Operations Director Position
Liverpool
Dear John,
I am writing to express my keen interest in the position of Operations Director at HMS. With extensive experience in both operational and technical management within the construction and housing industry, coupled with a talent for streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency, I am confident that my skills and experience make me the ideal person to fit within your team.
With extensive senior leadership experience in the construction sector, I am well-positioned to take on the role of Operations Director – Construction at HMS, bringing a proven track record of successfully delivering major projects in both refurbishment and new build. I have led complex, multi-disciplinary teams through transformational projects, always ensuring that work is delivered safely, compliantly, and to a consistently high standard. My approach is underpinned by a deep understanding of health and safety legislation, building regulations, and compliance frameworks, ensuring robust governance and risk mitigation across all operations. Its this well rounded technical and operational experience that I believe will majorly benefit HMS moving forward.
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I believe that the work I do makes a difference to peoples lives for the better and its that satisfaction that drives me to succeed, a trait I believe would be well suited to HMS’s mission of growing stronger communities. My values are also aligned with the values of the business which makes me feel a good fit for a senior role to help build and promote a rewarding place to work. I take action, i never procrastinate and I care about the work my team achieves. I’m a strong believer that when your values are aligned with the business that shows in everything you do.
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Technical & Design Leadership
My professional journey began as an Architectural Technician, where I developed a strong foundation in technical design, project development, and the finalisation of construction details. This role gave me early exposure to regulatory compliance and fostered productive relationships with local authorities and statutory bodies. Today, as a Design Director, I lead the full design process—appointing and managing internal teams and external consultants to deliver technically demanding, BIM Level 2-compliant schemes. I ensure all design outputs are aligned with programme, cost, and quality objectives, and that they support a seamless transition into construction.
Pre-Construction & Technical Strategy
For the past decade, I have led pre-construction activities and overseen the technical delivery of live projects from concept through to contract award. My role has involved shaping designs, developing cost plans, and ensuring risk and value are properly understood and controlled from the outset. I have built and maintained long-standing relationships with stakeholders and design teams, driving collaboration and certainty across multiple workstreams. I’ve also developed and implemented project systems now widely used across organisations—for example, a risk management matrix at Bowmer + Kirkland, a fully integrated design deliverables schedule at Midgard, and SharePoint-based document control systems at CL Projects to streamline project communication and governance.
Operational Delivery & Innovation
With over a decade of experience delivering new build, refurbishment, and large-scale fit-out schemes across greenfield, brownfield, and complex inner-city sites, I have a deep understanding of construction operations in both planned and live environments. I have led multidisciplinary teams through the full delivery cycle—managing logistics, sequencing, and stakeholder engagement with a strong emphasis on programme control and health and safety. I produce my own detailed programmes using Asta Powerproject and drive delivery to meet or exceed optimistic but achievable timelines.
My leadership is rooted in fostering a proactive, collaborative culture across contractors, consultants, and clients—promoting a shared “can-do” attitude that ensures solutions are found, not problems highlighted. I am committed to continuous improvement and have introduced several innovations on site, including the use of QR boards linked to digital drawings to improve design access and reduce errors. I have also championed sustainable construction methodologies and digital tools that enhance efficiency, ensure compliance, and deliver better outcomes for clients and end users.
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Adaptable - Having worked for various scale companies throughout my career I am used to working within and managing lean teams and using what available resource I have at my disposal to achieve my goals. I am able to work autonomously and you will never hear me say “that’s not my job” when a task needs completing as part of the team ethos
Approachable - I am the type of leader that takes time to get to know my team personally, it’s not always about work and I take time to chat about life outside of work, I believe having this approach makes for a better working environment and team ethos and gives my team members the confidence to talk to me freely and in confidence when something work related is bothering them.
Empathetic - A skill I have taken a long time to learn is my ability to be empathetic to team members at their time of need. I listen, understand, and care, I can keep my emotions to one side and show compassion and understanding when required.
Positive - I believe in always having a positive and optimistic outlook on things, I am the type of leader who is always smiling, keeps team moral high no matter how much pressure were under and appreciates the effort each team member puts in to achieving our goals.
Strives for Improvement - My nature is to constantly look for ways to improve processes and make things more efficient, a trait that aligns well with Miller Homes core value of Prospering. It’s a principal I have had engrained in me from an early age, and I have developed countless tools and processes that are used by most of my previous and current employers. I adapt the principals of lean management whenever possible to develop efficient tools to help my team and workplace succeed.
Consistent - I always deliver on time, I am conscientious and pride myself providing a level of technical expertise that differentiates us from the competition and gives us a competitive edge.
Driven - Setting realistic timescales and achieving results is something I excel at. My whole career has been about delivering results and this ethos is engrained in my day to day management of my team. I am confident in my approach and able to work autonomously under my own initiative to deliver the task at hand.
Clear and Concise - I take pride in the work I deliver. I ensure its clearly set out, accurate and fully auditable.
Organised - I manage my time effectively. I delegate efficiently and hold my team to account when required to achieve results. I keep everybody informed to ensure were all working to achieve the same goals. I work in a paperless ethos and keep a clear and organised workspace.
Accountable - I make decisions when required to do so, I always ensure there informed and in the best interests of my employer. I always stand behind any decision I have made and accountable for the actions of my team.
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Great Communication and Presentation Skills - I am an expert with Office 365 software packages such as PowerPoint, excel, word etc. I can demonstrate my ideas and concepts effectively utilising CAD software to illustrate change and benefits to stakeholders. I am an advanced excel user who also uses Power Bi to dashboard data analytics to help drive strategic insights. I’ve developed a range of tools to effectively manage multiple processes providing clear and concise dashboard views to track and manage multiple processes simultaneously.
Value Engineering - A skill I am unrivalled at. I look at design differently from my counterparts due to my experience and I find value in places nobody would look to consider and my out the box thinking often drives efficiencies in programming and build ability that gives us a competitive edge.
Buildability - I can look at a layout of any scheme and understand the way it should be built, how it should be showcased, how it needs to be serviced during construction, and how it can be successfully built out with minimal disruption to the end users.
Change Management - My ability to manage change has come through years of experience. Having processes in place to document and drive this changes is key to ensuring the overall design process remains on track and client expectations are managed effectively.
Programme Management - I have significant experience working in Asta Power Project and Microsoft Project building comprehensive project programmes detailing pre-construction and delivery activities which are resource loaded and used to drive projects forward.
Stakeholder Management - I am a people person, I am positive, focused and deliver results to my stakeholders and am respected for that. Many of the University schemes I have worked on have multiple stakeholders and having effective stakeholder engagement plans and processes helps build that early relationship and delivers success.
CAD Skills - My ability to utilise CAD software such as REVIT, Autocad, Navisworks, Sketchup, Enscape etc. allows me to decipher designs and put them back together in a way that generates savings and demonstrates buildability and efficiency.
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As an initiative-taking leader one of my standout qualities is my ability to manage and develop tools and processes to streamline and improve efficiency for the benefit of my employer and my team. I am not afraid of being bold and taking calculated risks to push the business forward and always deliver on what I set out to achieve. Its this sense of ownership and pride that has helped me forge long lasting relationships with customers and there professional consultants that has led to repeat business.
My technical expertise positions me to impactfully elevate HMS’s operational efficiency and reporting capabilities. I have extensive experience utilising 4D modelling, advanced project planning tools, and data analytics—to gain a strategic, real-time view of project KPIs across multiple projects an provide clear and concise reports. Through platforms like SharePoint and Power BI, I transform complex operational data into actionable insights, streamlining performance tracking, scenario modelling, and forecasting. This enables more informed decision-making, greater transparency, and stronger accountability throughout project lifecycles. By embedding these digital solutions into HMS’s core operations, I will help create a more agile, data-driven approach to construction management that aligns directly with the organisation’s commercial ambitions and social responsibilities.
Equally important is my ability to lead, inspire, and develop people. I have built high-performing teams across diverse functions by creating a culture rooted in accountability, collaboration, and shared purpose. With a strong commercial focus, I have proven experience preparing and managing project budgets, performance monitoring, and delivering cost-effective solutions without compromising quality. I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to HMS’s ambitious vision, transforming how we build and invest in homes and communities at scale, while ensuring long-term value and impact. I have summarised my suitability against the key responsibilities of the role below:
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I am a strategic leader with a proven ability to drive operational change and improve performance across technical and construction operations. If successful in joining HMS, I would lead the transformation of construction operations to ensure teams are working efficiently, collaboratively, and in full alignment with the company’s strategic goals. I am commercially focused, committed to ensuring value is embedded in every aspect of technical and operational delivery and take pride in the fact that these are then reinvested to deliver true social impact. I also place health and safety at the heart of operations and would champion a culture where safety is prioritised across all sites and teams. Working closely and as part of the group’s senior leadership team, I would contribute to positioning the organisation as a contractor of choice, celebrating the businesses successes and promoting the great work HMS does daily.
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I bring a proactive and solutions focused approach to corporate leadership, ensuring all commercial activity aligns with group policies and meets legal and statutory obligations across areas such as Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity, Data Protection, Finance, and Procurement. I use data driven insight to monitor performance against KPIs, enabling informed decision making that drives improvements in cost, quality, and productivity ultimately maximising returns and enhancing customer satisfaction. I take a structured approach to risk management, working within corporate risk frameworks to identify, assess, and mitigate risks. I have developed and led operational transformation programmes that deliver measurable outcomes, and I remain future focused, actively scanning the external environment to anticipate legislative, political, and sector wide changes such as the Building Safety Act where I developed a robust pre-construction programme and scope of works to navigate the gateway process successfully. I am a value driven leader and resonate deeply with HMS’s principles of ownership, care, and delivery. I also understand the importance of group wide priorities and performance indicators, ensuring local operations are fully connected to wider strategic goals.
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As a highly experienced and strategic leader, I am uniquely positioned to lead HMS’s construction operations with a focus on delivering efficient, high-quality, and profitable services aligned to business plan and contractual targets. I bring proven expertise in managing a range of operations from Major Ground Remediation Projects, Sensitive Demolition and Temporary Works, Modular Construction, New Build and Refurbishment Schemes, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
I apply a strategic lens to resource planning, financial forecasting, and contract management, identifying opportunities for cost savings, risk mitigation, and operational optimisation. I take full accountability for meeting legal, financial, and regulatory responsibilities across all areas of construction, supported by robust risk management strategies, performance reporting, and governance structures.
My leadership is results driven and client focused, with a deep commitment to delivering value and exceeding customer expectations. I would take ownership of pre-construction activities, ensuring seamless project execution from pre-planning through to completion and ensure all the necessary quality and handover documentation is in place to ensure the building health and safety file is adequately fulfilled. I work collaboratively with senior leaders and operational teams to meet business plan targets on productivity, cost control, and operational performance, while continuously improving quality management practices and IT systems to support my team. I also ensure the company’s compliance with technical and statutory regulations, including Building Safety Act requirements, and lead on attaining and maintaining excellence through accreditations. As the lead for Health and Safety, I would chair a safety committee and align HMS practices with group wide priorities, safeguarding our workforce, customers, and reputation.
Operationally, I foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration. I would drive forward strategic partnerships, working with clients to deliver shared objectives and identify future business opportunities. I would support and develop our management structure to ensure we are agile, efficient, and fit for future growth, while aligning our practices with new legislation and market demands. Through effective leadership, I embed fairness, equality, and strong customer focus across all operations, ensuring that all services are responsive to individual needs. I would also be a trusted advisor to the HMS Managing Director and the Torus Board, providing clear and timely insight into operational performance, emerging risks, and strategic direction, and I am fully prepared to deputise for the Managing Director whenever required.
My leadership is results-driven and client-focused, with an unwavering commitment to delivering value and exceeding customer expectations. I oversee all pre- and post-construction activities, ensuring seamless project execution from contract planning through to completion and invoicing. I work collaboratively with senior leaders and operational teams to meet business plan targets on productivity, cost control, and operational performance, while continuously improving quality management practices and IT systems. I also ensure the company’s compliance with technical and statutory regulations, including Building Safety Act requirements, and lead on attaining and maintaining excellence through accreditations such as Considerate Constructor standards. As the lead director for Health and Safety, I chair the safety committee and align HMS practices with group-wide priorities, safeguarding our workforce, customers, and reputation.
Operationally, I foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration. I drive forward strategic partnerships, working with clients to deliver shared objectives, manage complaints effectively, and identify future business opportunities. I support and develop our management structure to ensure we are agile, efficient, and fit for future growth, while aligning our practices with new legislation and market demands. Through effective leadership, I embed fairness, equality, and strong customer focus across all operations, ensuring that all services are responsive to individual needs. I am also a trusted advisor to the HMS Managing Director and Board, providing clear and timely insight into operational performance, emerging risks, and strategic direction, and I am fully prepared to deputise for the Managing Director whenever required.
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As a passionate and proven leader, I am the ideal candidate for the Operations Director role at HMS, bringing a track record of empowering individuals and teams to thrive. I lead with purpose, coaching and supporting staff to develop both personally and professionally, fostering a culture of accountability, responsibility, and job satisfaction that directly supports HMS in retaining top talent and achieving ambitious results, I take pride in seeing my team prosper. My leadership is style visible, proactive, and would be rooted in clear communication of HMS’s mission, vision, and values, ensuring staff feel connected and engaged. I prioritise building a culture grounded in trust, mutual respect, and integrity, where individuals feel safe to take ownership, challenge themselves, and collaborate effectively. As a coach and mentor, I would nurture a mindset of continuous improvement, innovation, and smart risk management, helping teams adapt and evolve. As an effective leader, I build strong relationships by fostering trust, encouraging open communication, and showing genuine respect for others’ perspectives.
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I am the strongest candidate for the Operations Director role at HMS due to my ability to lead and nurture impactful stakeholder relationships that drive strategic and operational success. I have a proven ability to engage and align managers, contractors, and staff with clear, motivational communication, ensuring the delivery of HMS’s strategic goals while promoting the Torus Group’s mission, vision, and values. I would build and maintain a strong network both within and beyond the housebuilding sector, staying ahead of regulatory changes and best practices while actively promoting the Group. My approach is rooted in partnership and relationships, I would identify business challenges early, align objectives, remove obstacles, and ensure resources are targeted for maximum impact. I would work closely with corporate support functions to successfully implement group wide strategies, policies, and initiatives. My ability to maintain deep, trusted relationships across business areas ensures I remain agile, informed, and ready to engage whenever decisive action is needed.
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I believe I am the best fit for the Operations Director role at HMS, as I would bring a steadfast commitment to health and safety as a core pillar of operational excellence. I would lead by example, ensuring that Health and Safety policies and procedures are not only adhered to but fully embedded into the day-to-day operations and culture of HMS. My approach goes beyond compliance, I would champion a proactive, preventative safety culture where staff at all levels understand their responsibilities and are empowered to act safely and responsibly. Through clear communication, regular training, and visible leadership, I ensure health and safety is a shared priority, integral to delivering effective and safe services. I consistently monitor performance, address risks promptly, and promote continuous improvement in safety practices, helping HMS to safeguard its workforce, customers, and reputation. My leadership ensures that safety is never compromised, even in the face of complex operational demands, and reinforces HMS’s commitment to excellence and duty of care.
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I am the strongest candidate for the Operations Director role at HMS because I am deeply committed to embedding equality, diversity, and fairness into every aspect of service delivery and leadership. I ensure that all colleagues and customers are treated with dignity and respect, with services tailored to meet individual needs and circumstances. My approach is not only inclusive but proactive, I would challenge inequality, remove barriers, and champion a culture where fairness is integral to decision-making and day-to-day operations. I always lead by example, promoting inclusive practices across teams, ensuring diverse voices are heard, and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This commitment would help HMS deliver a service that reflects the diverse communities we serve and supports a workplace culture where all staff can thrive and reach their potential.
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I am the best candidate for the Operations Director role at HMS because I place the highest priority on safeguarding and the protection of vulnerable adults and children. Having worked on several educational projects I would actively promote a culture where safety, vigilance, and accountability are integral to everyday practice across all levels of the organisation because they must be. I would ensure that all staff are fully aware of their responsibilities under Local Authority and Torus Safeguarding Policies and that any concerns are reported promptly and appropriately. Through clear communication, training, and visible leadership, I embed safeguarding into all operational processes, reinforcing the importance of early identification, intervention, and ongoing support. I lead by example, fostering a safe and responsive environment where staff feel confident in raising concerns and taking action to protect those at risk.
Location: Being within 53 miles of the regional office makes the office commute sustainable and practical, and its a route I am used to making when working out of Midagrds Skelmersdale Office.
Some examples of some of the documents I have produced