Director of Operations

The INS Group; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology-enabled company is seeking an Operations Director for their Drone & Services Division in Portsmouth. The role involves leading operational performance, managing P&L, and developing the team within a high-performing division. Ideal candidates will have experience in operations leadership, strong commercial acumen, and a background in drones or related fields. This position offers a competitive salary of up to £120k OTE and the chance to influence strategy and growth in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Leadership autonomy

Qualifications

• Experience in drone operations, surveying, geospatial services, telecoms, or related fields is preferred.
• Proven P&L ownership.
• Strong background in leading technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead drone and data capture operations ensuring high-quality delivery.
• Oversee P&L, budgets, and growth opportunities.
• Develop and motivate an operational team.

Skills

Senior operations leadership

Commercial acumen

Decision-making

Team leadership

Ability to scale operations

Job description

Operations Director - Drone & Services Division

Portsmouth (office & field-based) - Full-time, Permanent. Up to £120k OTE

Join a business that’s shaping the future of the Infrastructure Lifecycle.

The INS Group Ltd is a fast-growing technology-enabled company operating at the intersection of drone operations, digital capture, and critical infrastructure.

We work with major clients delivering complete digital visibility, control, and assurance across the infrastructure lifecycle - connecting field data, intelligent systems, and operational delivery under one, unified methodology

We are now seeking an Operations Director to lead and grow our established Drone & Services division, a core part of the Group with a strong order book, proven delivery model, experienced team, and significant headroom for growth.

This is not a turnaround or start-up role. It’s an opportunity to take ownership of a high-performing operation and elevate it to the next level.

The Opportunity

As Operations Director, you will have full accountability for operational performance and P&L, reporting directly to the Group Managing Director.

You’ll play a central role in shaping how the business scales — professionally, commercially, and operationally.

This is a hands‑on, senior leadership role combining operational excellence, commercial ownership, and people leadership in a business that is ambitious, collaborative, and moving quickly.

What You’ll Be Doing

Operational Leadership

• Lead day-to-day drone and data capture operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery
• Oversee scheduling, field operations, fleet and equipment, H&S compliance, and quality control
• Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes, and performance metrics

Commercial & P&L Ownership

• Take full responsibility for divisional P&L, budgets, and forecasting
• Identify and deliver growth opportunities, margin improvement, and cost optimisation
• Report performance, risks, and opportunities to the Group leadership and Board
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and partners
• Ensure consistently high service delivery and client satisfaction
• Identify opportunities for account growth and additional services

People & Culture

• Lead, motivate, and develop a multidisciplinary operational team
• Embed a strong safety, performance, and accountability culture
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and professional development

About You

You’ll be a commercially minded operations leader who thrives in a delivery-focused environment and enjoys owning outcomes.

You’ll likely have:

• Senior operations, general management, or service delivery experience
• Background in drones, surveying, geospatial services, telecoms, or a related technical field
• Proven P&L ownership and strong commercial acumen
• Experience leading field-based or technical teams
• A track record of scaling operations and improving performance

You’ll bring:

• A hands‑on, accountable leadership style
• Strong decision-making and communication skills
• Confidence operating autonomously in a growing business
• Energy, resilience, and ambition to help shape the next phase of growth

Why Join The INS Group?

• A well-established division with real momentum and backing
• Direct influence on strategy, growth, and operational direction
• Exposure to innovative drone and digital services at scale
• Competitive salary, bonus, and genuine leadership autonomy
• A business that values professionalism, trust, and delivery

Interested?

Apply via LinkedIn or contact us directly to arrange a confidential conversation.