Company:
Our client offers a complete and flexible service for the construction of a wide range of water related projects. Drawing on decades of experience in the industry, their in-house team can offer consultancy services including initial site meetings and appraisal reports, suggesting potential options, feasibility, budgets and environmental considerations.
They can progress the project further within their team to include surveying, designing, and acquiring the necessary approvals and consents, or by working alongside engineers and architects as require
Position Overview:
They are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Operations to lead and optimise their operational delivery in the water engineering sector. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring that projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards while supporting sustainable business growth. This role requires a deep understanding of the water engineering industry, strong leadership skills, and the ability to develop systems and processes that strengthen project delivery and company performance.
Key Responsibilities:
* Oversee day-to-day operational activities across waterscape, green infrastructure, water-based civils and maintenance works, ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance. Both by way of direct overseeing of key projects and through leading a team of contract managers within the department.
* Develop and implement operational strategies, processes, and systems to drive sustainable growth and continuous improvement.
* Manage resource planning, including workforce allocation, supply chain coordination, and equipment utilisation.
* Work closely with project managers and engineering teams to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to client specifications.
* Establish and monitor KPIs to measure operational performance, productivity, and client satisfaction.
* Ensure adherence to health, safety, environmental, and quality standards across all projects.
* Be responsible for and lead, mentor, and develop operational teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
* Collaborate with commercial, sales, and finance departments to align operational capacity with business development goals.
* Identify and mitigate operational risks, implementing robust governance and control measures.
* Support innovation in methods, technology, and sustainability practices to strengthen competitive advantage.
* Prepare and deliver operational performance reports and improvement plans to the executive team, reporting into MD.
Qualifications:
* Proven experience in operations management and leadership within water engineering, environmental solutions, or related infrastructure sectors.
* Strong technical understanding of lake, wetland, reservoir, flood defences, dredging, and river restoration projects.
* Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale, complex operations and multi-disciplinary teams.
* Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and organisational skills.
* Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
* Strong understanding of compliance, health & safety, and environmental management systems.
What's on Offer:
* Competitive salary and performance-based rewards, aligned with a trajectory of company growth and operational excellence.
* Opportunity to play a key role in and lead and shape the operational strategy of a pioneering water engineering company.
* Collaborative and innovative work environment.
* Commitment to environmental sustainability and impactful projects