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:
Water utilities
Civil engineering
Infrastructure delivery
Highways
Pipeline installation
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
Fast-paced, high-volume delivery environments
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
Company car or car allowance
Private medical insurance
Hybrid working
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.
Apply now for a confidential discussion or call Rob on (phone number removed)