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- Tasks: Lead operations, drive growth, and ensure project success in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join JN Bentley, a leading civil engineering contractor with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy tailored financial, lifestyle, health, and wellbeing benefits alongside professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the civil engineering sector while fostering a strong team culture.
- Qualifications: Proven senior operations leadership experience and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a team committed to safety, sustainability, and innovative solutions.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Operations Director role at JN Bentley. To best prepare for AMP8 delivery, we are creating a sixth Director‑led operational unit with an initial focus on driving growth with Thames Water plus at least one other water framework (still to be decided). In this unique opportunity, you will report to the Regional Operations Director and be responsible for ensuring the Board is informed about the successes, challenges, risks, and opportunities from your area of the business.
Working closely with the Commercial Director and Design Director in your unit, you will deliver multiple projects and schemes for your client(s) to our high standard, ensuring you have great client relationships, a strong client network, and aiming to be their first choice for future work opportunities. You will play an integral role in leading our health and safety vision for zero injuries and workplace ill‑health, as well as ensuring that the commercial performance of your unit is in line with or exceeds expectations as per our Business Plan.
As well as proven technical skills, you will demonstrate high levels of integrity, high standards of personal safety, commercial acumen, and the ability to lead and motivate a large team across the design & build environment. You will lead a multi‑disciplined team, contributing to the development of the people in your unit and across the business, supporting talent management and succession planning, ensuring that we have a talent pipeline for the future, motivating and engaging the workforce and demonstrating a strong team ethos. All in all, you will be contributing towards creating the right conditions for a great place to work.
With time you will also work with the bidding and business development teams to explore opportunities and new clients in your region. We are looking for someone who is committed to living and working in an area that aligns with our southern clients; therefore, you will need to live within commutable distance of our Reading office and Thames Valley sites.
JN Bentley delivers civil engineering contracting services, together with mechanical and electrical expertise. Founded in 1972, the company has grown largely from repeat work, maintaining a focus on providing construction services with an open and honest approach. The JN Bentley team numbers close to 2,000 colleagues. We pride ourselves on our large, directly employed construction workforce, a team that gives us and our clients added assurances for safety and quality. We look to find innovative solutions to traditional construction challenges, applying the latest technologies to drive efficiency and reach sustainable outcomes. Across JN Bentley and our design and build companies MMB and JBA Bentley, annual revenue now exceeds £500 million.
About You
- Experienced in senior operations leadership within a principal contractor or alliance.
- Deep understanding of NEC contract management and capital framework delivery.
- A proven ability to lead multi‑disciplinary teams across multiple workstreams.
- Capable of building a high trust, high‑performance team culture.
- Commercially astute, with strong cost and risk management experience.
- Excellent communication skills and able to confidently liaise with the client and internal stakeholders at a board level.
- A strong advocate for safety, innovation, and sustainability.
Desirable
- Experience within the regulated water or utility frameworks.
- Chartered status or relevant technical qualifications in engineering or construction management.
- Understanding of the digital project delivery and environmental performance targets in water infrastructure.
What’s In It For You
Alongside our significant training and development investment, bespoke progression plan, and support to achieve professional chartership, we offer a wide range of financial, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits that you can tailor to your needs.
Operations Director in Reading employer: JN Bentley
Contact Detail:
JN Bentley Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, especially those in the water and civil engineering sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people for a chat over coffee.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and projects. Highlight your ability to motivate others and drive results, as this is key for an Operations Director role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company inside out! Understand JN Bentley’s values, recent projects, and their approach to safety and sustainability. This will not only help you tailor your conversations but also show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in senior operations leadership and any relevant projects you've led that align with JN Bentley's focus on growth and client relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your understanding of NEC contract management and how your commercial acumen can benefit JN Bentley. Don’t forget to mention your commitment to safety and sustainability!
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills: We want to see how you’ve built high-performance teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve motivated and engaged your workforce, and how you’ve contributed to talent management and succession planning.
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 ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at JN Bentley.
How to prepare for a job interview at JN Bentley
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Operations Director, you'll need to demonstrate your commercial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and project performance indicators relevant to JN Bentley. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and driven profitability in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your experience leading multi-disciplinary teams. Think of specific examples where you motivated your team, resolved conflicts, or fostered a high-performance culture. Highlight your approach to talent management and succession planning.
✨Understand the Client Landscape
Familiarise yourself with JN Bentley's client base, especially within the water sector. Be prepared to discuss how you would build and maintain strong client relationships, and share any relevant experiences that showcase your ability to be a trusted partner.
✨Safety First
Given the emphasis on health and safety, come equipped with examples of how you've championed safety initiatives in previous roles. Discuss your vision for achieving zero injuries and how you plan to instil a safety-first mindset across your team.