Operations Director in Wigan)

Penguin Recruitment; Wigan; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment is recruiting an Operations Director for a fast-growing civil and structural engineering consultancy in the North West of England with regular travel to other UK offices.

You will lead operations across disciplines, drive profitability, manage post-acquisition integration and oversee business development to accelerate growth, reporting to the Managing Director. This role requires strategic vision paired with hands-on execution and the ability to unite teams across locations.

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership experience in construction/engineering or consultancy.
• Demonstrated track record of improving operational and commercial performance.
• Strong budget management and revenue-growth capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight across operations with multi-site leadership.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve service delivery and profitability.
• Establish KPIs, reporting frameworks and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain a high-performance culture across locations.
• Lead post-acquisition integration and align operating models.

Skills

Senior leadership

P&L accountability

Business development

People leadership

Strategy execution

Job description

We're Hiring: Operations Director

Location: North West England, with regular travel to other UK offices and key project locations

Reporting to: Managing Director

Industry: Construction & Engineering Consultancy

Salary: Competitive remuneration package aligned with experience

About the Business

We are a thriving, fast-growing engineering consultancy operating across specialist Civil & Structural Engineering and Geotechnical Engineering disciplines.

With a strong technical reputation, ambitious growth plans and an active acquisition pipeline, the business is entering an exciting new phase of expansion.

We are now seeking an experienced Operations Director to play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, business growth and post-acquisition integration.

The Opportunity

This is a high-impact leadership position for a commercially astute and operationally driven Operations Director who can combine strategic thinking with hands‑on execution.

Working closely with the executive leadership team, you will help create a unified, high‑performing organisation, develop scalable systems and processes, strengthen commercial performance and unlock new growth opportunities.

The successful Operations Director will have responsibility across operations, business development, commercial management and organisational integration.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Executive Leadership

• Provide strategic oversight across Civil & 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.
• As Operations Director, provide visible, credible leadership across the wider organisation.

Business Development & Market Expansion

• Shape and execute the Group's growth strategy across public and private‑sector markets.
• Secure high‑value business and strengthen relationships with key clients, developers and contractors.
• Lead major framework and strategic business opportunities.
• Identify cross‑selling opportunities and develop market share.
• Support the continued expansion of the organisation through organic growth and acquisitions.

Integration & Commercial Management

• 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.

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven senior leadership experience within the construction, engineering or consultancy sector.
• A demonstrable track record of delivering measurable operational and commercial improvements.
• Strong P&L accountability and budget management experience.
• A successful background in business development, client acquisition and revenue growth.
• Excellent people leadership and organisational change capabilities.
• The ability to bring together teams, business units and cultures around a common strategy.

Desirable

• Technical background in Civil, Structural or Geotechnical Engineering.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalent professional qualification.
• Previous leadership experience within an engineering consultancy.
• Direct experience of M&A or post‑acquisition integration programmes.

What Success Looks Like: First 12-24 Months

• Unified Strategy: Civil, Structural and Geotechnical practices operating under a cohesive model.
• Measurable Impact: Trackable growth in revenue, profitability and client reach.
• Scalable Operations: Streamlined processes and frameworks supporting continued expansion.
• Culture & Leadership: A resilient, collaborative and high‑performing culture across all locations.
• Sustainable Growth: A clear platform for further organic development and acquisition‑led expansion.

Ready for Your Next Leadership Challenge?

If you are an entrepreneurial, commercially focused leader who enjoys combining strategy with execution, this is an opportunity to make a genuine impact on a growing engineering consultancy.

The Operations Director will be instrumental in shaping the organisation's next stage of growth and creating the operational platform required for long‑term success.