Operations Director

Mowlem International LTD; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Extensive travel opportunities

Employee assistance programme

Subscription support (up to £500)

Job summary

Mowlem Group in Belfast, UK, invites an exceptional Operations Director to lead multiple divisions across international markets, shaping delivery of complex infrastructure projects with safety, quality and profitability at the core.

We seek a hands-on leader with global project experience, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to guide diverse teams through challenging environments while driving growth and operational excellence on a global scale.

Qualifications

• Significant demonstrable experience as a construction executive.
• Experience leading large-scale infrastructure programs across multiple countries.
• Strong commercial and contractual knowledge.
• Ability to lead diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience operating in developing countries and emerging markets.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership across multiple divisions and international markets.
• Oversee major infrastructure projects from inception to delivery.
• Drive profitability and risk management across operations.
• Lead governance, safety, and quality across regions.
• Develop executive leadership teams and mentor managers.

Skills

Executive leadership

International projects

Major infra delivery

Developing markets

Commercial & contracts

Multidisciplinary teams

Strategic planning

Operational risk

Financial acumen

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Construction Management degree

Professional accreditation

Job description

Your Experience & Skills
Significant demonstrable experience as a construction executive

Vacancy Title: Operations Director
Vacancy Location: Belfast - United Kingdom (50% International travel)
Engagement Type: Permanent

Who are we?Here at Mowlem Group, we stand at the forefront of civil engineering, and we are proud to be a trusted name in delivering construction, engineering, and infrastructure solutions. We combine technical expertise with a commitment to excellence to bring complex projects to life and we do this safely, efficiently, and sustainably. We are currently making significant contributions to infrastructure projects around the globe and our commitment is to set the benchmark for technical excellence, offer bespoke and agile services devoid of unnecessary red tape, nurture local expertise to bolster economic resilience, and uphold the highest ethical standards unwaveringly. With some incredible international projects currently breaking ground and on the horizon, this is a really exciting time to join the team at Mowlem Group.

The RoleShape the future of infrastructure. Lead at scale. Make an impact that lasts. Some leadership roles are about managing what already exists. This one is about building what comes next. We are looking for an exceptional hands- on Operations Director to take strategic and operational leadership of multiple business divisions across international markets, shaping how complex infrastructure and civil engineering projects are delivered and setting the standard for operational excellence across the Group. This is a role for a leader who can see the bigger picture without losing sight of the detail, understands all parts of the business and can dive in and learn new things. Someone who can move confidently between boardroom strategy and project reality, challenge established thinking, build high-performing teams and turn ambitious plans into safe, successful and profitable delivery.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipDevelop and implement operational strategies aligned with the Group's business objectives
Lead and oversee multiple operating divisions across several countries
Support business growth through operational planning, market expansion, and organisational development
Contribute to corporate strategy as a member of the executive leadership team
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all business units
Operational ManagementProvide executive oversight of major infrastructure and civil engineering projects throughout their lifecycle
Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to contractual requirements
Monitor operational performance through KPIs, dashboards, and regular business reviews
Standardise operational processes, governance, and reporting across regions
Resolve significant operational issues, contractual challenges, and project risks
Commercial PerformanceDrive profitability across all operational divisions
Work closely with Head of Commercial and Commercial Managers to optimise contract performance and risk management
Review major bids and tenders, providing operational input into delivery strategies
Oversee resource planning to maximise utilisation and operational efficiency
Ensure appropriate controls are in place for cost management and financial forecasting
Leadership & People DevelopmentLead, mentor, and develop General Managers, and Project Managers
Build high-performing leadership teams across all operating regions
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
Support succession planning and talent development throughout the organisation
Champion diversity, inclusion, and employee engagement initiatives
Health, Safety, Environment & QualityPromote an uncompromising safety culture across all operations
Ensure compliance with company policies, client requirements, and international best practice
Drive continual improvement in SHEQ performance
Lead investigations into significant incidents and implement corrective actions where required
Ensure environmental and sustainability objectives are integrated into operational delivery
Client & Stakeholder ManagementDevelop and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, clients, consultants, funding organisations, and key stakeholders
Represent Mowlem Group at executive-level meetings and industry forums
Support dispute resolution and strategic client engagement
Enhance the company's reputation through exceptional project delivery and professional leadership
Governance & RiskEnsure effective operational governance across all regions
Monitor project risks and ensure mitigation strategies are implemented
Maintain compliance with local legislation, contractual obligations, and corporate governance standards
Support internal and external audits where required

Essential CriteriaYour Experience & SkillsSignificant demonstrable experience as a construction executive
International experience managing large-scale infrastructure projects in challenging environments and developing markets
Significant experience delivering/ managing large-scale major infrastructure projects
Experience operating within developing countries and emerging markets - and has a deep understanding and appreciation of cultural differences
Strong commercial and contractual knowledge
Demonstrated ability to lead large multidisciplinary teams across diverse cultures
Excellent strategic planning, negotiation, and decision-making skills
Experience managing complex operational risk
Strong financial and commercial acumen
Desirable CriteriaDegree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline
Professional qualification/accreditation for an industry recognised body

Why Work for Mowlem Group?Eligibility for the executive share scheme
Competitive salary
Extensive travel opportunities
Hybrid working
Employee Assistance Programme
Up to £500 towards professional subscription fees that are relevant to your role

Mowlem Group is very pleased to be an equal-opportunities employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment where our people feel welcomed, valued and included. As an international company operating across multiple regions, cultures, and communities, we value individuals for who they are, and we know that our strength lies in the diversity of our people.We want you to have the best possible interview experience with us, so we are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. If we can make any reasonable adjustments or accommodations due to a disability, please don't hesitate to let us know.