Head of Asbestos Services

About this role

As Head of Asbestos Services, you'll lead the operational and commercial success of our asbestos team - driving performance in line with our strategy, business goals, and annual plans.

Working closely with our Operations Managers for Asbestos, Quality and Training, Client Delivery the QA Manager and regional lab team leaders, you'll make sure all projects are delivered the Pennington way - on time, to the right standard, and with complete client confidence.

You'll also play a key role in growing the service, securing new opportunities, and ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of our asbestos business.

About you

You'll bring at least 7 years of senior-level experience in asbestos services and demonstrate strong technical competence - ideally holding P401, P402, P403, P404, P405, and working towards or already holding the Certificate of Competence in Asbestos (CoCA), CCP, or equivalent.

Core Competencies

Drive for Results - Consistently exceeds goals and delivers strong outcomes. Focused, persistent, and driven to achieve high performance.

Business Acumen - Understands how businesses operate and how financial decisions impact success. Capable of preparing forecasts, reviewing monthly performance, and pricing complex tenders to meet profit targets.

Decision Quality - Uses a balance of analysis, experience, and judgement to make sound decisions. Trusted for providing reliable advice and solutions.

Customer Focus - Builds strong relationships with clients and internal teams. Anticipates needs, acts proactively, and always delivers exceptional service.

Negotiation Skills - Skilled at navigating complex negotiations to achieve win-win outcomes while maintaining trust and positive relationships.

Managerial Courage - Communicates honestly and directly, addressing performance issues promptly and fairly. Provides constructive feedback and isn't afraid to make tough decisions.

Leadership - Sets clear direction, motivates others, and gets the best from the team. Recognises success, maintains open dialogue, and ensures work is well organised and focused.

Communication - Keeps people informed, shares essential information in a timely way, and promotes transparency across the team and wider organisation.

Role Responsibilities

You'll lead the operational and commercial performance of our asbestos service, ensuring it delivers on our strategy, business objectives, and budget plans.

You'll directly manage the Operations Managers - Asbestos (North, Central, South and Quality and Training), supporting them and their teams to deliver a high-performing, quality-focused service. Working closely with the Operations Manager - Client Delivery, the QA Manager, regional lab team leaders and colleagues across Pennington Choices, you'll drive a joined-up approach to service delivery and business growth.

You'll also take responsibility for maintaining our UKAS accreditation and act as the organisation's Asbestos Technical Manager, ensuring compliance and technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Relationships - Build strong, long-lasting partnerships with clients. Act as the senior contact for escalations and provide expert asbestos management advice to ensure each contract runs smoothly and adds value.

• Operational Performance - Deliver against performance targets, ensuring all services meet contractual obligations and align with business goals.

• Commercial Performance - Achieve turnover, gross profit, and net profit targets while maximising efficiency and the potential of both staff and contracts.

• Growth and Business Development - Work with the Commercial Team and Professional Services Director to secure new business, support tenders and bids, and promote Pennington Choices' wider services. Drive growth beyond our traditional markets.

• Quality and Compliance - Partner with the Operations Manager - Quality & Training to ensure full compliance with asbestos legislation, UKAS standards, and best practice. Embed a culture of quality and attention to detail across the team, including oversight of QA and Laboratory functions.

• UKAS Management - Oversee asbestos inspection and testing accreditations, maintaining audit readiness and driving continuous improvement.

• Auditing and Governance - Ensure robust audit processes are in place and foster a culture of compliance through Toolbox Talks, training, and staff briefings.

• Leadership and People Management - Provide clear, confident leadership. Oversee recruitment, inductions, training, performance management, and engagement, ensuring consistent standards across all teams.

• Team Communication - Stay connected with your team through regular 1:1s, briefings, and site visits. Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing to build a strong, engaged culture.

• Cross-Team Collaboration - Strengthen relationships within the asbestos service and across Pennington Choices to promote joined-up working and continuous improvement.

• Technology and Systems - Work with the Business Improvement Team to enhance the use of systems like Alpha Tracker, FLS, and Mark One (Teams). Champion innovation and efficiency through smart technology and data integration.

• Technical Expertise - Provide hands-on technical support for asbestos surveying and analytical projects, including project management, scoping, and risk assessment.

• Health and Safety - Ensure full compliance with health and safety legislation, maintaining high standards of safety awareness and training across the service.

• Advice and Consultancy - Deliver specialist consultancy projects, offering clients expert insight and reinforcing our position as trusted industry leaders.

Benefits

Pennington Choices has been recognised by Best Companies as being a very good employer each year since 2018. We offer a working environment that is stimulating, where our people are given the tools they need to help shape their careers. With approachable and supportive line management and a proven track record of promoting from within, we encourage our people to be the best they can be, and we provide them with training, variety and support to help them grow.

We also provide colleagues with:

• Competitive salary and transparent salary bands
• Commitment to super flexible and remote hybrid working where applicable
• 37.5-hour working week
• 26 days annual leave plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Additional leave for length of service up to 31 days each year
• Opportunity to buy additional annual leave or sell surplus leave
• Enhanced employer pension contributions of 4% when you contribute 6%
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Regular Learning and Development opportunities
• Regular company social events including an annual summer BBQ
• Cycle to work scheme, offering savings of at least 32%* on a new bike and cycle safety accessories
• Electric Car salary sacrifice scheme, saving 30-60% on an electric car (subject to eligibility)
• Access to an online platform providing employee discounts on hundreds of high street brands
• Access to private healthcare, Employee Assistance Programme including annual flu jab
• Paid sick leave allowance each year
• Free eye tests and contribution towards new glasses/frames
• Referral programme offering up to £1,000
• Access to paid volunteering days in support of local charities/initiatives
• Length of service reward

About us

Pennington Choices is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Pennington Choices provides property surveying and consultancy services to organisations nationwide. We have a wealth of experience working with more than 800 public and private sector organisations across social housing, NHS, education, and rail since 2000.

At the heart of what makes Pennington Choices special is our people. We live by our values of being fun, resilient, brave and treating each other with respect. We also know there's more to life than work, which is why we will encourage you to stay active, nurture your mental health, and create a fulfilling work/life balance.

Our head office is a converted barn in the picturesque Cheshire countryside, located just 3 minutes from M56 Jct10, and we have regional offices in Bromley, Kent and Sheffield. We are a close-knit organisation with people at our very core, and we strive for excellence in everything we do. As winners of Employer of the Year at both the Warrington Business Awards and the South London Business Awards, we've been recognised by Best Companies as a very good employer each year since 2018.

This is an exciting time to join us. We are a business with a strong track record of growth, trusted by clients across housing, health, education, and commercial sectors to deliver safe, sustainable, and high-quality services. As part of the Mears Group, and as a proud B Corporation, we are well-positioned to continue growing while making a positive impact on our people, clients, communities, and the environment.

Ready to start your next chapter?

If this sounds like the job for you, complete the job application and attach your CV for consideration . If you would like an informal conversation about this opportunity get in touch and our Interim Director of Asbestos Services will be happy to discuss this with you.

for Head of Asbestos Services

Our team will be reviewing all applications over the next couple of weeks. Unfortunately we are unable to respond to everyone individually, therefore if you have not heard from us within 14 days it means that we will not be progressing your application further on this occasion.

Work Location: In person