General Manager – Utilities / Construction
Location: Reading (100% Office-Based)
Type: Permanent or Contract Opportunity
Salary: Highly Competitive Salary / Day Rate (DOE, Outside IR35 for contract)
The Opportunity
We're working with a growing utilities contractor delivering projects under SSEN Lot 1, covering electricity connections up to 11kV underground and 33kV overhead line (OHL).
They are seeking a General Manager to take full ownership of their office-based operations in Reading. This is a key leadership role with responsibility for driving performance across multiple teams and ensuring efficient project delivery.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the planning, RFQ (pricing), and streetworks departments
* Act as the Office Lead, overseeing administration, training, and operational processes
* Provide strong leadership to department heads (direct reports)
* Drive performance, accountability, and continuous improvement across teams
* Ensure effective coordination across all business functions supporting project delivery
* Make confident, strategic decisions to support business growth and operational efficiency
About You
* Proven experience in a similar senior leadership / General Manager role
* Strong background within construction, utilities, or infrastructure sectors (electricity connections experience highly desirable)
* Demonstrable experience managing multiple teams/functions simultaneously
* Decisive, confident leader able to take ownership and drive outcomes
* Excellent organisational, operational, and people management skills
What's on Offer
* Flexible permanent or contract engagement
* Outside IR35 status for contract roles
* Competitive salary/day rate depending on experienceOpportunity to play a pivotal leadership role within a growing business
* Exposure to major utility frameworks and projects
If you're a strong operational leader with utilities or construction experience and are looking for a role where you can truly make an impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Desired Skills and Experience
Skills (LinkedIn Tags)
* General Management
* Operations Management
* Utilities Management
* Construction Management
* Infrastructure Delivery
* Power Distribution
* Overhead Lines (OHL)
* Underground Cabling
* Streetworks (NRSWA)
* Planning Management
* RFQ / Estimating / Pricing
* Commercial Awareness
* Team Leadership
* People Management
* Stakeholder Management
* Performance Management
* Operational Leadership
* Process Improvement
* Strategic Planning
* Decision Making
Experience Keywords
* Managed multi-functional teams (planning, streetworks, commercial)
* Delivered utility projects (11kV / 33kV)
* Led office operations and administration
* Oversaw project planning and coordination
* Responsible for pricing / tendering (RFQs)
* Managed department leads / direct reports
* Improved operational efficiency and workflows
* Worked within utilities or construction environments
* Delivered projects within regulated frameworks (e.g. SSEN)
* Office-based leadership and team development
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