Director of Operations

Visum Recruitment; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected engineering consultancy is seeking an Operations Director to drive operational excellence and strategic growth. This pivotal role involves leading multi-disciplinary teams and ensuring efficient project delivery. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in operations management within the water, utilities, or infrastructure sectors. The position offers a competitive executive salary and a clear pathway to a Managing Director role.

Benefits

Competitive executive salary

Performance-based incentives

Direct leadership opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven track record in operations or general management within water, utilities, or infrastructure.
• Experience managing large teams (50-100+ people) in a technical environment.
• Strong background in people management and team development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop multi-disciplinary teams of 50–100 people.
• Oversee operational performance and project delivery.
• Drive strategic business growth and client engagement.

Skills

Operations management

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Budget management

Education

Degree in Engineering, Operations, or Business

Job description

Operations Director

Location: (National project oversight)

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive executive package (Up to £95,000 dependent on experience)

About the company

My client is a respected engineering consultancy delivering high-quality, end-to-end project support across the UK water and infrastructure sectors. With a strong track record across more than 55 major projects, we provide design, commissioning, and operational management expertise to Tier-1 contractors and utility clients.

As part of their next phase of growth, we are seeking an accomplished senior leader to join the business in a Managing Director (Designate) capacity, with a clear pathway to assume full Managing Director responsibilities within an agreed transition period.

Role Overview

This is a pivotal leadership position responsible for driving operational excellence, strategic growth, and people development across the company. The successful candidate will oversee business operations, project delivery, and client engagement, ensuring the company continues to meet and exceed its commitments to Tier-1 contractors and water utilities.

The role is suited to a sharp, experienced operations leader who can “cut the mustard”, bringing both commercial acumen and people leadership skills to guide a technically strong, fast-moving business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop multi-disciplinary teams of 50–100 people, across engineering, operations, and support functions.
• Oversee operational performance, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient project delivery across the water and utilities sectors.
• Drive strategic business growth, identifying new opportunities and building long‑term relationships with clients and partners.
• Maintain strong alignment with Tier‑1 contractors and water companies, ensuring PDAS remains a trusted delivery partner.
• Implement robust governance, commercial controls, and reporting frameworks across the organisation.
• Foster a culture of accountability, technical excellence, and professional development.
• Provide clear leadership during organisational change and expansion, ensuring continuity of culture and quality.
• Act as the public face of the company, representing the business to key clients, regulators, and partners.
• Progressively assume full Managing Director responsibilities within an agreed timeframe, succeeding the current leadership.

Key Requirements

• Proven track record in operations or general management within the water, utilities, or infrastructure sector.
• Demonstrated experience managing large teams (50–100+ people) in a technical or project‑led environment.
• Strong background in people management, performance leadership, and team development.
• Commercially astute with the ability to manage budgets, contracts, and business profitability.
• Excellent stakeholder management and client relationship skills.
• Strategic thinker with hands‑on delivery capability.
• Surrey‑based or within a commutable distance.
• Degree‑qualified (Engineering, Operations, or Business discipline preferred).

The Opportunity

This is a designated Managing Director position, offering a clear succession plan for a proven senior leader ready to take the next step. The successful candidate will initially join as a senior manager or operations director with an agreed pathway to assume the Managing Director title — providing both stability and opportunity within a growing consultancy.

What is offered

• Competitive executive salary and performance‑based incentives.
• Direct leadership over a high‑performing, technically strong team.
• Opportunity to shape the company’s strategic direction and long‑term growth.
• Stable, Surrey‑based leadership role within the UK’s thriving water and infrastructure sectors.

Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Full‑time