Operations Director - Extraction Systems

Cumbernauld, Glasgow

Full-Time | Permanent

About the Role

We are recruiting for an Operations Director / Director of Extraction Systems & Associated Services to join a specialist designer, manufacturer and installer of laboratory furniture, fume cupboards and laboratory extraction systems across the UK.

This is a senior leadership opportunity responsible for the operational, technical, commercial and contractual delivery of specialist laboratory ventilation and extraction projects from tender through to final account.

Reporting directly to the company owners, the successful candidate will oversee the day-to-day operation of the business, leading workshop production, project delivery, installation teams and subcontractors whilst driving commercial performance and operational excellence.

This role is ideally suited to an experienced senior manager from within HVAC, LEV, industrial ventilation, specialist M&E contracting or a related technical engineering sector who possesses strong commercial awareness alongside hands-on operational leadership.

The position is based in Cumbernauld with regular travel to customer sites and projects throughout the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the operational management of the business, including workshop production, installation teams, project delivery and subcontractors.
• Review client enquiries, specifications, drawings, Bills of Quantities (BoQs) and contract documentation.
• Prepare, review and approve quotations for laboratory extraction systems, ductwork, fans, controls and associated services.
• Assess technical and commercial risk, determining project margins, exclusions, qualifications and programme allowances.
• Lead pre-contract negotiations, subcontract reviews, letters of intent and contract execution.
• Oversee project managers to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget.
• Coordinate the technical design of ductwork systems, airflow routes, fans, dampers, controls and mechanical service interfaces.
• Work closely with CAD and Project Engineering teams to produce and review coordinated drawings.
• Manage procurement of specialist equipment including ductwork, fans, controls, dampers and subcontract packages.
• Oversee applications for payment, project variations, contra charges and final accounts.
• Resolve technical, commissioning, performance and after-sales issues.
• Develop strong relationships with contractors, consultants, suppliers and key customers.
• Drive continuous improvement across operational, commercial and reporting procedures.
• Support business development activities and evaluate new project opportunities.

Essential Requirements

• Senior operational, technical or commercial management experience within HVAC, LEV, industrial ventilation, specialist M&E contracting, laboratory systems or a closely related engineering sector.
• Proven experience delivering projects from tender through design, procurement, installation, commissioning and final account.
• Strong understanding of ductwork systems, industrial fans, airflow systems, controls and commissioning.
• Experience reviewing technical drawings and coordinating mechanical services.
• Strong commercial, estimating and contractual knowledge.
• Experience negotiating subcontract agreements and managing project risk.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering, workshop and installation teams.
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Willingness to travel throughout the UK.

Desirable

• Experience with laboratory fume cupboards or laboratory ventilation systems.
• LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) experience, testing or commissioning knowledge.
• Manufacturing or laboratory furniture experience.
• Previous experience as an Operations Director, General Manager, Senior Contracts Manager or similar leadership position.
• Established relationships with UK main contractors, M&E contractors, consultants or laboratory-sector clients.

Travel

This role is based at the company's headquarters in Glasgow , with regular travel to customer sites and projects across the UK as required.

What We Offer

• Salary: 60,000 - 80,000 DOE
• Annual Bonus: Up to 10,000
• Company Vehicle or 6,000 Car Allowance
• BUPA Private Healthcare
• Company Pension (3%)
• Senior leadership role within a growing specialist engineering business.
• Opportunity to influence the operational and commercial direction of the company.
• Long-term career progression with a respected UK laboratory systems specialist.

Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.
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