Operations Leader: Strategy, Safety & Growth

Vortex Companies, LLC; Wimborne Minster; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

McAllister is seeking a Head of Operations to provide strategic, commercial and operational leadership for the Wessex Operations function across multiple sites, crews, fleet and depots. This role translates business strategy into safe, efficient, profitable performance and engages with the Managing Director and senior team to deliver service performance and contract outcomes.

The post holder will drive cost efficiency, capacity planning, governance, safety and regulatory compliance while leading

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Set clear performance baselines and hold managers accountable using reliable data.
• Lead continuous improvement 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.
• 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 staff.
• Promote a culture where managers own problems and solutions.
• 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.
• Champion a proactive safety culture across all depots and sites, acting as executive lead for HSE in Operations.
• Make sure high-risk work is planned and delivered under safe systems of work.
• Ensure incidents are investigated, corrective actions implemented and regulatory requirements met, including those of the HSE and the Environment Agency.
• 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.

Job description

McAllister is seeking a Head of Operations to provide strategic, commercial and operational leadership for the Wessex Operations function across multiple sites, crews, fleet and depots. This role translates business strategy into safe, efficient, profitable performance and engages with the Managing Director and senior team to deliver service performance and contract outcomes.

The post holder will drive cost efficiency, capacity planning, governance, safety and regulatory compliance while leading