Amanda Douglas-Smith
Wilberfoss ,York
Summary
An experienced operational and commercial leader with a strong track record of delivering high-performing in-house construction, maintenance and property services within a large local authority environment. Currently serving as Commercial Operational Service Manager within Leeds Building Services, Leeds City Council's in-house construction provider, supporting approximately £80 million of construction activity annually across housing and corporate property portfolios.
Bringing extensive leadership experience across responsive repairs, voids, planned maintenance, capital improvement programmes, lift services, mechanical and electrical services, asbestos surveying and removal, and wider property compliance functions. Experienced in operating within complex service environments employing over 400 trade operatives and 120 support staff, with responsibility for service performance, governance, commercial management, compliance, continuous improvement and organisational transformation. A proven leader of multidisciplinary teams with expertise spanning operational construction delivery, fleet management, stores, health and safety, construction estimating, business development, contract management and commercial governance. Demonstrated success in driving service improvement, strengthening governance frameworks, managing risk, controlling expenditure and improving operational efficiency while maintaining a strong focus on resident outcomes and value for money.
Regularly deputising for the Head of Service, providing strategic leadership, decision-making and representation at senior management level. Recognised for building strong relationships with stakeholders, leading change programmes and developing high-performing teams capable of delivering against demanding operational and financial targets. An ILM Level 7 Executive Coach and Mentor who combines strategic thinking, commercial acumen and people-focused leadership to deliver sustainable improvements and organisational excellence.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Commercial Operational Service Manager
Leeds Building Services, Leeds City Council
Leeds, West Yorkshire
2021.11 - Current
Responsible for leading operational service performance, governance, commercial control and continuous improvements of an internal service provider for construction, with a turn over of £80mill in 25/26 financial year. Oversight of service delivery of Responsive Repairs, Voids, M&E, Lifts, Planned Works and Asbestos by approx. 400 trade operatives and 120 back office staff delivering a comprehensive range of construction, maintenance, compliance, and improvement services across Leeds City Council's housing and corporate property portfolios.
· Leading operational and commercial governance activities across a large-scale construction and maintenance service.
· Managing service performance, risk, compliance, and financial controls.
Achieved effective governance, commercial oversight, and organisational compliance across all service areas.
· Driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, performance, and customer outcomes.
· Developing strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
· Supporting business transformation and strategic planning activities.
· Providing senior leadership and decision-making as deputy to the Head of Service.
Senior Service Manager
Leeds Building Services, Leeds City Council
Leeds, West Yorkshire
2018.07 - 2021.11
Lead operational service performance and governance activities.
Managed commercial controls, budgeting, compliance, and risk management to ensure operational integrity and alignment with strategic goals.
- Oversaw operational performance, commercial governance, service improvement, stakeholder management, compliance, and financial oversight, leading initiatives to enhance service delivery and align operations with organisational objectives.
- Led continuous improvement and service transformation initiatives to elevate service quality and operational effectiveness.
- Build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships across the organisation.
- Monitor performance metrics and implement improvement plans.
- Support strategic decision-making and organisational objectives.
- Support strategic decision-making and organisational objectives.
Education
Level 7 - Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors
Institute of Leadership and Management
2023.10 - 2025.04
Accredited - Contract Management - Practitioner
Government Commercial Function
2024.01 - 2024.06
O License - Transport Management
OCR
2019.08 - 2019.08
IOSH Managing Safely - Health and Safety
Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
2019.12 - 2019.12
Skills
Strategic Leadership
Operational Construction Service Management
Commercial & Financial Governance within local government
Stakeholder Engagement & Influencing
People Leadership & Talent Development
Change Management & Continuous Improvement
Risk, Compliance & Assurance
Contract & Supplier Management
Timeline
Accredited - Contract Management - Practitioner
Government Commercial Function
2024.01 - 2024.06
Level 7 - Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors
Institute of Leadership and Management
2023.10 - 2025.04
Commercial Operational Service Manager
Leeds Building Services, Leeds City Council
2021.11 - Current
IOSH Managing Safely - Health and Safety
Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
2019.12 - 2019.12
O License - Transport Management
OCR
2019.08 - 2019.08
Senior Service Manager
Leeds Building Services, Leeds City Council
2018.07 - 2021.11