Reference: OPSDHH_1778165332
Posted: May 7, 2026
Operations Director - Water Utilities / Infrastructure / Civil Engineering
Hertfordshire HQ | London & South East Projects | Hybrid Working
Excellent Salary + Bonus + Car Allowance + Private Medical Insurance
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Director to lead the delivery of a major water infrastructure and utilities programme across London and the South East.
This senior leadership role is ideal for candidates with a strong background in water utilities, civil engineering, highways, infrastructure, pipeline installation, or planned works delivery who are looking to take ownership of a flagship operational programme with significant long‑term investment and growth.
The successful candidate will oversee the delivery of a large‑scale water mains replacement programme involving over 150km of critical infrastructure works, managing operational performance, commercial delivery, safety, client relationships, and multidisciplinary teams across multiple live projects.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead operational delivery across major water, utilities, highways, or civil engineering projects
* Manage large planned works and infrastructure programmes valued in excess of £35m annually
* Drive productivity, programme performance, and operational efficiency
* Oversee installation and commissioning activities for water mains and linear infrastructure
* Ensure compliance with highways regulations, permitting, HSEQ, and industry standards
* Lead and develop large operational and project delivery teams
* Build strong client, stakeholder, and supply chain relationships
* Support continuous improvement, Lean delivery, and programme optimisation
Candidate Requirements
We are seeking an Operations Director, Contracts Director, Framework Director, Programme Director, or Senior Operations Manager with experience in:
* Highways
* Utilities frameworks
* Planned maintenance or capital works programmes
Ideal experience includes
* Leading large‑scale operational delivery teams
* Managing multi‑site utilities or infrastructure programmes
* Water mains replacement or pipeline projects
* Commercial and budget management responsibility
* Strong stakeholder and client management capability
Desirable Qualifications
* Engineering degree or equivalent
* NEBOSH Construction or General Certificate
* Temporary Works knowledge/certification
* Lean, Agile, or continuous improvement experience
Package
* Attractive basic salary
* Performance‑related bonus
* Private medical insurance
* Long‑term secured workload
* Senior leadership opportunity within a growing infrastructure business
Based from a modern Hertfordshire headquarters, this role will involve regular travel to projects across London and the South East.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior infrastructure or utilities professional to play a key role in one of the UK’s most significant water network upgrade programmes.
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