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- Tasks: Lead operational teams to ensure safe and profitable service delivery across the UK.
- Company: Established operational services company in the utilities sector.
- Benefits: Car allowance, bonus scheme, health benefits, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Make a national impact while shaping the future of utility services.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in utilities with strong commercial awareness.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to drive operational efficiency.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced operational leader from either the water or gas utilities industry, ready to take on a strategic role with national impact? Our client is a well-established operational services company delivering specialist pipeline engineering, gas and water network services across the UK. They are looking for an experienced Head of Operations to lead their operational teams and drive consistent, safe and profitable delivery across all service lines.
This is a senior leadership role with end-to-end accountability for operational service delivery. You will translate commercial commitments into safe, compliant and profitable outcomes by leading planning, mobilisation, execution and close-out across multiple work types and regions. You will work across field-based teams, customer relationships and internal functions to drive efficiency, reduce reactive delivery and support the company's growth within regulated utility frameworks.
Responsibilities:
- Own end-to-end service delivery, ensuring all projects are completed safely, on time and to the highest standard within agreed scope.
- Develop and implement short, medium, and long-term operational plans to improve efficiency and profitability.
- Govern all programmes and projects, leading review meetings to monitor progress, manage risks, and ensure commercial targets are met.
- Collaborate with commercial and finance departments to ensure accurate forecasting, robust cost control, and profitable delivery.
- Act as a visible leader across the business, championing a strong safety culture and driving high performance.
- Maintain effective working relationships with key customers and framework partners, supporting professional communication and issue resolution.
- Support the development and resilience of operational teams through effective succession planning and management.
Who They’re Looking For:
- Senior operational leadership experience within utilities, infrastructure or pipeline services.
- Strong understanding of gas and/or water network operations.
- Proven experience managing field-based, multi-disciplinary delivery teams.
- Strong commercial awareness with demonstrated ability to control operational cost and margin.
- Ability to plan, govern and deliver work within regulated environments.
- Confident communicator able to operate effectively at site, customer and senior management level.
- Track record of driving operational efficiency and standardisation.
Desirable:
- Familiarity with AMP and RIIO regulatory frameworks.
- Experience with trenchless methods, flow-stopping operations, drilling, or pipeline rehabilitation techniques.
- Knowledge of NEC3 or NEC4 contract environments.
- Background working within a group-based or matrix-structured organisation.
Benefits:
- Car or car allowance.
- Bonus scheme linked to profitability targets.
- Fully expensed national travel.
- Health Cashback Scheme.
- Life Assurance.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays increasing 1 day per year.
- High Street Discounts portal.
- Pension scheme with matching contributions of up to 5%.
- Health and Wellbeing programme & Employee Assistance Program.
- On-site parking & subsidised canteen.
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay.
If you have senior operational leadership experience in utilities or infrastructure and want to take on a strategic role with real impact, this opportunity offers genuine scope to shape how services are delivered.
Head of Operations (Utilities) in Derby employer: Oyster Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Oyster Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations (Utilities) in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend relevant events. 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 challenges and think about how your experience can help them tackle these issues. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in utilities aligns with their needs. Highlight your leadership skills and operational successes to make a lasting impression.
✨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 their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations (Utilities) in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Operations. Highlight your experience in utilities, especially in gas or water, and showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you've driven operational efficiency and managed teams successfully.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this strategic role. Share specific examples of how you've translated commercial commitments into successful outcomes in previous positions. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, let us know how you lead teams and foster a strong safety culture. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and drive high performance, so don’t hold back on sharing your approach to team development and succession planning.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oyster Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Industry Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and regulations in the water and gas utilities sector. Understanding the nuances of AMP and RIIO frameworks will show that you're not just experienced, but also current and engaged with the industry.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership style and how you've successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you drove operational efficiency and standardisation, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to talk about how you've controlled operational costs and margins in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with forecasting and cost control, as this will resonate well with the company's focus on profitability.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since you'll be interacting with various stakeholders, from field teams to senior management, demonstrating your communication skills will be key to showing you can operate effectively at all levels.