Business Unit Director – Mechanical, Fire & Smoke

Job Title: Business Unit Director – Mechanical, Fire & Smoke Department: Operations – Mechanical, Fire and Smoke Location: Offices in Sevenoaks, Kent Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer (COO) Salary: £80,000 - £100,000 per annum (depending on experience)  

Role Summary: CBW are partnering with a leading specialist in mechanical, fire, and smoke services to recruit a Business Unit Director to oversee the Mechanical, Fire and Smoke division.

This is a pivotal leadership position with full accountability for operational and financial performance, team development, and service delivery.

The successful candidate will be responsible for driving growth, improving efficiencies, and maintaining high standards of health & safety, compliance, and customer service in line with the company’s core values: Customer Centricity, Operational Excellence, Safety First, Ownership, and Results Driven.

Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership:

• Define and deliver strategic plans aligned to company objectives, focused on sustainable growth and profitability.
  
  
• Set clear goals and operational objectives for the business unit, ensuring alignment with wider corporate strategy.
  
  
• Monitor performance, proactively adjusting plans to meet or exceed KPIs.
  
  

• Lead the day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, high performance, and profitability.
  
  
• Oversee resource allocation (personnel, budget, tools) to maximise productivity.
  
  
• Drive continuous improvement across processes, reducing costs and enhancing operational delivery.
  
  

• Full P&L responsibility for the division, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
  
  
• Drive revenue growth through strategic planning and rigorous cost control, including accurate job costing and regular margin analysis.
  
  
• Deliver detailed performance and financial reports to the board and senior leadership.
  
  

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of managers, engineers, and coordinators.
  
  
• Identify skills gaps and oversee training, coaching, and succession planning.
  
  
• Implement clear role responsibilities and performance management to maintain high standards across the team.
  
  

• Act as the key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, building strong, long-term relationships.
  
  
• Lead client meetings, manage expectations, and handle escalations where required.
  
  
• Work collaboratively across departments to ensure cohesive service delivery.
  
  

• Analyse market trends, competitor activity, and client needs to identify growth opportunities.
  
  
• Lead on business development initiatives, contributing to new business wins and expansion into new markets.
  
  
• Support innovation in service delivery to ensure competitive market positioning.
  
  

• Champion a culture of “Safety First” across all operations.
  
  
• Ensure strict compliance with industry regulations, health & safety standards, and company policies.
  
  
• Oversee team training, PPE compliance, risk assessments, and project sign-offs, especially on high-risk or subcontractor-involved works.
  
  

• Provide regular operational and financial updates to the COO and senior management.
  
  
• Maintain clear communication channels across departments and with clients.
  
  
• Lead regular team and stakeholder meetings with documented action points and follow-ups.
  
  

• Promotion of a proactive health & safety culture.
  
  
• High customer satisfaction scores.
  
  
• Achievement of financial targets (turnover, margin, subcontractor spend, WIP).
  
  
• Positive team engagement and development outcomes.
  
  
• Efficient job costing and project close-outs.
  
  

• Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role (Director level).
  
  
• Sector experience within mechanical, fire, or smoke industries is essential.
  
  
• Strong commercial acumen with excellent financial and data analysis skills.
  
  
• Excellent communication, leadership, and team development capabilities.
  
  
• Highly organised with an ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
  
  
• Experience managing compliance, health & safety, and risk management frameworks.
  
  

• ILM or similar leadership qualifications preferred.
  
  
• Ambitious, driven, and looking for career progression within a fast-growing business.
  
  
• Strategic thinker with a long-term view on business development and growth.
  
  
• High customer focus and service delivery mindset.