At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage office operations in a dynamic utilities contractor environment.
- Company: Growing utilities contractor with a focus on electricity connections.
- Benefits: Flexible engagement, competitive salary, and exposure to major utility projects.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and development in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact as a key leader in a thriving business.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in construction or utilities sectors.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Reading (100% Office-Based)
Type: Permanent or Contract Opportunity
Salary: Highly Competitive Salary / Day Rate (DOE, Outside IR35 for contract)
The Opportunity
We're working with a growing utilities contractor delivering projects under SSEN Lot 1, covering electricity connections up to 11kV underground and 33kV overhead line (OHL). They are seeking a General Manager to take full ownership of their office-based operations in Reading. This is a key leadership role with responsibility for driving performance across multiple teams and ensuring efficient project delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the planning, RFQ (pricing), and streetworks departments
- Act as the Office Lead, overseeing administration, training, and operational processes
- Provide strong leadership to department heads (direct reports)
- Drive performance, accountability, and continuous improvement across teams
- Ensure effective coordination across all business functions supporting project delivery
- Make confident, strategic decisions to support business growth and operational efficiency
About You
- Proven experience in a similar senior leadership / General Manager role
- Strong background within construction, utilities, or infrastructure sectors (electricity connections experience highly desirable)
- Demonstrable experience managing multiple teams/functions simultaneously
- Decisive, confident leader able to take ownership and drive outcomes
- Excellent organisational, operational, and people management skills
What's on Offer
- Flexible permanent or contract engagement
- Outside IR35 status for contract roles
- Competitive salary/day rate depending on experience
- Opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role within a growing business
- Exposure to major utility frameworks and projects
If you're a strong operational leader with utilities or construction experience and are looking for a role where you can truly make an impact, we'd love to hear from you.
General Manager in Reading employer: Progressive
As a leading utilities contractor based in Reading, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work environment that encourages leadership and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our flexible engagement options and competitive remuneration, allowing you to thrive in a pivotal role while contributing to impactful utility projects. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values performance, accountability, and continuous improvement, making a real difference in the infrastructure sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know, so don’t be shy about reaching out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their projects, values, and challenges. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to show how your experience aligns perfectly with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. We suggest focusing on your leadership style and how you've driven performance in past roles – that's what they'll want to hear!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the General Manager role. Highlight your experience in utilities or construction, and showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you’ve driven performance and managed teams effectively!
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 role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in similar positions and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, make sure to emphasise your experience with project delivery and operational leadership. We’re looking for someone who can manage multiple teams and drive continuous improvement, so don’t hold back on those details!
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Progressive
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the utilities and construction sectors, especially around electricity connections. Familiarise yourself with key terms like RFQ, streetworks, and OHL. This will show that you're not just a leader but also someone who understands the technical side of the business.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed multiple teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you drove performance and accountability. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can lead and inspire others in a fast-paced environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, like improving operational efficiency or coordinating across departments. Have a few scenarios in mind where you made strategic decisions that positively impacted project delivery. This will highlight your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions about the company’s future projects or their approach to team development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values and career goals.
