Operations Director: Growth, Integration & Strategy

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Wigan; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment Ltd is seeking an experienced Operations Director for a high-impact leadership role within a fast-growing civil and geotechnical engineering consultancy in North West England, with regular travel to other UK offices and project locations.

You will partner with the executive team to develop scalable operations, drive profitability and growth, lead post‑acquisition integration, and build a high‑performing, cross‑location organisation.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in construction, engineering or consultancy.
• Track record of delivering measurable operational and commercial improvements.
• Strong P&L accountability and budget management.
• Background in business development, client acquisition and revenue growth.
• Excellent people leadership and organisational change capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight across Civil and Structural operations, with leadership support to Geotechnical teams.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve service delivery, profitability and resource utilisation.
• Establish KPIs, reporting frameworks and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build a high-performance and collaborative culture across multiple locations.
• Lead post-acquisition integration, aligning operating models, systems, commercial practices and organisational culture.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting and financial performance.
• Identify and manage key commercial risks and opportunities.
• Drive margin improvement and sustainable long-term growth.

Skills

Senior leadership

P&L accountability

Budget management

Business development

Client relationship management

People leadership

Change management

Strategic planning

Education

Chartered Engineer (CEng) status

Job description

Penguin Recruitment Ltd is seeking an experienced Operations Director for a high-impact leadership role within a fast-growing civil and geotechnical engineering consultancy in North West England, with regular travel to other UK offices and project locations.

You will partner with the executive team to develop scalable operations, drive profitability and growth, lead post‑acquisition integration, and build a high‑performing, cross‑location organisation.