Vacancy Summary Job Title: Operations Director – Build Construction Job Type: Permanent Location: Cambridge Office base (& projects in the East) Salary: c.£110,000-£130,000+ (Dependent On Experience) + Benefits Package (Car allowance, private healthcare, 30 days holiday + bank holidays, pension contribution, and structured performance bonus). Company & Project: A successful Main Contractor with multiple UK offices are looking to strengthen its regional prescence in the East with a new Operations Director in the Cambridge Office. This is a pivotal leadership opportunity created to drive the business's continued expansion across Cambridgeshire, taking the reins of 4 secured live projects already on site. The business is looking for a delivery-focused operational leader in the Cambridge area and who brings experience of successfully leading teams within the main contracting market. Our client is a well-respected employer operating on a number of national frameworks with a healthy secured order book for 2027 and immediate live schemes requiring operational guidance. The successful candidate will focus heavily on leading, mentoring, and supporting a multidisciplinary delivery team of 20+ across the 4 live New Build projects on site, alongside upcoming schemes in pre-construction. Previous experience in a client-facing capacity and involvement in bids/tenders and business development would be highly advantageous. Duties & Responsibilities: * Lead, inspire, and manage a multidisciplinary team of 20+ site and project staff, dynamically allocating key personnel across the 4 live projects. * Mentor, coach, and drive the professional development of Contracts Manager, Project Managers, Site Managers, and wider operational staff to build a high-performing regional team. * Provide hands-on operational leadership across the 4 secured schemes on site, resolving project challenges and ensuring safe, on-time, and profitable delivery. * Manage regional project budgets, monitor overheads, and work closely with commercial teams to maximise gross profit margins. * Conduct operational reviews of major regional contracts pre-signature and support seamless handovers from pre-construction to site delivery. * Partner with pre-construction and estimating teams to support bids, tenders, and framework opportunities. * Act as a senior point of contact for key client relationships, ensuring repeat business and high client satisfaction. * Manage Preferred Supplier Agreements and foster strong working relationships with regional subcontractors and suppliers. * Champion exceptional Health, Safety, and Quality standards across all live sites. Our client is looking for a candidate with a stable career history working for a Main Contractor in a senior operational/management position and previous experience of managing teams of 20+. Recent sector experience to include Education, Healthcare or Commercial projects over £15m in single value. Desirable Experience: * Previously held a Senior Management level position (Operations Manager / Operations Director / Senior Contracts Manager / Project Director) within a Main Contractor. * Recent project experinece to include Education, Healthcare or Commercial projects over £15m in single value. * Exceptional people management and leadership skills with experience leading teams of c.20 staff, backed by solid technical knowledge of construction delivery, planning, design, and commercial awareness. * Experience in a client-facing capacity, with an appetite to get involved in bids/tenders and business development. * A motivated and ambitious leader looking build a high-performing regional team, and be rewarded for its success. Qualifications & Skills: * Degree in a construction-related field or a comparable construction qualification (NVQ/HNC, etc.). * MCIOB status would be advantageous. Application Process: If you would like more information about this vacancy, please email Jess Quinn. Please visit our website to review our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions before applying. Applications are reviewed regularly and we aim to review applications and contact shortlisted candidates within 48 hours where possible. Services advertised by Apple Technical Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency
Operations Director in Cambridge employer: APPLE TECHNICAL RECRUITMENT (UK) LIMITED
Apple Technical Recruitment (UK) Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on high-value healthcare projects in East Anglia, employees benefit from competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to lead impactful initiatives that exceed £100m, making it a rewarding place for professionals seeking meaningful contributions in their careers.
Contact Details:
APPLE TECHNICAL RECRUITMENT (UK) LIMITED Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in Cambridge
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like APPLE TECHNICAL RECRUITMENT (UK) LIMITED, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Operations Director at APPLE TECHNICAL RECRUITMENT (UK) LIMITED.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at APPLE TECHNICAL RECRUITMENT (UK) LIMITED
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
