Head of Operations
Civils & Water Engineering| £80,000–£130,000 + Benefits
Bury St Edmunds Area (20-mile radius)**
Are you an experienced operations leader ready to step into a role where you can truly influence, elevate performance, and shape the future of a growing specialist engineering business?
We're recruiting for a privately owned civil & water engineering contractor that delivers some of the UK's most distinctive and environmentally significant schemes—from reservoirs and wetlands to river restoration, green infrastructure, flood defence, and complex earthworks.
This is a rare opportunity to join the leadership team at a pivotal moment of growth and transformation.
Why This Role?
✔ Be a big fish in a smaller, high-impact business You'll have the autonomy, influence, and visibility that's simply not possible in large Tier 1 organisations.
✔ A company modernising and investing in quality people They are transitioning from a traditional family-run setup into a more structured, performance-driven operation—and you will be central to that journey.
✔ Lead meaningful, environmentally positive projects From restoring natural habitats to strengthening the UK's water resilience, the work has genuine impact.
✔ High-level ownership You'll lead the entire operations function, a team of c.40 people plus subcontractors, shaping systems, culture, processes, and delivery standards.
The Role
As Head of Operations, you will:
Lead day-to-day operations across civil, environmental and water-engineering projects.
Personally oversee one or two strategic flagship projects.
Manage, coach, and empower Contract Managers and site delivery teams.
Build and implement systems, processes, and KPIs that improve accountability and efficiency.
Drive project delivery to time, budget, safety standards, and margin expectations.
Work closely with commercial, finance, and senior leadership to align operational capacity with business growth.
Foster a culture of responsibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Provide operational performance insights directly to the Managing Director.
What We're Looking For Strong background in civils, water, environmental infrastructure, utilities, or earthworks .
Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary operational teams.
A track record of delivering projects on target and within budget .
Experience implementing systems, processes, KPIs, and operational controls.
A leader who enjoys shaping structure rather than simply working within it.
Someone who will thrive in a growing, ambitious business where you can make your mark .
Who This Will Suit This role is ideal for someone who:
Is currently a Head of Operations, Operations Manager, Senior Contracts Manager, Construction Manager, or Delivery Manager .
May be in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractor but wants more ownership, visibility, and influence.
Is excited by the chance to step into a business where your decisions directly impact success, culture, and growth .
Package & Location Salary: £80,000 – £130,000 (depending on experience)
Benefits: Flexible package available
Location: Based near Bury St Edmunds – candidates must be within a 20-mile radius
Environment: Primarily office based with site visits as needed
Interested?
If you're an experienced operations leader who wants to drive change, build systems, and shape the future of a growing engineering business, we'd love to hear from you.
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