Application Deadline: 5 January 2026
Department: Operations and Maintenance
Location: Durham Gate Office, County Durham
Description
About Breedon Group:
Breedon Group plc is a leading vertically integrated construction materials group in Great Britain, Ireland, and the USA. We're dedicated to providing high-quality materials and services for the construction industry, with a commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation. Joining Breedon means becoming part of a team that values excellence and is committed to making a positive impact.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Operations Manager who will be the driving force behind the performance, development, and wellbeing of our Readymix plants across the North of the area ( Northumberland / Tyne and Wear ). Your key responsibility is to lead and develop your team, ensuring they are supported, competent, and motivated to deliver safely, efficiently, and profitably.
You will set expectations, provide coaching, and create a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement. While technical knowledge is important, your priority will be people leadership; growing capability, succession planning, and ensuring the operational team has the confidence, tools, and mindset to thrive in a changing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Lead, coach, and develop the operational management team to deliver high standards of safety, efficiency, quality, and cost control.
Set clear expectations, KPI’s and development plans for all direct reports, ensuring accountability and progress against agreed objectives
Conduct regular 1:1s, performance development reviews, and talent reviews to identify strengths, address gaps, and build succession plans
Champion a culture of visible leadership, open communication, and shared learning across all operations
Drive engagement, culture-building initiatives, and morale
Support change management efforts and communicate business updates effectively
Ensure all sites are effectively planned, resourced, and run in a way that meets customer needs while controlling cost and maintaining reliability
Work collaboratively with Commercial Managers to align production with customer demand, seasonality, and strategic goals
Drive effective communication between operations, distribution, transport, technical, and commercial teams
Represent the company professionally with key external stakeholders including EA, local authorities, BSI, and neighbours
Ensure full compliance with procurement, contractor, and cost control procedures across all operations
Challenge inefficiencies and support your managers in introducing sustainable improvements and new ways of working
Assist the Readymix Manager in developing and delivering area strategy, CAPEX planning, business cases, and improvement projects
Work with the finance and commercial teams to analyse costs, monitor spend, and ensure value is delivered in all areas of responsibility
Ensure full compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental legislation, including the Mines & Quarries Act 1954 and Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.
Promote a proactive safety culture through visible leadership, inspections, near-miss reporting, and structured site reviews.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Significant experience in readymix operations or extractive industries, with a proven leadership track record
Strong knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations and best practices relevant to quarrying
Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate, mentor, challenge, and inspire
Commercial awareness and confidence to contribute to strategic planning and decision-making
High personal accountability with the drive to make things better and lead by example
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a focus on collaboration, listening, and clarity
Strong analytical and organisational abilities
A full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel as required.
Desirable
NVQ Level 4/5 in Health, Safety & Environmental Management
Job Benefits
A tailored, competitive salary
Company Pension Scheme
25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays on top
Share Saver Scheme participation
Company Life Assurance Scheme
Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for health and wellbeing support
Discounts on a wide range of products through our employee benefits platform
Broad learning opportunities and career progression pathways.
Diversity Statement
At Breedon Group, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued. We believe in equality of opportunity for all and encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates.
Join Us
If you're looking for a role that challenges you, offers progression, and contributes to building better futures, we'd love to hear from you. This position is an opportunity to grow your career within a supportive and dynamic environment at Breedon Group.
Application Process
Ready to make a meaningful difference? Apply now by submitting your CV and cover letter. We look forward to considering your application and potentially welcoming you to our team.