At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence and drive growth in a dynamic engineering consultancy.
- Company: Fast-growing engineering consultancy with ambitious expansion plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity for impactful work.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career advancement and influence across multiple locations.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a thriving company and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in construction or engineering, with strong business development skills.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Full Time in Wigan, Greater Manchester
We are a thriving, fast-growing engineering consultancy operating across specialist Civil & Structural Engineering and Geotechnical Engineering disciplines. With a strong technical reputation, ambitious growth plans and an active acquisition pipeline, the business is entering an exciting new phase of expansion.
We are now seeking an experienced Operations Director to play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, business growth and post-acquisition integration.
This is a high-impact leadership position for a commercially astute and operationally driven Operations Director who can combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution. Working closely with the executive leadership team, you will help create a unified, high-performing organisation, develop scalable systems and processes, strengthen commercial performance and unlock new growth opportunities.
The successful Operations Director will have responsibility across operations, business development, commercial management and organisational integration.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic oversight across Civil & Structural operations, with leadership support to Geotechnical teams.
- Develop and implement operational strategies to improve service delivery, profitability and resource utilisation.
- Establish KPIs, reporting frameworks and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Build a high-performance and collaborative culture across multiple locations.
- Provide visible, credible leadership across the wider organisation.
- Shape and execute the Group’s growth strategy across public and private-sector markets.
- Secure high-value business and strengthen relationships with key clients, developers and contractors.
- Lead major framework and strategic business opportunities.
- Identify cross-selling opportunities and develop market share.
- Support the continued expansion of the organisation through organic growth and acquisitions.
- Lead post-acquisition integration, aligning operating models, systems, commercial practices and organisational culture.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting and financial performance.
- Identify and manage key commercial risks and opportunities.
- Drive margin improvement and sustainable long-term growth.
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven senior leadership experience within the construction, engineering or consultancy sector.
- A demonstrable track record of delivering measurable operational and commercial improvements.
- Strong P&L accountability and budget management experience.
- A successful background in business development, client acquisition and revenue growth.
- Excellent people leadership and organisational change capabilities.
- The ability to bring together teams, business units and cultures around a common strategy.
- Technical background in Civil, Structural or Geotechnical Engineering.
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalent professional qualification.
- Previous leadership experience within an engineering consultancy.
- Direct experience of M&A or post-acquisition integration programmes.
What Success Looks Like: First 12-24 Months:
- Unified Strategy: Civil, Structural and Geotechnical practices operating under a cohesive model.
- Measurable Impact: Trackable growth in revenue, profitability and client reach.
- Scalable Operations: Streamlined processes and frameworks supporting continued expansion.
- Culture & Leadership: A resilient, collaborative and high-performing culture across all locations.
- Sustainable Growth: A clear platform for further organic development and acquisition-led expansion.
If you are an entrepreneurial, commercially focused leader who enjoys combining strategy with execution, this is an opportunity to make a genuine impact on a growing engineering consultancy. The Operations Director will be instrumental in shaping the organisation’s next stage of growth and creating the operational platform required for long-term success.
Please send your CV and a brief cover note to the confidential talent team to start the conversation.
Operations Director in Manchester employer: Penguin Recruitment
Penguin Recruitment is an excellent employer for Geotechnical Engineers in Cardiff, offering a supportive environment that prioritises career growth and chartership opportunities. With a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous pension scheme and flexible perks, employees can thrive while working on technically challenging projects that make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in Manchester
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Penguin Recruitment, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Operations Director at Penguin Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
