Head of Operations in Warrington

Head of Operations in Warrington

Warrington Full-Time No working from home possible
Last Mile Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operational teams delivering essential utility works across the Northwest.
  • Company: Join Last Mile, a top multi-utility company committed to innovation and excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible hours, private medical insurance, and more!
  • Other info: Be part of a Great Place to Work certified business with excellent career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior leadership role while driving continuous improvement.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in operational management and a strong background in utilities.

Join a leading utilities company where innovation, service excellence and people come together. At Last Mile, we are proud to deliver high-quality solutions across the multi utility sector, and as our Operations team continues to grow, we are looking for a talented Head of Operations to join us.

As Head of Operations, you will hold a senior leadership role with full responsibility and accountability for a diverse operational workforce delivering gas, water and electricity utility works across construction projects in the region. You will lead operational activity to ensure work is delivered safely, efficiently, to the highest quality standards, within budget and in line with customer expectations. You will provide clear strategic and operational leadership, with the technical support needed to strengthen performance, improve productivity and drive continuous improvement across the business.

What's in it for you as a Head of Operations?

  • 25 days holiday, increasing after 2 years by 1 day each year up to 30 days, plus 9 public holidays
  • Discretionary bonus
  • EV and ULEV salary sacrifice scheme (subject to minimum length of service)
  • Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
  • Up to 7% employer pension contribution
  • Life assurance (x4 annual basic salary)
  • Retail, travel and leisure discounts via our MilesMore benefits platform
  • Refer a friend incentive
  • Financial wellbeing platform
  • Employee assistance programme
  • Flexible start and finish times for eligible roles
  • Private medical insurance
  • Company sick pay

Some of our benefits are only applicable when you have successfully completed your probation period.

Your responsibilities as a Head of Operations:

  • Provide senior leadership for operational teams delivering gas, water and electricity infrastructure works across the region.
  • Ensure all operational activity is delivered safely, efficiently, profitably and to agreed programme, budget and quality standards.
  • Work with senior colleagues to align operational delivery with business objectives, growth plans and continuous improvement priorities.
  • Plan workforce capacity and allocate resources effectively to meet current and future project demand.
  • Drive performance through KPIs, reporting, reviews and timely resolution of operational issues, escalations and non-conformances.
  • Lead, motivate and develop supervisors, engineers, direct labour and subcontract teams, supporting competence, training and succession planning.
  • Champion health, safety, environmental and quality standards, ensuring compliance with policies, regulations, audits and client requirements.
  • Manage tools, plant, equipment, vehicles and subcontractor performance to control costs and improve productivity.
  • Maintain strong governance, accurate site records and effective stakeholder relationships with customers, utility operators, local authorities and internal teams.
  • Promote innovation, best practice, accountability and continuous improvement to support strategic business objectives and operational excellence.

Experience / Knowledge:

  • Extensive senior operational management experience, with responsibility for leading large, dispersed and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Strong background in operational leadership within the ICP, DNO, IDNO, GT or IGT sectors.
  • Proven success in delivering operational excellence across utility construction or infrastructure projects.
  • Experience driving process improvement, cultural change and measurable efficiency improvements.
  • Commercially focused experience managing budgets, financial performance and resource planning.
  • Ability to manage relationships with customers, stakeholders and regulators in a highly regulated environment.
  • Relevant hands on experience is essential, with professional or technical qualifications considered beneficial.

About us:

Last Mile is one of the largest last mile multi utility businesses in the UK. We understand construction and we know utilities. We design, build, own, and manage the 'last mile' of essential utilities infrastructure. With a proven history of delivering multi utility connections across Great Britain, we provide a full suite of utility infrastructure, including clean heat networks, electricity, gas, water, wastewater and fibre. With a strong track record, deep industry knowledge and solid investor backing, we take a forward thinking approach to the complex economic, social and environmental challenges of today, to innovate for a better tomorrow. Through Last Mile and our asset adoption business Last Mile Asset Management, we provide a 'one stop shop' for new utility connections. We're proud to be both a Great Place to Work certified business and a Living Wage Employer, reflecting our commitment to supporting and valuing our people. At Last Mile, we are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We consider all applications solely on the basis of skills and experience and actively encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Head of Operations in Warrington employer: Last Mile Group

At Last Mile, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. As a Senior Multi-Utility Designer - Variations, you will benefit from competitive working hours, a supportive culture that prioritises employee development, and the opportunity to lead and mentor a talented team. Our Glasgow, London, Stonehouse, and Warrington locations offer unique advantages, including access to vibrant city life and a collaborative atmosphere that encourages professional growth and meaningful contributions to the multi-utility sector.

Last Mile Group

Contact Details:

Last Mile Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Warrington

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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Warrington

Senior Leadership
Operational Management
Project Management
Budget Management
Performance Management
Health and Safety Compliance
Stakeholder Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

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How to prepare for a job interview at Last Mile Group

Master the Case Study Game

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Be a Cultural Fit

We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Last Mile Group. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!