Operations Director - Civil Engineering

Operations Director - Water Utilities / Infrastructure / Civil Engineering 📍 Hertfordshire HQ | London & South East Projects | Hybrid Working 💰 Excellent Salary + Bonus + Car Allowance + Private Medical Insurance An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Director to lead the delivery of a major water infrastructure and utilities programme across London and the South East. This senior leadership role is ideal for candidates with a strong background in water utilities, civil engineering, highways, infrastructure, pipeline installation, or planned works delivery who are looking to take ownership of a flagship operational programme with significant long-term investment and growth. The successful candidate will oversee the delivery of a large-scale water mains replacement programme involving over 150km of critical infrastructure works, managing operational performance, commercial delivery, safety, client relationships, and multidisciplinary teams across multiple live projects. Key Responsibilities Lead operational delivery across major water, utilities, highways, or civil engineering projects Manage large planned works and infrastructure programmes valued in excess of £35m annually Drive productivity, programme performance, and operational efficiency Oversee installation and commissioning activities for water mains and linear infrastructure Ensure compliance with highways regulations, permitting, HSEQ, and industry standards Lead and develop large operational and project delivery teams Build strong client, stakeholder, and supply chain relationships Support continuous improvement, Lean delivery, and programme optimisation Candidate Requirements We are seeking an Operations Director, Contracts Director, Framework Director, Programme Director, or Senior Operations Manager with experience in: Water utilities Civil engineering Infrastructure delivery Highways Pipeline installation Utilities frameworks Planned maintenance or capital works programmes Ideal experience includes: Leading large-scale operational delivery teams Managing multi-site utilities or infrastructure programmes Water mains replacement or pipeline projects Commercial and budget management responsibility Strong stakeholder and client management capability Fast-paced, high-volume delivery environments Desirable Qualifications Engineering degree or equivalent NEBOSH Construction or General Certificate Temporary Works knowledge/certification Lean, Agile, or continuous improvement experience Package Attractive basic salary Performance-related bonus Company car or car allowance Private medical insurance Hybrid working Long-term secured workload Senior leadership opportunity within a growing infrastructure business Based from a modern Hertfordshire headquarters, this role will involve regular travel to projects across London and the South East. This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior infrastructure or utilities professional to play a key role in one of the UK's most significant water network upgrade programmes. Apply now for a confidential discussion or call Rob on (phone number removed)