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- Tasks: Lead major water infrastructure projects and manage large operational teams.
- Company: Dynamic infrastructure business with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, performance bonus, car allowance, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for career advancement in a thriving sector.
- Why this job: Play a key role in significant water network upgrades across London and the South East.
- Qualifications: Experience in water utilities, civil engineering, and managing large-scale projects.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
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
- Water utilities
- Civil engineering
- Infrastructure delivery
- Highways
- Pipeline installation
- Utilities frameworks
- Planned maintenance or capital works programmes
- 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
- Engineering degree or equivalent
- NEBOSH Construction or General Certificate
- Temporary Works knowledge/certification
- Lean, Agile, or continuous improvement experience
- 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.
Operations Director - Civil Engineering employer: Fawkes & Reece
Contact Detail:
Fawkes & Reece Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director - Civil Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know, so don’t be shy about making those connections.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to show off your knowledge about their work in water utilities and civil engineering. Tailor your answers to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable with common questions. We can help you refine your responses so you can confidently showcase your skills and experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to make it personal and memorable.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director - Civil Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Operations Director. Highlight your experience in water utilities and civil engineering, and don’t forget to mention any large-scale project management you've done. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this senior leadership role. Share specific examples of your achievements in managing infrastructure programmes and building client relationships. Let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As an Operations Director, we need someone who can lead teams effectively. In your application, highlight your experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and driving operational efficiency. We want to know how you inspire and motivate others to achieve great results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fawkes & Reece
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of water utilities and civil engineering. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in infrastructure delivery and be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to the role.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As an Operations Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead large teams and manage multi-site projects. Prepare examples of how you've successfully driven productivity and operational efficiency in past roles.
✨Understand Compliance and Safety
Be prepared to talk about your experience with HSEQ regulations and compliance in the context of highways and utilities. Highlight any certifications you have, like NEBOSH, and how they’ve helped you ensure safety on projects.
✨Build Relationships
Client and stakeholder management is key in this role. Think of instances where you've built strong relationships with clients or suppliers, and be ready to discuss how you approach collaboration and communication in a fast-paced environment.