At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop operations across multiple sites in North England and Wales.
- 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 and inclusive culture focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Shape the future of construction while driving operational excellence and team development.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in multi-site industrial operations.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ 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.
Area Operations Manager - Aggregates & Asphalt North
Salary: £75,000 - £85,000 + Bonus + Company Car/Car Allowance + Pension + Excellent Benefits
Lead Operations. Drive Performance. Shape the Future.
This is more than a site leadership role, this is a role with real influence.
It's an opportunity to take ownership of a major Aggregates and Asphalt operation spanning quarries, depots and asphalt plants across Northern England and Wales.
Leading a team of experienced operational professionals, you'll have the freedom and influence to shape performance across safety, production, profitability, people development and continuous improvement.
With full responsibility for a diverse and strategically important portfolio, you'll play a pivotal role in delivering operational excellence while helping to build the future of Heidelberg Materials UK.
If you're motivated by leading large-scale operations, developing high-performing teams and making a tangible impact on business results, this is the challenge you've been looking for.
Your Region
You will have responsibility for a diverse network of Aggregates and Asphalt operations across:
- North West England : Wigan, Tuebrook (Liverpool), Runcorn
- North Wales : Abergele, Penmaenmawr
- Mid Wales : Criggion
- Yorkshire : Horton
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & People
- Lead and develop a regional operational management team across multiple sites.
- Create a high-performance culture focused on accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.
- Coach and develop future leaders while maintaining robust succession plans.
- Ensure teams have the capability, resources and support needed to deliver business objectives.
- Health, Safety & Environment
- Champion a world-class safety culture where everyone goes home safe every day.
- Drive continuous improvement in health, safety and wellbeing performance.
- Ensure environmental standards are delivered and exceeded in line with company objectives.
- Maintain compliance with Heidelberg Materials Integrated Management Systems.
- Operational Performance
- Deliver optimum production levels aligned with commercial demand.
- Maximise operational efficiency while controlling costs.
- Drive improvements in productivity, plant availability, energy performance and overall operational effectiveness.
- Support network optimisation initiatives across the region.
- Business & Financial Management
- Deliver agreed operating profit targets and budget commitments.
- Develop and implement regional operational business plans.
- Ensure management information is accurate, timely and used to identify performance improvement opportunities.
- Evaluate and develop capital investment proposals aligned to business objectives.
- Customer & Stakeholder Management
- Work collaboratively with commercial and logistics teams to maximise customer service and supply performance.
- Ensure products consistently meet quality specifications.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and key external partners.
- Continuous Improvement
- Create a culture where operational excellence and innovation thrive.
- Drive CI programmes across all sites.
- Utilise KPI data and benchmarking information to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Lead change initiatives and major improvement projects across the region.
About You
We're looking for an experienced operational leader with a proven track record of managing complex, multi-site industrial operations.
Experience
- Significant leadership experience within aggregates, asphalt, heavy manufacturing, construction materials, mining, quarrying, cement or a comparable industrial environment.
- Experience in a senior operational management role.
- Proven experience managing multi-site operations.
- Strong commercial and financial awareness.
- Experience delivering major capital investment, business transformation or operational improvement projects.
- Demonstrated success in leading teams through change and driving performance improvements.
Qualifications
- Educated to Diploma level or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
- SHE NVQ Level 5 / QCF Level 7 (or working towards).
- Full UK driving licence.
- Personal Qualities
- Inspirational and visible leader.
- Strategically minded with strong operational focus.
- Strong decision-maker with excellent influencing skills.
- Passionate about safety, people development and operational excellence.
- Collaborative and commercially focused.
- Driven to challenge the status quo and deliver 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
- 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
Area Operations Manager in Wigan employer: Heidelberg Materials
Heidelberg Materials is an excellent employer that values its staff by offering competitive pay and flexible working hours, making it ideal for those seeking a part-time role. The supportive work culture fosters teamwork and respect, while opportunities for personal growth and development are encouraged within the company. Located in Mold, employees benefit from a friendly environment that prioritises well-being and job satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Operations Manager in Wigan
✨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, 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 Area Operations Manager at Heidelberg Materials.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Operations Manager in Wigan
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
✨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!
