Technical Operations Manager (Central) in Greenock

Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 4,000 people and operating around 300 manufacturing sites in the UK. We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is vital to our growth and advancement. We aim to promote a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement. At the centre of our actions lies the responsibility for the environment. As the front runner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, we are working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future. We enable new opportunities for our customers through digitalisation.

Heidelberg Materials UK is committed to maintaining an industry‐leading level of customer satisfaction through the continuous assurance and improvement of our product portfolio and technical services. We are now recruiting a Technical Operations Manager (TOM) to lead our Central technical teams across the UK.

Role Overview

The Technical Operations Manager (TOM) is responsible for developing, documenting, and maintaining a comprehensive Quality Management Programme across Heidelberg Materials UK’s concrete, aggregate, and asphalt supply network. The role leads and manages a team of field- and laboratory‐based technicians, ensuring quality assurance testing is delivered efficiently, safely, and in line with company standards, customer expectations, and commercial opportunities. The TOM plays a key role in maintaining sample frequency targets, identifying value‐add technical services, and strengthening relationships with both internal stakeholders and external customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Quality & Technical Operations
  • Lead the continuous assurance and improvement of Heidelberg Materials UK’s concrete, aggregate, and asphalt product portfolios.
  • Ensure quality assurance testing is completed in line with company standards, specifications, and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain and optimise field sample frequency rates across the supply network.
  • Identify and support opportunities for commercial and “value‐add” technical testing services.
  • Maintain robust documentation and compliance within the Quality Management Programme.
• Stakeholder & Customer
  • Engage effectively with internal stakeholders and external customers.
  • Act as a technical ambassador for Heidelberg Materials UK, promoting confidence in products and services.
  • Support the resolution of technical queries and quality‐related issues.
• Health, Safety & Environment
  • Ensure the highest possible standards of Health & Safety are maintained at all times.
  • Promote a strong safety culture across field and laboratory operations.
  • Ensure compliance with all company H&S policies, procedures, and legal obligations.
• People Management & Leadership
  • Provide strong, visible leadership that creates an environment where teams are motivated, engaged, and high‐performing.
  • Lead and support: Senior Technicians, Laboratory Technicians, Technical Allocator, Quality Control Technicians.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively across all levels of the organisation.
  • Identify training and development needs through coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
  • Develop technical capability and succession within the team.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in technical operations, quality management, or a similar leadership role within concrete, aggregates, asphalt, or construction materials.
• Strong people leadership and team development capability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A proactive, commercially aware approach to technical services.
• A strong commitment to Health & Safety and continuous improvement.

Why join us?

At Heidelberg Materials, we don’t just offer jobs we build careers. As a global leader in construction materials, we’re committed to innovation, sustainability, and, above all, our people.

Rewards & Benefits

• Competitive Package: Salary, bonus incentives, generous pension, and life assurance.
• Work-Life Balance: 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays), agile/flexible working, holiday purchase, and sabbatical options.
• Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced support for maternity, paternity, adoption, IVF, neonatal care, and menopause.
• Inclusive Culture: Paid volunteering day and active employee communities (LGBTQ+, Women in STEM, Armed Forces, and more).
• Wellbeing & Development: Employee Assistance Programme, retail discounts, and continuous learning opportunities.

At Heidelberg Materials UK, we strive to create an inclusive and respectful workplace where every individual can bring their unique skills and background to contribute to the success of our business.

We understand that a diverse workforce is key to our growth and development, and we aim to foster a culture that values openness, transparency, and individual achievement. As part of our commitment to promoting diversity, we are actively working to encourage more individuals to consider careers within the construction industry.

We believe in building a workplace that is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and diversity. If you're interested in joining our team, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience or skill set doesn't perfectly align with the job description.

Heidelberg Materials is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

We understand that women may face unique challenges in their careers, and we are committed to providing a supportive environment to help you thrive. Our family-friendly policies, such as enhanced maternity and parental leave, neonatal care, and adoption support, will provide you with the flexibility and support you need to balance your personal and professional commitments.

We also offer a range of benefits, such as access to our Employee Assistance Program, trained mental health first aiders, discounted private medical benefits and much more, to ensure your wellbeing is prioritised.