Operations Director

About Us Based at Sky Studios Elstree, Universal Production Services is a fast-growing lighting and rigging equipment rental facility catering to the film and television production industries. We pride ourselves on delivering top-tier equipment, exceptional customer service, and operational excellence. As we continue to expand, we are seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Operations to oversee and optimise our operational processes. Position Summary The Director of Operations will play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient management of daily operations, maintaining the highest standards of quality, and driving growth. This position requires a strong leader with experience in logistics, inventory management, team leadership, and strategic planning in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have a background in equipment rental services, production equipment, or a similar fast-paced industry and will be passionate about streamlining operations, improving workflows, and fostering a culture of excellence. You will be responsible for the overall strategy and day-to-day operations for Set Lighting, Rigging, and Transportation teams. This will include managing a team of professionals who specialise in these areas, measuring their operational performance through KPIs. Your ability to manage complex operations, unique logistics and collaborate effectively with other departments will be critical to your success in this role. Ultimately, your goal will be to ensure that our productions are executed seamlessly, and that we continue to deliver high-quality customer service while meeting operational and financial goals. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership Oversee daily operations, ensuring smooth execution of equipment rentals, maintenance, and returns across all lighting and rigging departments. Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. Implement processes to monitor staffing levels dependent upon business needs. Explore metrics and processes and identify areas of improvement. Develop and report out on top financial and operational KPIs to support all business units. Responsible for ensuring that all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) policies and procedures are effectively implemented and adhered to across the warehouse operations, ensuring compliance with UK health and safety regulations, conducting regular risk assessments, and driving continuous improvements in workplace safety. Oversee the transport fleet, ensuring efficient, cost effective and compliant logistics operations, with the Transport Manager reporting directly to you. Team Management Lead, mentor, and develop a team of operations staff, including warehouse, logistics, and administrative personnel. Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Oversee hiring, training, and performance management of the operations team. Assist with personnel issues within the department, approval for overtime, timekeeping, holiday requests, disciplinary actions, and other related issues within the department. Instill, encourage, and motivate an attitude of complete professionalism and exceptional customer service. Inventory & Asset Management Implement and maintain robust inventory management systems to track equipment availability, usage, and maintenance schedules. Monitor equipment utilisation rates and identify opportunities for expansion or divestment of assets. Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and company policies regarding equipment handling. Support the overall capital and expendable procurement processes across Lighting, Rigging and Transportation. Strategic Planning & Growth Collaborate with senior leadership to align operational goals with business objectives. Identify and implement new technologies, systems, or processes to support scalability and efficiency. Analyse operational data and generate reports to inform decision-making and identify areas for improvement. Establish KPIs to measure operational performance and ensure targets are met. Customer Focus Partner with the Account Manager customer service teams to ensure client satisfaction through timely and accurate delivery of equipment. Address and resolve operational issues or customer complaints promptly and effectively.