Operations Director

OPERATIONS DIRECTORFleet Operations | Contract Hire, Leasing & Rental | MidlandsOur client is a highly successful and established UK business operating within the commercial vehicle and fleet services sector. The business is seeking to appoint an exceptional Operations Director to join its Executive Leadership Team.This is a newly created and strategically important appointment within a business that has established a strong market position and is entering an exciting next phase of its development.The successful individual will have significant influence across operational performance, fleet effectiveness, customer service and commercial returns, while contributing to the broader strategic direction and future growth of the organisation.The OpportunityAs a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Operations Director will take leadership responsibility for important areas of the business, with a clear mandate to enhance fleet performance, operational efficiency, service delivery and profitability.This is an opportunity for an accomplished senior leader who combines strategic thinking, strong commercial judgement and a practical understanding of fleet operations and vehicle services.Relevant experience could have been gained across trucks, vans, LCVs, cars or mixed vehicle fleets, particularly within contract hire, leasing, rental, fleet management or a substantial organisation operating its own large fleet.You will identify opportunities to improve performance, challenge established ways of working and introduce new ideas that deliver measurable operational and financial results.Working closely with fellow Executive leaders, you will strengthen operational capability, develop high performing teams and ensure the business continues to deliver an exceptional service to its customers.The role offers considerable scope to make an impact. It will suit an ambitious and commercially minded leader who enjoys operating with autonomy, influencing at the highest level and turning strategy into action.The IndividualWe are particularly interested in experienced senior leaders with a strong track record within fleet management, contract hire, leasing, rental or vehicle services.This could include experience gained within truck, van, LCV, car or mixed fleet environments. Direct HGV experience would be advantageous, but is not essential where candidates can demonstrate strong and relevant fleet leadership experience.Relevant experience may have been gained within the private sector, public sector or an organisation operating successfully across both.You are likely to have held a senior operations, fleet, commercial or general management position within a substantial asset intensive or fleet based organisation where vehicle availability, utilisation, customer service, cost control and commercial performance are critical to success.Candidates should be able to demonstrate:Significant senior leadership experience within fleet management, contract hire, leasing, rental or vehicle servicesExperience of managing or supporting substantial truck, van, LCV, car or mixed vehicle fleetsA successful record of improving fleet availability, utilisation, efficiency, service and financial performanceStrong commercial and financial judgement, with evidence of delivering meaningful and sustainable performance improvementExperience leading, motivating and developing operational teams within complex, service led or asset intensive environmentsThe ability to identify opportunities, challenge convention and introduce new approaches to improve performanceThe credibility, presence and communication skills to influence effectively at Executive and Board levelA practical, visible and accountable leadership style, combined with the ability to think strategicallyThe ambition and capability to contribute beyond the immediate operational remit and play an important role in the future development of the organisationThe Opportunity to Make a DifferenceThe successful individual will join the Executive Leadership Team from day one, with genuine influence over the direction and development of the business.For an ambitious senior leader, the position provides the opportunity to shape operational strategy, improve the performance of a substantial fleet operation and make a visible contribution to the long term success and value of the organisation.An excellent financial remuneration package is available, including a significant long term incentive plan and the opportunity for equity participation, providing meaningful alignment with the future success of the business.The position is based in the Midlands and will require regular presence within the business, together with appropriate field and client visits.All applications and initial conversations will be managed in complete confidence by Novo Executive Search.