Head of Operations

McAllister; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

McAllister, a fast-growing UK infrastructure business, seeks a Head of Operations for the Wessex function. You will translate business strategy into safe, efficient, and profitable performance across multiple sites, leading fleet, transport, and depots with a focus on service delivery and customer performance.

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will shape the operating model, drive Lean improvements, manage budgets, and develop a high-performing team while maintaining rigorous safety,

Qualifications

• Experience leading multi-site operations in infrastructure or utilities.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and drive cost efficiency.
• Strong leadership and succession planning.
• Knowledge of transport licensing and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with Lean improvement and scheduling tools.

Responsibilities

• Translate strategy into weekly/monthly operational plans and targets.
• Lead scalable management team and drive restructuring when needed.
• Manage operational budget and key cost drivers.
• Balance capacity with sales pipeline to protect margins.
• Maintain senior relationships with utility and public-sector customers.
• Lead continuous improvement and Lean initiatives.
• Develop operational managers and succession plans.
• Ensure fleet, transport and regulatory compliance.
• Champion health, safety, environment and risk across depots.
• Provide timely operational and financial reporting to MD.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational management

Lean methodologies

Budgeting

Contract management

People development

Safety culture

Fleet & transport management

Data-driven decision making

Tools

Scheduling tools

Job description

Want to be part of one of the country’s fastest growing infrastructure businesses? The Vortex Companies, LLC delivers cutting edge trenchless technologies and turnkey services to make the worlds water cleaner and we’re growing every day!

We think BIG about solving the world’s toughest challenges in failing water, sewer and industrial infrastructure.

At Vortex, you will be surrounded with a culture that puts your safety first in all we do. If you like a fast-paced environment, a team structure that provides support, training, and development, then apply today!

The Head of Operations provides strategic, commercial and operational leadership for the Wessex Operations function – including site crews, fleet, transport, logistics and depots. The role turns business strategy into safe, efficient and profitable operational performance across a multi-site, multi-disciplinary workforce.

Working closely with the Managing Director and senior team, the Head of Operations is accountable for service delivery, customer and contract performance, utilisation, productivity, operational cost, resource planning, transport and fleet, compliance and management development.

2. Key responsibilities

2.1 Strategy and operational leadership

• Translate business strategy into clear weekly and monthly operational plans, targets and measurable outcomes.
• Develop an operational structure and management team that is resilient, scalable and not dependent on individuals.
• Lead operational change, including restructuring, recruitment and the introduction of new systems and processes.

2.2 Financial and commercial performance

• Set and manage the operational budget, tracking key cost drivers such as labour, overtime, fuel, maintenance and third‑party hire.
• Drive utilisation and productivity, minimising standby, downtime and avoidable cost.
• Balance capacity against the sales pipeline so the business can take on new work without eroding margin.
• Support pricing, contract performance and customer negotiations with detailed operational knowledge.

2.3 Contract and customer leadership

• Maintain senior operational relationships with key utility and public‑sector customers.
• Make sure contractual commitments, service standards and KPIs are understood and consistently delivered.
• Act as the senior escalation point for significant operational or customer issues.

2.4 Performance and continuous improvement

• Set clear performance baselines and hold managers accountable using reliable data.
• Lead continuous improvement (for example Lean methods) to improve scheduling, planning, routing and crew productivity without compromising safety or quality.
• Evaluate and implement operational technology such as telematics, scheduling tools and system integrations.

2.5 People and management development

• Lead, coach and develop operational managers, with clear roles, responsibilities and expectations.
• Build succession plans for critical roles and support recruitment and retention of skilled and specialist staff.
• Promote a culture where managers own problems and solutions.

2.6 Fleet, transport and regulatory compliance

• Lead decisions on operational resources, fleet, plant and capital expenditure, maximising asset life and return.
• Manage the Transport Manager and hold the Transport function accountable for compliance, safety, fleet availability and cost.
• Make sure operator‑licence obligations are met and significant transport risks are escalated, working with the Traffic Commissioner and DVSA.

2.7 Health, safety, environment and risk

• Champion a proactive safety culture across all depots and sites, acting as executive lead for HSE in Operations.
• Make sure high‑risk work – including confined spaces, vehicle operations and specialist equipment – is planned and delivered under safe systems of work.
• Make sure incidents are investigated, corrective actions implemented and regulatory requirements met, including those of the HSE and the Environment Agency (and SEPA in Scotland).

2.8 Governance and reporting

• Give the Managing Director clear, accurate and timely information on operational and financial performance, resources, risks and opportunities.
• Contribute operational expertise to tenders, mobilisation and business development.

3. How success is measured

• Operational revenue, margin and cost against budget
• Crew utilisation and productivity
• Safety performance and audit results
• Customer KPIs and service levels
• Fleet availability and operator‑licence compliance

4. Living the Vortex Way

Everyone at McAllister is expected to live our values – We are safe We do it right We think big We win together We are driven – and our habits: always safe, always driven, always doing the right thing, always communicating and always quality. As a leader, you will also demonstrate the Vortex leadership habits: strategic thinking, demonstrating ownership, building winning teams, managing conflict and risk, and inspiring others.

5. General responsibilities

• Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of others, follow all health, safety and environmental rules, and lead by example on safety.
• Comply with the McAllister UK Employee Handbook and Company policies and procedures, including those on equality, data protection and conduct.
• Complete all required training and maintain the competence, qualifications and professional development needed for the role.
• Travel between Company offices, depots and client sites across the UK and Ireland as required.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties in line with the level and purpose of the role.

Vortex Companies, LLC and all of its subsidiaries, considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, or sexual orientation. All applicants will be considered solely on the basis of their qualifications.