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- Tasks: Lead the Marine division, driving performance and sustainability in a key leadership role.
- Company: Heidelberg Materials UK, a top supplier of construction materials committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, generous holiday, flexible working, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with a strong focus on innovation and employee development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of marine aggregates while making a real impact on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and 10+ years in senior operational leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 ÂŁ 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 key to our growth and development. We aim to foster 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.
Location: Southampton
Competitive Salary Plus bonus
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
- Marine Resources Strategy Manager
- 17 shore‑based staff (Southampton)
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Strategy
- 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
- Health, Safety & Wellbeing
- 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
- Commercial & Financial Performance
- 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
- Educated to degree level or equivalent
- SHE NVQ Level 5 (or working towards)
- Minimum 10 years’ senior operational leadership experience
- Proven leadership of multi‑site, asset‑intensive operations
- Demonstrable experience managing large‑scale capital investment projects end‑to‑end
- 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.
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
Managing Director Marine in Southampton employer: Heidelberg Materials
Contact Detail:
Heidelberg Materials Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director Marine in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. At StudySmarter, we believe that showing genuine interest in their sustainability efforts and culture can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or even in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
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 is tailored to the Managing Director Marine role. Highlight your leadership experience, especially in marine or industrial settings, and showcase any relevant achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell your story! Explain why you're passionate about sustainability and how your experience can drive the marine division forward. Be sure to connect your values with those of Heidelberg Materials.
Showcase Your Strategic Vision: In your application, demonstrate your strategic thinking. Outline how you would approach the five-year operating plan and what initiatives you would prioritise to enhance commercial performance and sustainability.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heidelberg Materials
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Heidelberg Materials' mission and values, especially their commitment to sustainability and safety. Familiarise yourself with their marine operations and how they align with the broader business strategy. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also in the company’s vision.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you demonstrated strong leadership, particularly in multi-site operations or asset-intensive environments. Highlight your experience in managing large-scale capital investment projects and how you drove performance improvements. This will resonate well with their focus on leadership and operational excellence.
✨Emphasise Safety and Sustainability
Given the critical nature of health, safety, and environmental responsibilities in this role, be ready to discuss your approach to these areas. Share any initiatives you've led that improved safety performance or contributed to sustainability goals. This will underline your alignment with their core values.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the company. Ask about their future plans for marine fleet decarbonisation or how they measure success in their sustainability initiatives. This not only shows your interest but also positions you as a forward-thinking candidate who is ready to contribute to their goals.