At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation and drive operational excellence across aggregates, asphalt, and recycling.
- Company: Heidelberg Materials UK, a leader in sustainable construction materials.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, generous holiday, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and continuous development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of construction with innovative practices and a focus on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in operational performance and project management.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
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.
This is more than a role it’s a career-defining opportunity. We’re looking for a standout Operations Excellence Director to take ownership of a critical national function spanning Aggregates, Asphalt and Recycling. You’ll operate at the centre of business performance, driving large-scale transformation, delivering best-in-class capital execution, and unlocking significant, sustainable value across a complex, high-impact operation. This is a role for someone who doesn't just improve performance but defines it.
The Opportunity
Sitting at the heart of business transformation, you’ll lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary function spanning:
- Aggregates, Asphalt & Recycling Performance
- Capital Project Management (CapEx)
- Land Surveying
- Electrical Operations Support
- Heavy Mobile Equipment (HME) Fleet
You’ll bring these capabilities together to drive productivity, efficiency, and innovation setting the benchmark for Operational Excellence across the organisation.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Strategic Leadership
- Define and deliver the vision for Operations Excellence aligned to business priorities
- Build a high-performing function with strong governance, reporting and accountability
- Operational Performance
- Champion LEAN methodologies (TIMWOODS, Kaizen, benchmarking)
- Lead plant optimisation initiatives to increase efficiency and EBIT performance
- Embed continuous improvement culture across all sites
- CapEx Delivery
- Own the delivery of major capital programmes end-to-end
- Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget
- Technical & Operational Support
- Oversee critical support services including surveying, electrical and HME fleet
- Ensure resources are aligned to operational priorities
- Stakeholder Impact
- Partner with senior leadership, operations and engineering teams
- Champion Voice of Customer and Critical to Quality (CTQ) thinking
- Safety & Compliance
- Lead with a safety-first mindset
- Ensure full compliance with HSE and engineering standards
What Success Looks Like
- Measurable improvement in plant KPIs and operational efficiency
- Consistent delivery of major CapEx projects to time, cost and quality
- Tangible increase in Return on Capital Employed (RCO / EBIT)
- Strong stakeholder confidence and engagement
- High-performing, motivated and collaborative team
- Industry-leading safety performance
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, Season and travel ticket loans
- 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 (previously known as Hanson 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.
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. Creating a candidate home page is optional, when asked, but you can use this to quickly see the progress of your application(s). You may still be the right fit for this or other roles within our company.
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 prioritized.
Operations Excellence Director in Maidenhead employer: Heidelberg Materials Limited
Heidelberg Materials UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Maidenhead where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our mission. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including generous holiday allowances, family-friendly policies, and a culture that champions diversity and inclusion, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to lead transformative initiatives in the construction materials industry while enjoying a supportive workplace that values your contributions.
Contact Details:
Heidelberg Materials Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Excellence Director in Maidenhead
✨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 Heidelberg Materials 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 Excellence Director at Heidelberg Materials Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Excellence Director in Maidenhead
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 Heidelberg Materials 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!
