Operations Manager

Breedon Group plc; North East; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A major construction materials group is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for their Readymix plants in the North East of England. The successful candidate will lead a team, set performance expectations, and foster a culture of safety and accountability. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, driving engagement initiatives, and collaborating with various teams for operational efficiency. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to impact the construction materials industry positively.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company Pension Scheme

25 days annual leave

Company Life Assurance Scheme

Access to health and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Significant experience in readymix operations or extractive industries.
• Strong knowledge of relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the operational management team.
• Set clear expectations and KPI’s for direct reports.
• Champion a culture of visible leadership and open communication.

Skills

Readymix operations experience

Leadership

Health and safety knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Education

NVQ Level 4 / 5 in Health, Safety & Environmental Management

Job description

About Breedon Group

Breedon Group plc is a leading vertically integrated construction materials group in Great Britain, Ireland, and the USA. We're dedicated to providing high-quality materials and services for the construction industry, with a commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation. Joining Breedon means becoming part of a team that values excellence and is committed to making a positive impact.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Operations Manager who will be the driving force behind the performance, development, and wellbeing of our Readymix plants across the North of the area (Northumberland / Tyne and Wear). Your key responsibility is to lead and develop your team, ensuring they are supported, competent, and motivated to deliver safely, efficiently, and profitably.

You will set expectations, provide coaching, and create a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement. While technical knowledge is important, your priority will be people leadership; growing capability, succession planning, and ensuring the operational team has the confidence, tools, and mindset to thrive in a changing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the operational management team to deliver high standards of safety, efficiency, quality, and cost control.
• Set clear expectations, KPI’s and development plans for all direct reports, ensuring accountability and progress against agreed objectives
• Conduct regular 1:1s, performance development reviews, and talent reviews to identify strengths, address gaps, and build succession plans
• Champion a culture of visible leadership, open communication, and shared learning across all operations
• Drive engagement, culture-building initiatives, and morale
• Support change management efforts and communicate business updates effectively
• Ensure all sites are effectively planned, resourced, and run in a way that meets customer needs while controlling cost and maintaining reliability
• Work collaboratively with Commercial Managers to align production with customer demand, seasonality, and strategic goals
• Drive effective communication between operations, distribution, transport, technical, and commercial teams
• Represent the company professionally with key external stakeholders including EA, local authorities, BSI, and neighbours
• Ensure full compliance with procurement, contractor, and cost control procedures across all operations
• Challenge inefficiencies and support your managers in introducing sustainable improvements and new ways of working
• Assist the Readymix Manager in developing and delivering area strategy, CAPEX planning, business cases, and improvement projects
• Work with the finance and commercial teams to analyse costs, monitor spend, and ensure value is delivered in all areas of responsibility
• Ensure full compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental legislation, including the Mines & Quarries Act 1954 and Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through visible leadership, inspections, near-miss reporting, and structured site reviews.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Significant experience in readymix operations or extractive industries, with a proven leadership track record
• Strong knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations and best practices relevant to quarrying
• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate, mentor, challenge, and inspire
• Commercial awareness and confidence to contribute to strategic planning and decision-making
• High personal accountability with the drive to make things better and lead by example
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a focus on collaboration, listening, and clarity
• Strong analytical and organisational abilities
• A full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel as required.

Desirable

• NVQ Level 4 / 5 in Health, Safety & Environmental Management

Job Benefits

• A tailored, competitive salary
• Company Pension Scheme
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays on top
• Share Saver Scheme participation
• Company Life Assurance Scheme
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for health and wellbeing support
• Discounts on a wide range of products through our employee benefits platform
• Broad learning opportunities and career progression pathways.

Diversity Statement

At Breedon Group, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued. We believe in equality of opportunity for all and encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates.

Join Us

If you're looking for a role that challenges you, offers progression, and contributes to building better futures, we'd love to hear from you. This position is an opportunity to grow your career within a supportive and dynamic environment at Breedon Group.

Application Process

Ready to make a meaningful difference? Apply now by submitting your CV and cover letter. We look forward to considering your application and potentially welcoming you to our team.

Breedon is a leading vertically-integrated construction materials group in Great Britain and Ireland.