At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the construction of a cutting-edge fibre network across Europe.
- Company: A leading European fibre network operator with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to safety and quality in every project.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fast-paced world of network infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Experience in network construction and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: [London/ Hybrid]
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
About the Role
Our client, a leading European fibre network operator, is looking for an Operations Director to lead the build and construction of their network infrastructure across Europe. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on the physical delivery of network assets—from planning and civil works through to commissioning and handover. You'll own the end-to-end construction lifecycle, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget while meeting the quality standards required for a tier-one carrier network.
Key Responsibilities
- Construction Programme Leadership — Direct all network build activities including route planning, wayleaves, civils, duct installation, fibre splicing, and site commissioning.
- Contractor & Vendor Management — Procure, manage, and hold accountable third-party civils contractors, installation partners, and equipment suppliers. Negotiate contracts and enforce SLAs.
- Capital Delivery — Own construction budgets and capital expenditure, ensuring efficient deployment of investment across build programmes.
- Health, Safety & Compliance — Embed a safety-first culture across all field operations. Ensure full compliance with CDM regulations, street works permits, and environmental standards.
- Planning & Permitting — Oversee wayleave acquisition, local authority liaison, and permitting processes to keep build programmes unblocked.
- Cross-Functional Coordination — Work closely with Network Engineering, Commercial, and Service Operations teams to align build priorities with customer demand and product roadmaps.
- Resource Planning — Scale internal teams and contractor capacity to meet build targets, balancing speed with cost efficiency.
- Quality Assurance — Implement inspection and acceptance frameworks to ensure constructed assets meet design specifications and operational readiness standards.
- Reporting & Governance — Provide clear visibility to the COO and executive team on build progress, risks, and investment performance.
Essential:
- Significant experience leading physical network construction—fibre, duct, civils, or similar infrastructure at scale.
- Proven track record delivering large capital build programmes on time and within budget.
- Deep understanding of UK/European street works, wayleaves, and regulatory frameworks.
- Experience managing civils contractors and field-based delivery teams.
- Strong commercial acumen—contract negotiation, cost control, vendor performance management.
- Knowledge of CDM regulations and health & safety leadership in construction environments.
Desirable:
- Background in telecoms, utilities, or datacentre infrastructure build.
- Experience with fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP), metro, or long-haul network construction.
- Familiarity with GIS, network planning tools, and asset management systems.
- NEBOSH, SMSTS, or equivalent H&S qualifications.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in London
✨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 Areti Group | B Corp™, 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 Areti Group | B Corp™.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in London
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 Areti Group | B Corp™
✨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!
