Operations Director (Water Mains Replacement)

At Browne, we are delivering one of the most ambitious water network upgrades the UK has seen in over a century: a programme to replace 150km of water mains across London and the Thames Valley. As Operations Director, you will lead the strategic and operational delivery of this flagship programme, guiding a multidisciplinary team of around 150 people and ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. You will oversee full operational and commercial performance, managing an annual delivery of over £35m and playing a pivotal role in supporting Browne's £1bn secured order book in the current investment period. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a major national utility upgrade and to influence innovation, excellence, and long-term value across the programme.

About Browne: At Browne, we are engineering with purpose. We are a leading UK contractor working in the water and civil engineering sectors, delivering projects that help improve everyday life. From building pipelines and upgrading pumping stations to maintaining reservoirs and drainage systems, we support cleaner water, stronger infrastructure, and more reliable services for communities. We offer a wide range of career opportunities both on site and behind the scenes. Whether your skills are in engineering, project delivery, safety, sustainability, commercial, planning or business support, there’s a place for you at Browne. We value different perspectives and experiences, and we’re proud to be a Silver Award Investors in Diversity accredited employer. Our teams use smart technology and a hands-on approach to make sure every job is delivered safely and to a high standard. We support our clients through the full life of their assets, from construction and mechanical systems to long-term maintenance. Browne is part of Renew Holdings plc, a UK-based group of specialist engineering companies.

What We’re Looking For: We’re seeking an exceptional leader someone who thrives in complex operational environments and can drive performance across large-scale programmes. You will bring a blend of technical understanding, commercial awareness, and people-focused leadership.

• Experience & Knowledge:

• Background leading large-scale, planned works programmes, ideally within highways, utilities, or major infrastructure.
• Strong operational expertise, particularly around installation and commissioning of water mains or similar linear assets.
• Deep understanding of highway regulations, permitting, and site compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to deliver high productivity and consistent outputs in fast-paced, repetitive delivery environments.

• Skills & Attributes:

• Strategic leader with the ability to influence, motivate, and develop multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, able to build trusted relationships with clients and partners.
• Excellent problem-solving capability with a proactive approach to mitigating risks and removing delivery barriers.
• Commercially astute, with experience managing budgets, performance targets, and programme outcomes.

• Qualifications:

• Engineering degree or equivalent (desirable).
• NEBOSH General/Construction qualification (desirable).
• Understanding of Lean, Agile, or continuous improvement methods (desirable).
• Temporary Works knowledge or certification (desirable).

Work from our brand-new, state-of-the-art Apsley office, just a short walk from Apsley Station. With modern facilities, collaborative spaces, the latest tech, and hybrid working options available, it’s a bright and inspiring environment designed to help you do your best work. The role will also require regular travel to sites across including Aylesbury and Lea Bridge (subject to change). This is an exciting leadership opportunity to drive one of the UK’s most significant utility upgrade programmes and help shape a more resilient future for millions of people. If you’re ready to make an impact, lead with purpose, and bring your expertise to a high-performing team, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help us build the networks of tomorrow.