Shape the Future of Energy. Lead with Impact. Deliver Excellence.
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Operations Director to lead our Energy division across the North of the UK, covering Manchester and Scotland. This is a pivotal leadership role, offering full operational and P&L accountability for a diverse portfolio of major renewable energy projects and large Sub Station programmes.
Reporting to the Senior Operations Director, you will play a critical role in driving operational excellence, delivering high-value projects (including programmes exceeding £25m), and supporting the continued growth and evolution of our business.
This is more than an operational role it’s a chance to influence the future of energy infrastructure. You will lead complex project portfolios, unify business operations, and help shape a high-performing, forward-thinking organisation committed to sustainability and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Delivery
* Lead the successful delivery of all Energy programmes across the Northern region
* Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards
* Inspire and lead teams to embed a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
Business Integration & Transformation
* Drive the consolidation and standardisation of operating practices across business units
* Implement consistent delivery frameworks, governance, and reporting structures
* Identify efficiencies and create a more agile, scalable operating model
Commercial & Financial Performance
* Maintain full P&L accountability across project portfolios
* Monitor profitability, pipeline, and forecasting to meet growth and margin targets
* Deliver clear, consistent reporting on performance, risks, and opportunities
Stakeholder Engagement
* Build strong relationships with clients, partners, and internal stakeholders
* Represent the business at senior-level meetings and industry forums
* Foster collaboration across regions and functions
Performance & Innovation
* Champion operational excellence through SOPs and best practice delivery models
* Drive digitalisation, sustainability, and innovation initiatives
* Establish and monitor KPIs to enable data-driven decision-making
People & Culture
* Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams
* Promote a culture of safety, integrity, and collaboration
* Support succession planning and leadership development
Growth & Expansion
* Establish delivery organisations in new territories
* Build operational capability to support market expansion and acquisitions
* Ensure structures and governance maximise commercial performance
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
You are a proven leader with a strong track record in operational delivery within energy, infrastructure, or related sectors. You bring both strategic vision and hands-on leadership, with the ability to drive performance across complex programmes.
Key Requirements:
* Degree (or equivalent) in Construction Management, Engineering, or related discipline
* Extensive senior leadership experience in operations and project delivery for large sub station projects
* Strong commercial and financial acumen with P&L responsibility
* Experience in renewables, energy infrastructure, or transport sectors
* Demonstrated success in business unit integration and operational standardisation
* Knowledge of NEC4 and FIDIC contracts
* Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental practices
* Exceptional leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
* Experience scaling or establishing operations in new regions
We are driven by a clear purpose to lead the UK’s energy transition. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and our values define how we work:
* We care about safety
* We lead with integrity
* We strive to improve every day
* We make a positive impact
* We deliver to grow
* We are one united team
About OCU Group
At OCU, we don’t just deliver infrastructure, we engineer the future. As a leader in end-to-end solutions for the utilities, digital and energy sectors, we specialise in safely and efficiently tackling complex challenges for our clients. With unrivalled expertise, industry-leading technology and a proven track record, we’re not simply part of the market, we’re driving it forward.
Our work underpins the critical services communities across the UK rely on every day. From accelerating the transition to renewable energy to building the digital networks of tomorrow, we are committed to innovation, sustainability, and long-term impact.
When you join OCU, you’ll discover more than a career, you’ll find purpose. Here, your contribution makes a visible difference in the success of the projects you help deliver, in the growth of your colleagues and in the positive change we create together.
We partner with some of the UK’s most recognised names in power, energy transition, water, telecoms and digital infrastructure. As we continue to expand, we’re looking for exceptional people to grow with us.
If you’re ready to inspire, innovate and lead with purpose, we’d love to hear from you.