At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for innovative water solutions, ensuring safety and excellence across the UK.
- Company: Join Alpheus, part of Anglian Water Group, committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, private healthcare, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of water management while making a real impact on the environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or equivalent, with significant leadership experience in operations.
The predicted salary is between 58349 - 71315 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time, 37.5 hours per week
Base Location
Osprey House, Huntingdon (Hybrid working with UK travel)
Alpheus , we deliver innovative water and wastewater solutions that make a real difference to our customers and the environment. We're looking for an experienced and inspiring
Head of UK Operations to lead the safe, compliant and commercially successful delivery of our Operations & Maintenance (O&M) portfolio across the UK.
As a key member of the leadership team, you'll be responsible for ensuring Alpheus consistently delivers high-quality services while strengthening strategic relationships with major customers, driving operational excellence and identifying opportunities for sustainable growth.
You'll lead a team of operational leaders, champion a culture of safety and continuous improvement, and help shape the future direction of our O&M business.
This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded operational leader to influence business strategy, develop high-performing teams and play a pivotal role in delivering sustainable water and wastewater solutions across the UK.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the operational delivery of all Alpheus O&M contracts across the UK, ensuring safe, compliant and customer-focused performance.
- Provide strategic leadership to operational teams, aligning resources, priorities and capability with business objectives.
- Develop and maintain strong, trusted relationships with senior customer stakeholders, positioning Alpheus as a strategic partner.
- Drive excellence in health, safety, quality, environmental performance and process safety across all operational activities.
- Lead and develop the Northern O&M Manager, Southern O&M Manager and Business Compliance Lead, building capability and succession across the business.
- Ensure robust governance, compliance and continuous improvement processes are embedded throughout the operational portfolio.
- Take ownership of financial performance, budgets, profitability and commercial outcomes across the O&M portfolio.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, identify risks and implement corrective actions to protect contract performance and profitability.
- Support business development activities by identifying opportunities, shaping solutions and contributing to high-quality bid submissions.
- Lead the mobilisation and implementation of newly awarded contracts, ensuring successful and efficient delivery.
- Represent Alpheus externally with customers, regulators, suppliers and key stakeholders, promoting our values and operational excellence.
- Drive a culture of innovation, continuous improvement and operational best practice across all sites.
Requirements
- Degree qualified (or equivalent experience) in environmental, mechanical or electrical engineering.
- IOSH qualified in RAMS and operational activity management, or equivalent experience.
- Significant senior leadership experience within operations, engineering, utilities or a related sector.
- Proven experience managing large-scale operational contracts and multi-million-pound budgets.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience managing contractual performance, profitability and customer relationships.
- Demonstrable success developing trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and customers.
- Experience leading, developing and motivating high-performing operational teams.
- Excellent communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills.
- Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
- Willingness to travel extensively across the UK.
Desirable
- IOSH Process Safety qualification or equivalent.
- Experience within water and wastewater operations, utilities, environmental services or infrastructure sectors.
- Knowledge of a broad range of water and wastewater treatment technologies, including AD, MBR and biogas systems.
- Experience winning, mobilising and delivering new operational contracts.
We invest in our people - as a valued employee, you'll be entitled to
- Personal private health care
- Generous double match pension - contribute 7% and Anglian Water will contribute 14%, giving a total contribution of 21%
- 24-hour Virtual GP service for you and your household
- 25 days annual leave
- Life assurance (up to 8x salary)
- Personal accident cover (up to 5x salary)
- Excellent family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity leave
- Annual bonus scheme
- Flexible benefits and working culture to support your wellbeing and lifestyle
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression
Why Alpheus?
As part of the Anglian Water Group, Alpheus is committed to delivering sustainable, innovative water and wastewater solutions that provide lasting value for our customers and the environment.
Head of UK Operations , you'll play a critical role in shaping the future of our Operations & Maintenance business.
You'll lead a national portfolio, influence strategic decision-making, build lasting customer partnerships and drive operational excellence across the UK.
Joining Alpheus means becoming part of a business that values safety, innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement while making a meaningful impact on critical infrastructure and environmental sustainability.
Closing Date
- 13/11/2026
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head Of Operations employer: Anglian Water Services
At AVH Parks, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the well-being of our team and the environment. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, offering opportunities for professional development while you enjoy the beauty of nature in Nottinghamshire. With a commitment to high standards and environmental stewardship, you'll find meaningful work that makes a real difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Operations
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Head Of Operations role you’re after at Anglian Water Services.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Anglian Water Services a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Anglian Water Services.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Head Of Operations at Anglian Water Services, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head Of Operations, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Anglian Water Services a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Anglian Water Services specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Anglian Water Services
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Anglian Water Services, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Anglian Water Services want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
