Operations Director

Harwood -
Harwood

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Job details

From £90,000 a year

Benefits

Annual leave

Qualifications

Quality assurance
Leadership
Communication skills

Full job description

Across Harwood's network of offices

The role

RBI Classification: Class 3 and Class 4 Technical Manager
Reports to: CEO
Salary: £90,000+ (depending on experience and location)

The Operations Director will provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure the effective delivery of building control services within a Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA) organisation. The role will focus on ensuring compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022, relevant building regulations, and associated professional standards. The post-holder will oversee day-to-day operations, manage resources, uphold governance, and ensure high-quality, customer-focused services while protecting public safety and maintaining regulatory integrity.

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Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the RBCA to ensure efficient, compliant, and customer-focused service delivery.
Develop, implement, and monitor operational policies, procedures, and performance frameworks in line with regulatory requirements.
Ensure the company has effective systems to manage caseloads, project delivery, and statutory timeframes.
Oversee resource allocation to meet demand, including staff planning, technical support, and workflow management.
Provides line management to the Building Control Managers, Admin Manager and HR Advisor with responsibilities for bi-yearly performance reviews, annual leave management, timesheet approval and overall team support and development
Joining monthly meetings to be kept informed of HR updates including employment law changes and new policies that align with company values
Working alongside HR to agree companywide KPI’s
Help build, grow and support recruitment needs with the assistance of HR
Support HR in implementing initiatives to improve the employee lifecycle and employee retention
Creating training plans for career development with support of HR

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

Ensure that all operations comply with the Building Safety Act 2022, The Building (Registered Building Control Approvers etc.) (England) Regulations 2024 and BSR guidance.
Act as a key liaison with the Building Safety Regulator and other relevant statutory bodies.
Maintain and promote high standards of professional conduct, ethics, and impartiality.
Implement and monitor internal quality assurance processes, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Risk & Safety Management

Ensure risk management processes are embedded within all operations.
Uphold the organisation’s duty to protect health, safety, and welfare of building users and the wider public.
Support technical teams in applying professional judgement on complex or high-risk projects.

People Leadership & Development

Provide clear leadership, direction, and motivation to the operations and technical teams.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous professional development.
Support staff in maintaining competence in line with professional registration requirements (e.g. RICS, CABE, CIOB).
Prepare Training need assessment reports for the Harwood Board to ensure Harwood maintain its regulatory compliance and growth plan

Write and deliver CPD and training sessions internally and externally

Business & Strategic Input

Work with the Board/CEO to shape and deliver the business strategy, ensuring alignment with regulatory and market developments.
Identify opportunities for operational efficiency, service improvement, and sustainable growth.
Contribute to business planning, budgeting, and performance reporting.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, industry stakeholders, and regulators.

What you can bring to the role

Qualifications and Professional Membership
Full professional membership of RICS, CABE, or equivalent professional body
Skills and Experience
Significant leadership experience in building control, construction regulation, or a related professional services environment.

Strong knowledge of UK building regulations, building safety legislation, and professional standards.

Proven track record of operational management and service delivery in a regulated environment.

Experience of governance, compliance frameworks, and quality assurance.

Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Strong business acumen with the ability to balance regulatory obligations and commercial priorities.

Chartered status with a relevant professional body (RICS, CABE, CIOB, IStructE, etc.).

Previous experience at senior management/Board level in a Registered Building Control Approver or local authority building control body.

Knowledge of risk-based regulatory approaches and safety case principles.
Key Attributes
Integrity, impartiality, and a commitment to public protection.

Ability to work strategically while retaining operational oversight.

Decisive, resilient, and adaptable to regulatory and industry changes.

Collaborative leadership style with a focus on people development.
Career Development
The next step in the career progression from this role could lead to an appointment as Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer, should the opportunity arise.
Note
This does not constitute a job specification and accordingly does not purport to represent an exhaustive list of all duties. It is intended to indicate the main areas of activity and that the managerial position may also be required to carry out similar tasks as directed by their CEO.

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The role

Key Responsibilities

What you can bring to the role

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