At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic operations and ensure efficient project delivery across DNO frameworks.
- Company: Join a growing organisation focused on critical infrastructure and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of operations while driving sustainable success and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in DNO frameworks and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusion and collaboration to make a real difference.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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: Opals Group
Contact Detail:
Opals 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 industry contacts, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their projects, values, and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources. This will help you refine your answers and boost your confidence when it’s time to shine in front of the hiring team.
✨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 are proactive about joining our team.
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 strategic goals!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As an Operations Director, your leadership experience is crucial. Share specific examples of how you've led teams to success, especially in regulated environments. We love a good story about inspiring others!
Highlight Financial Acumen: Don’t forget to mention your budget management expertise! We’re looking for someone who can manage operational budgets effectively, so include any relevant achievements that demonstrate your financial savvy.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opals Group
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of DNO frameworks, substations, and cabling works. Familiarise yourself with recent projects and challenges in the industry. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you would align operational strategies with business growth objectives. Think about examples from your past where you've identified opportunities for optimisation or expansion. This will highlight your ability to think strategically while managing day-to-day operations.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Team Development
Be ready to share your experiences in leading teams and fostering a high-performance culture. Discuss how you've mentored others and built strong relationships within your teams. This is crucial as the role requires inspiring department heads and managers.
✨Understand Financial Management
Brush up on your financial acumen, especially regarding budget management and forecasting. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed operational budgets in the past and how you can ensure profitability while maintaining quality and compliance standards.