Director of Operations

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Job Introduction

The benefits

Health and Wellbeing Plans

23 days paid holiday increasing to 25 after 2 years

Discounts and Cashbacks

Paid Volunteering days

Employee Assistance Program

Refer a Friend Scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Bonus

Travel Allowance

The role

Carlisle Support Services is looking for a Director of Operations. This role sits at the centre of Carlisle's evolving integrated service model and is fundamental to ensuring that soft services are delivered in a coordinated, efficient and forward-thinking way alongside Hard FM provision. Working closely with the Director of Hard Services, the postholder will play a key role in embedding a truly integrated approach-bringing together people, process and technology to deliver a seamless, high-quality service to clients operating within complex, high-footfall environments.

Your core role will include but not be limited to the following activities:

• At its core, this role is about leadership-setting the direction, pace and standards for integrated cleaning and security services across the business. The Operations Director will be expected to take ownership of the operational strategy, ensuring it is clearly defined, effectively communicated and consistently delivered across all regions.
• Working through the Heads of Operations for the North and South, the postholder will create a structured and accountable operating model that drives consistency in delivery while still allowing for flexibility to meet the nuances of individual contracts and client requirements. This includes establishing clear expectations around service standards, performance management and continuous improvement, ensuring that every contract operates in line with both Carlisle's internal benchmarks and client-specific KPIs.
• Will be expected to maintain close engagement with frontline operations, ensuring that leadership is not only strategic but also grounded in the realities of service delivery. This approach will enable early identification of risks and opportunities, supporting proactive management rather than reactive intervention.
• The postholder will play an active role in talent development and succession planning, identifying future leaders within the business and creating clear pathways for progression. In doing so, they will help to build a sustainable leadership pipeline that supports long-term growth.
• Will hold full profit and loss responsibility for all integrated cleaning and security contracts within their remit. This includes the development and management of budgets, ongoing financial forecasting and the implementation of robust cost control measures.
• The postholder will be expected to take a proactive approach to commercial opportunities, identifying areas where services can be expanded, enhanced or restructured to improve both performance and profitability. This will also involve supporting bid activity, contract negotiations and mobilisation planning, ensuring that new opportunities are set up for success from the outset.
• The postholder will ensure that clients feel supported, informed and confident in Carlisle's ability to deliver. Equally, they will take responsibility for addressing any challenges or concerns in a professional, transparent and solution-focused manner.
• Will actively seek out opportunities to strengthen and expand client relationships, identifying areas where Carlisle can add further value through additional services, innovation or improved delivery models.
• Will be responsible for delivering a truly integrated FM solution, ensuring that soft and hard services operate as a single, cohesive offering rather than in isolation.
• Breaking down traditional silos between service lines, the role will contribute to a more efficient, effective and client-focused operating model.
• Will be responsible for ensuring that all services are delivered in full accordance with statutory requirements, industry standards and contractual obligations.
• Will play a key role in driving this agenda across integrated services.
• This will involve embracing new technologies, systems and ways of working that enhance service delivery, improve efficiency and provide greater visibility of performance. The postholder will be expected to champion data-led decision making, using insights to inform operational improvements and strategic direction.

The ideal candidate

• The successful candidate will bring significant senior leadership experience within the Facilities Management sector, with a strong background in managing large, complex and multi-site operations. Experience within integrated or soft FM services, particularly cleaning and security, will be essential, along with a proven ability to manage financial performance and deliver results at scale.
• A strong understanding of compliance and safety within regulated environments is highly desirable, particularly within rail or transport settings.
• The role requires NEBOSH or IOSH certification, along with Personal Track Safety (PTS), or a clear commitment to working towards these qualifications.

This could include the following: passport / driving licence / utility bill dated in the last 3 months / HMRC letter / original bank statement / original payslip / birth certificate / a valid share code.

About us

Join a growing market-leading brand of support services to work with the UK's largest brands such as Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Jaguar Land Rover, Tesco, BBC StudioWorks, and many more.

Carlisle currently employees over 5,000 dedicated and enthusiastic staff members to deliver events, security cleaning, and retail facilities support services across the UK's most renowned sites and critical infrastructure.

Apply today to find out more and embark on an exciting career journey filled with unrivalled recognition schemes and progression opportunities aimed at helping you achieve your true potential.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Carlisle, we are committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in all areas of employment, recruitment and selection, training, development, and promotion.

In all situations people will be judged solely on merit or ability.