David Woffendin
Brighouse,West Yorkshire
Summary
Results-driven commercial and operational leader with a focus on continuous improvement to drive growth and maximise profits. Proven track record in private equity and owner-managed organisations, establishing trust and confidence in these diverse environments.
Recognised for exceptional problem-solving skills and effective risk management, consistently meeting and exceeding goals.
Over 25 years of experience in the construction and building maintenance industry as a specialist and generalist contractor, with a strong focus on compliance services. Knowledgeable across health, education, and accommodation sectors.
Ready to take on a challenging role to help a business achieve its objectives and surpass expectations.
Overview
4
4
years of post-secondary education
25
25
years of professional experience
Work history
Board Director
Checkmate Fire Solutions
2012.10 - 2026.05
- Achieved growth from revenue of £4m to £55m and EBITDA of £170k to £6m.
- Diversified business from Tier 2 subcontractor to Tier 1 specialist, introducing new services to new customers, sectors, and geographies while evolving business structure to capture these opportunities.
- Managed headcount growth from 15 to over 250 employees.
- Secured accreditations to demonstrate organisational competence and enhance market credibility.
- Completed two successful Private Equity sales in 2018 and 2024.
- Acquired and integrated Rosse Systems into group operations to strengthen service offerings in 2021.
Chief Commercial Officer
Checkmate Fire Solutions
2022.03 - 2026.05
- Introduced dedicated supply chain team, negotiating rebates and streamlining processes for savings in excess of £1m per annum.
- Facilitated business capacity growth by tripling subcontract options.
- Reduced risk by professionalising supply chain relationships through introduction of supplier frameworks.
- Reshaped commercial team structure to match changing business organisation requirements.
- Enhanced commercial governance through process improvements and delegation of authority.
- Developed business analytics and KPIs by overseeing improvements and accuracy of forecasting and CVR process.
- Led on closing out complex contractual negotiations, including £50m of final accounts across 300 sites and a successful mediation that closed out a £1.6m dispute.
- Cultivated senior relationships with key customers to strengthen pipeline and ensure cash flow.
Chief Operating Officer
Checkmate Fire Solutions
2018.09 - 2022.04
- Owned P&L growth from £14m to £32m.
- Built and led team of senior managers across operations, commercial, SHEQ, technical, transformation and fleet.
- Managed crisis situations by coordinating furlough processes, overseeing cash collection efforts, and preparing weekly financial forecasts during Covid 19.
- Streamlined operational and commercial processes and oversaw change management through the launch of the 'Checkmate Way'.
- Evolved delivery model to hybrid structure of in-house operatives, subcontract organisations, and agencies, improving operational flexibility.
- Reduced and managed sole trader IR35 risk exposure through ongoing monitoring.
- Introduced first group of Trainee level operatives.
- Led on geographic expansion opening satellite offices in the South West, South London, West Midlands and Scotland.
- Created pricing strategies that improved profitability and attracted target customers.
- Designed bespoke training for the management team through the Institute of Leadership and Management.
Divisional Director
Checkmate Fire Solutions
2012.10 - 2018.08
- Led the growth of the North division from £1.2m to £7m revenue and from break even to £1m EBITDA.
- Diversified service offering from low margin structural steel protection to higher margin, recurring revenue fire door maintenance and inspection services, enhancing profitability.
- Led on new logo enquiries and the CRM of key accounts.
- Introduced first operational software system, streamlining processes and improving operational efficiency.
Commercial Manager
Checkmate Fire Solutions
2008.02 - 2012.09
- Established foundational commercial processes for pricing, contract review, cost plans, payment applications, and job performance as first Commercial Manager.
- Mitigated risk for customer accounting for 50% of company revenue prior to customer liquidation in 2009.
Quantity Surveyor
Carillion
2001.09 - 2008.01
- Handled the full range of site level Quantity Surveying responsibilities across several projects in Carillion's Building and Highway Maintenance businesses.
- Procured and commercially managed subcontract packages cumulatively worth £5-10m per annum.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering (Commercial Management)
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham 1997.09 - 2001.06
Skills
- P and L responsibility
- Risk management awareness
- Contract review
- Pipeline forecasting
- Supply chain improvement
- Pricing strategy implementation
- Commercial acumen
- Business analytics
- Leadership
- Team development
- Customer Relationship Management
- Change management
Timeline
Chief Commercial Officer
Checkmate Fire Solutions
2022.03 - 2026.05
Chief Operating Officer
Checkmate Fire Solutions
2018.09 - 2022.04
Board Director
Checkmate Fire Solutions
2012.10 - 2026.05
Divisional Director
Checkmate Fire Solutions
2012.10 - 2018.08
Commercial Manager
Checkmate Fire Solutions
2008.02 - 2012.09
Quantity Surveyor
Carillion
2001.09 - 2008.01
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering (Commercial Management)
Nottingham Trent University
1997.09 - 2001.06