Head of Projects / Operations (Pipework only)
Bristol (with site visits as required)
The Opportunity
This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a fast-growing business and take full ownership of a well-performing projects division, with the remit to take it to the next level.
This is an opportunity to join at the right time, take ownership of the projects division, and play a key role in the next phase of growth.
The work is there.
The team is in place.
The foundations are being built.
You will take control of planning, resource, and delivery, driving structure, consistency, and performance across all projects.
This is a senior role with real responsibility, where you will shape how the division operates and have a direct impact on the performance of the business.
The Business
Our client is a mechanical contractor specialising in pipework installation and offsite manufacturing within the building services sector.
Our head office is based in Bristol and comprises two workshop facilities totalling approximately 45,000 sq ft, supporting our offsite fabrication and modular delivery capability.
Project delivery is primarily across London and Bristol, with a growing presence on larger, more complex schemes.
The business is growing year on year, with a strong pipeline of secured work and a clear focus on improving structure, consistency, and delivery across projects.
We are actively investing in our systems, people, and offsite capability to build a more scalable, high-performing operation with a clear ambition to continue expanding over the coming years.
The Role
This role is based out of our Bristol head office, with regular site visits required across our projects, primarily in London and Bristol.
You will take full ownership of the projects division, overseeing the full portfolio of work and the operation behind it.
You will be responsible for:
Performance across all projects
Planning, forecasting, and resource across the division
Structure, standards, and accountability across the team
Responsibilities
Oversee all projects across the portfolio from setup through to completion
Maintain control of margin, programme, and delivery performance
Lead Project Managers and Supervisors and hold them accountable
Manage planning, forecasting, and labour across the division
Maintain visibility of workload, pipeline, and capacity
Drive structure and consistency in how projects are run
Implement and enforce the clients Operating System
Run project reviews and intervene where performance drops
Maintain client relationships and confidence in delivery
Essential Experience / Skills
Strong background in mechanical pipework within building services
Proven experience overseeing multiple projects or a projects function
Strong technical understanding of mechanical installations and delivery
Experience managing Project Managers, Supervisors, and site teams
Ability to plan, forecast, and manage resource across multiple projects
Commercial awareness with ability to understand margin and cost control
Highly organised, structured, and detail-aware
Comfortable working both strategically and hands-on where required
Nice to Have
Experience in offsite fabrication or modular delivery
Experience improving or structuring a projects department
Experience working in a growing or scaling business
Performance Measures
Portfolio margin and programme performance
Department throughput vs plan
Quality performance
Health & safety performance (zero incidents)
Client satisfaction and repeat work
Package & Benefits
£90,000 – £130,000 salary (depending on experience and the level you can operate at)
Package will reflect the level of responsibility and impact on the business
Company vehicle or car allowance
Bonus linked to performance of the projects division
Pension scheme
25 days holiday + bank holidays
The Role Offers
Full ownership of a projects division
Autonomy to implement structure and improve how projects are run
Direct impact on business performance and growth
Opportunity to build and shape a key part of the business
Summary
This role is for someone who wants to take full ownership of a projects division, bring structure and control to delivery, and build a consistently high-performing operation while remaining close enough to the detail to ensure it runs properly