Service Director

Johnson Controls; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global service provider is seeking a high-caliber Service Director to oversee operational strategy and execution for their UK service and installation business. The role requires exceptional leadership and financial management skills, with a focus on delivering outstanding customer experiences while driving sustainable growth. Candidates should possess at least 10 years of senior leadership experience in a fast-paced service environment, with expertise in operational management and compliance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ senior leadership experience in service management.
• Proven track record of end-to-end operational management.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in managing budgets.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute service strategy for operational excellence.
• Take accountability for service delivery and workforce planning.
• Drive cost efficiency and maintain high service standards.

Skills

Operational management

Leadership

Financial management

Stakeholder management

Customer experience

Digital transformation

Education

Professional qualifications in operations management

MBA or similar

Job description

What you will do

We are seeking a high-caliber Service Director to lead the operational strategy and execution for a fast-paced service and installation business in the UK. This role demands a visionary leader with exceptional operational expertise, commercial acumen, and the ability to deliver outstanding customer experiences while driving sustainable growth.

How you will do it

• Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the service strategy aligned with business objectives, ensuring operational excellence and scalability.
• Operational Oversight: Take full accountability for service delivery, installation projects, workforce planning, and resource optimization across multiple regions.
• Financial Management: Own P&L responsibility for the service division, driving cost efficiency and profitability while maintaining high service standards.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure adherence to UK regulatory frameworks, health & safety legislation, and industry best practices.
• Customer Experience: Champion a customer-first culture, ensuring service quality and responsiveness exceed expectations.
• Continuous Improvement: Implement process optimization, digital transformation initiatives, and performance metrics to enhance operational efficiency.
• Leadership & Development: Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and professional growth.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with senior leadership and key clients to support strategic partnerships and business development.

What we look for:

• Minimum 10 years’ senior leadership experience in operations or service management within a fast-paced service and installation environment in the UK.
• Proven track record of end-to-end operational management, including large-scale service delivery and installation projects.
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrable success in managing budgets, P&L, and delivering financial targets.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Expertise in compliance, health & safety, and risk management.
• Ability to drive digital transformation and leverage technology for operational efficiency.

Desirable

• Experience in sectors such as security, fire safety, facilities management, or technology-driven service businesses.
• Professional qualifications in operations management, project management, or business leadership (e.g., MBA, Prince2, Lean Six Sigma).
• Track record in change management and scaling operations for growth.