for service delivery
- Ensuring compliance, risk management, and operational standards are maintained across all contracts
This is a role for a real people person – someone who is firm, fair, and creative in their approach to problem-solving. You'll need to understand the numbers and the people, lead by example, and make fair and intelligent decisions under pressure.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for an experienced operations leader who thrives in fast-paced, operationally intensive environments. You'll likely come from a background in industrial, facilities, transport, manufacturing, or other fast paced operationally focused businesses – sectors where grit, passion, and commercial focus are essential.
You'll have:
- Significant senior operations management experience with a track record of leading large teams (150+ employees)
- Proven ability to manage multiple sites, contracts, or divisions simultaneously
- Strong P&L responsibility and commercial acumen
- A hands-on leadership style with the ability to think strategically
- Experience driving change, improving processes, and modernising operations
- The ability to build credibility and trust with operational teams and senior clients
- A natural talent for influencing, uniting teams, and establishing accountability
- Resilience, composure under pressure, and a results-driven mindset
Personal attributes:
- A leader who's willing to go the extra mile and lead by example
- Firm, fair, and creative in your approach to problem-solving
- Commercially focused with a strong understanding of both numbers and people
- A natural collaborator who can balance competing demands and keep everyone focused on the goal
- Someone who sees challenge as exciting, not daunting – this sector is varied, fast-paced, and rewarding for the right person
Why This Role?
Genuine influence – A seat at the board table and the opportunity to shape the future of a growing business
Autonomy and trust – The MD is ready for a strong No. 2 and wants someone who can bring fresh perspectives and apply their ideas
A business ready to grow – Profitable every year, with long-standing staff, strong client relationships, and ambitious plans for expansion
Make a real difference – This is a newly created role, so you'll have the chance to build it, own it, and leave your mark
Variety and pace – No two days are the same in this fast-moving, operationally focused environment.
Some would describe this sector as challenging – we see it as exciting, varied, and full of opportunity for someone with the right mix of grit, passion, and business acumen. If you're a hungry operations professional ready to bring your experience, apply your ideas, and make a genuine impact in a business that's going places, we'd love to hear from you.
For a full job description and a confidential chat about the role please get in touch.
Foxgroves Recruitment Ltd is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy and is working on behalf of our client.
We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment practices in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered on merit alone, without discrimination. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds regardless of: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Our recruitment process ensures fair treatment based solely on skills, qualifications, and ability to perform the role effectively.
All applications are subject to our standard pre-employment screening process which includes right to work checks and may include reference checks, enhanced safeguarding checks and certification of qualifications depending on the nature of the work or industry. Reasonable adjustments will be made for individuals with disabilities at all stages of the recruitment process.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £60,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
