At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a critical marine business, driving performance and sustainability.
- Company: Heidelberg Materials, a global leader in construction materials.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, generous holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a culture that values innovation, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of marine aggregates while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and 10+ years in senior operational leadership.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 € per year.
Lead the Future of Marine Aggregates in the UK. This is a rare opportunity to take full ownership of a strategically critical, asset‑intensive marine business at the heart of Heidelberg Materials UK. As Managing Director Marine, you will lead a highly visible and strategically critical division, shaping commercial success while championing fleet performance, safety excellence and sustainability transformation. With full P&L ownership and statutory Director accountability, the role provides exceptional scope, authority and influence. This is a critical leadership role responsible for shore‑based and ship‑based operations, commercial performance, marine fleet efficiency, and long‑term business sustainability. The role operates as a statutory Director and works closely with UK and Group leadership to deliver the marine strategy.
Direct Reports:
- Marine Operations Manager & Deputy CSO
- Fleet Technical Operations Manager
- Senior Finance Manager
- Commercial & Logistics Manager
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and develop the Marine senior leadership team to deliver performance objectives.
- Define and deliver a five‑year operating plan aligned to the UK and national business strategy.
- Provide clear leadership, direction and succession planning across the Marine organisation.
- Act as a key member of the UK senior leadership community.
- Hold full accountability for Health & Safety across all shore and vessel operations.
- Deliver best‑in‑class safety performance aligned to Heidelberg Materials’ Health & Safety Plan.
- Drive continuous improvement culture across marine and office‑based operations.
- Full P&L responsibility for the Marine Division.
- Lead customer and market strategy to optimise shipping capacity, market share and margin.
- Manage working capital, debt exposure and commercial risk.
- Set, manage and forecast annual budgets; ensure strong financial controls and reporting.
Operational & Fleet Management:
- Accountable for all marine fleet operations, production efficiency and cost control.
- Drive continuous operational improvement and productivity across the fleet.
- Ensure optimal resource planning and asset availability.
- Oversee quality performance in collaboration with technical functions.
Environmental & Sustainability:
- Deliver environmental objectives aligned to the Environmental Management Plan.
- Lead fleet decarbonisation initiatives and associated investment projects.
- Manage marine ETS compliance and stakeholder engagement.
Compliance & Governance:
- Fulfil statutory duties as a Company Director.
- Ensure full compliance with all legal, regulatory and company obligations.
- Maintain high standards of governance, audit, and risk management.
Investment & Capex:
- Evaluate, develop and submit capital investment proposals.
- Accountable for delivery, control and post‑investment performance review.
Candidate Profile Experience & Qualifications:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent.
- SHE NVQ Level 5 (or working towards).
- Minimum 10 years’ senior operational leadership experience.
- Strong commercial, financial and strategic capability.
Leadership Attributes:
- Authoritative, values‑led leader with strong marine or industrial credibility.
- Commercially astute with a performance‑driven mindset.
- Experienced in stakeholder management at Board, regulatory and customer level.
- Committed to safety, sustainability 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. We’re proud to be recognised as an Employer of Choice, with accreditations including: Armed Forces Covenant (Gold), Disability Confident, 5% Club (Platinum), Mates in Mind, Clear Assured, STEM Ambassador, MPQC Member.
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.
Managing Director Marine in Southampton employer: Heidelberg Materials UK
Heidelberg Materials UK is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a competitive package that includes generous holidays, flexible working options, and robust family-friendly policies. With a strong commitment to safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement, the company fosters an inclusive culture where diverse employee communities thrive, ensuring that every team member can contribute meaningfully to the future of marine aggregates. Join us to lead a critical division with full P&L ownership and the opportunity to shape the strategic direction of our marine operations in a supportive and innovative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director Marine in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Managing Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in leading teams and driving performance. They want to see how you can shape their marine division.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals, especially around sustainability and safety excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director Marine in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the key responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in operational leadership and financial management, as these are crucial for the Managing Director Marine role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've led teams, driven performance, and championed sustainability in previous roles. Make it personal and engaging!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, emphasise your leadership attributes. We want to see how you inspire teams and drive continuous improvement. Use concrete examples to illustrate your authoritative yet values-led approach.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heidelberg Materials UK
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Managing Director Marine, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on P&L statements, budgeting, and financial forecasting. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past and how you plan to optimise financial performance in this role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've led teams to success, particularly in high-pressure environments. Think about your approach to succession planning and how you foster a culture of continuous improvement within your teams.
✨Safety First!
Health and safety are paramount in this position. Be prepared to discuss your experience with safety protocols and how you've implemented best practices in previous roles. Highlight any initiatives you've led that improved safety performance or compliance.
✨Sustainability Matters
With a focus on environmental objectives, be ready to talk about your experience with sustainability initiatives. Discuss any projects you've been involved in that aimed at reducing carbon footprints or improving environmental compliance, and how you envision leading similar efforts in this role.
