Operations Director

Samuel Knight International; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure and utilities services company seeks an Operations Director for their Overhead Line division. This strategic role will oversee a £10M+ portfolio, drive growth, ensure high-quality service, and work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to shape future initiatives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the OHL sector with a strong focus on safety and compliance.

Benefits

Leadership role with strategic influence

Clear route to executive-level progression

Competitive package reflective of seniority

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in Overhead Line (OHL) industry (LV to 33kV).
• Experience with full P&L responsibility and managing large portfolios.
• Strong familiarity with UK DNO/regulatory landscape and OHL best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the OHL division, ensuring growth and profitability.
• Drive sales, oversee delivery, safety, and quality across projects.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to shape long-term strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Risk Management

Safety Culture

Commercial Acumen

Communication

Time Management

Education

Business or Technical Degree

HNC in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Operations Director – Overhead Line (OHL) (m/f/d)

Midlands | Permanent | £10M+ P&L Oversight | LV–33kV

We’re supporting a infrastructure and utilities services business in their search for an Operations Director to lead their Overhead Line (OHL) division. This is a strategic, high-impact leadership role responsible for the growth, delivery, and profitability of the OHL business across the UK.

With a £10 million+ portfolio, you’ll drive sales, oversee delivery performance, and ensure safe, high-quality service across a growing order book – while collaborating with the Senior Leadership Team to shape long-term strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Full operational and commercial control of the OHL division across the UK

• Deliver business objectives, financial targets, and long-term growth strategy

• Lead business development efforts to build and sustain a healthy pipeline and backlog

• Oversee operational delivery, safety, cost control, and risk management

• Drive productivity, quality, and client satisfaction across all live and upcoming projects

• Support the development of career pathways and competency frameworks with HR

• Work closely with general managers to manage sub-P&L performance and resource development

• Represent the OHL business within the Divisional Senior Leadership Team

• Contribute to brand building, market positioning, and customer experience strategy

• Foster a culture of Zero Harm and regulatory excellence

What We’re Looking For

• Proven leadership experience in the Overhead Line (OHL) industry (LV to 33kV)

• Commercially astute with a background in full P&L responsibility

• Business or technical degree, or equivalent experience (HNC Electrical Engineering desirable)

• Strong understanding of the UK DNO/regulatory landscape and OHL works best practice

• Experience managing large portfolios, teams, and major client accounts

• Track record of growing revenue streams and winning work in utilities or infrastructure sectors

• Collaborative leadership style and a focus on team development

• Excellent communication, time management, and decision-making skills

• Health & safety focused with the ability to embed and champion a strong safety culture

What’s on Offer

• Leadership role with strategic influence and high visibility

• remit with a respected utilities contractor

• Clear route to executive-level career progression

• Strong focus on safety, people, and long-term growth

• Competitive package reflective of seniority and experience

Ready to lead anOHL business and drive performance, growth, and safety? Apply now or reach out for a confidential conversation.