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- Tasks: Lead strategic operations and drive excellence in infrastructure projects.
- Company: OCU, a values-driven organisation focused on inclusion and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, growth opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on critical infrastructure and lead high-performing teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in DNO frameworks and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to innovation and community values.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
OCU are seeking an exceptional Operations Director to provide strategic leadership and shape the future of our operational performance within substations, civils, cabling and associated infrastructure regulated projects based in Greenwich. This is a pivotal executive role for a commercially minded leader who can translate strategy into execution, drive operational excellence, and build high-performing teams across complex infrastructure environments. If you thrive on accountability, continuous improvement, and delivering measurable business results this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.
About the role
As Operations Director you will provide strategic direction across all operational functions, ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of projects and services. A key focus of this role will include oversight of:
- UKPN DNO works – substations, civils, cabling and associated infrastructure
- Other DNO works – substations, civils, cabling and associated infrastructure
You will play a critical role in ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, compliantly, and profitably, while aligning operational strategy with wider business objectives. This role requires a leader who can balance strategic oversight with strong operational control — someone experienced in regulated environments and infrastructure delivery.
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute operational strategies aligned to company growth objectives
- Identify opportunities for expansion, optimisation, and competitive advantage
- Shape long-term operational roadmaps to support sustainable success
Operational Excellence
- Oversee delivery across production, supply chain, logistics, facilities, and customer operations
- Lead DNO project delivery (UKPN and other DNO frameworks), ensuring works across substations, civils, and cabling are delivered to the highest standards
- Ensure operational activities meet quality, regulatory, safety, and performance standards
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead and inspire department heads, managers, and operational teams
- Build a high-performance culture focused on safety, accountability, and results
- Provide mentorship, structure, and succession planning
Performance & Continuous Improvement
- Establish and monitor KPIs across all operational functions
- Analyse performance data to drive informed decision-making
- Champion process optimisation, cost efficiencies, and operational innovation
Financial & Commercial Management
- Manage operational budgets, forecasts, and financial performance
- Ensure operational delivery supports profitability and sustainable growth
Stakeholder & Risk Management
- Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams
- Maintain strong relationships with DNO partners, suppliers, and key stakeholders
- Ensure full compliance with regulatory standards and proactively mitigate operational risk
About you
- Strong background in managing and leading DNO frameworks, substations, civils, and cabling works
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field
- Proven senior leadership experience within operations, ideally within utilities or infrastructure sectors
- Strategic thinker with strong execution capability
- Demonstrable financial acumen and budget management expertise
- Exceptional leadership and stakeholder engagement skills
- Deep understanding of regulatory, safety, and compliance standards
This is more than an operations role it’s a strategic leadership opportunity within a growing organisation delivering critical infrastructure. If you’re ready to lead complex operations, strengthen performance across DNO frameworks, and drive long-term growth we’d love to hear from you.
Driven by values, powered by inclusion. At OCU, our values guide everything we do: integrity, collaboration, respect, innovation and one company united. They shape how we work with our clients, communities, and each other. We believe that inclusion is more than a principle — it’s the foundation of our success. By embracing equity and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive, we create a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone feels they belong.
Together, we build stronger teams, deliver better outcomes, and grow in ways that reflect the communities we serve. If you want to be part of a culture where values matter and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do apply now and help us shape the future together.
If you are invited to progress in the recruitment process, will you require any reasonable adjustments to support you? Please let us know so we can ensure the process is accessible and fair for you. Any information you share will be treated confidentially and will only be used to support you during the recruitment process.
Operations Director in London employer: OCU Group
Contact Detail:
OCU Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for an Operations Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a great opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their operational challenges and think about how your experience with DNO frameworks and infrastructure can help them achieve their goals. This will show you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your strategic vision and how you can drive operational excellence. Highlight your leadership style and how you build high-performing teams. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s shape the future together!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing DNO frameworks and infrastructure projects. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strategic leadership abilities!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your operational excellence and financial acumen. Use metrics where possible to illustrate the impact you’ve made – numbers speak volumes!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value integrity and collaboration, so share your leadership style and how you inspire teams. This is your chance to show us who you are beyond just your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at OCU Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the operations director role and the specifics of DNO frameworks, substations, and cabling works. Research OCU’s projects and values so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've built high-performing teams in the past. Be ready to discuss how you inspire accountability and drive operational excellence, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you would develop and execute operational strategies that align with company growth objectives. Be prepared to share your insights on identifying opportunities for optimisation and competitive advantage in complex infrastructure environments.
✨Engage with Their Values
OCU places a strong emphasis on values like integrity, collaboration, and inclusion. Reflect on how these values resonate with you and be ready to discuss how you would embody them in your role as Operations Director.
