RK BELL GROUP
is a third-generation, family-run construction and infrastructure business founded in 1941 and based in Bridgwater, Somerset.
Operating across the South West of England and Wales, the Group delivers Civil Engineering, Highways, Surfacing, Plant Hire, Transport and Waste & Recycling services to public and private sector customers.
The Group comprises of 3 independent companies: RK Bell Ltd, RK Bell Projects Ltd and GWorks Surfacing Ltd, bringing together complementary operational capabilities to provide complete infrastructure solutions from a single Group. The Group operates to recognised industry standards including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
Now in its 85th year, RK BELL GROUP continues to invest in its people, operational capability and future growth while retaining the long-term relationships, quality of delivery and family-business values on which it was built.
Job Description
RK BELL GROUP is seeking an experienced Operations Director to provide strategic leadership, operational management and commercial oversight across the Group’s operations.
Reporting directly to the Group Managing Director and working as part of the senior leadership team, this is a key appointment with responsibility for leading multiple operational divisions and ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, profitably and to the required standards.
The successful candidate will combine strong operational leadership with commercial awareness and the ability to develop high-performing teams, strengthen customer relationships and support the continued sustainable growth of the Group.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Group’s operational strategy
- Oversee the delivery and commercial performance of multiple contracts and operational divisions.
- Ensure projects are delivered safely, on programme, within budget and to the required quality standards.
- Drive profitability, productivity, resource utilisation and operational efficiency.
- Review operational performance, CVRs, forecasts and project risks.
- Lead and develop Contracts Managers, Project Managers, Site Managers and wider operational teams.
- Work closely with Commercial, Estimating, SHEQ, Finance and HR teams.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, local authorities, framework providers and other key stakeholders.
- Support business development, tendering, pre-construction and mobilisation of new contracts.
- Drive continuous improvement, operational governance and best practice across the business.
About You
We are looking for an established construction leader with:
- A minimum of 10 years’ senior operational leadership experience within civil engineering and construction.
- Proven experience managing multiple contracts and operational divisions.
- Demonstrable experience delivering profitable growth within a construction business.
- Strong commercial management, contract administration and project financial control experience.
- Experience of NEC and JCT forms of contract.
- Strong knowledge of construction methodologies, programming and resource planning.
- A proven ability to lead, mentor and develop high-performing operational teams.
- Strong client relationship management and business development experience.
- Excellent leadership, communication and decision-making skills.
Desirable Qualifications
Degree, HNC, HND or equivalent in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline, together with relevant professional or industry qualifications such as SMSTS, CSCS Black Management Card, IOSH/NEBOSH and/or membership of a recognised professional institution such as MCIOB or MICE.
The Opportunity
This is a senior leadership role with the opportunity to influence operational strategy, commercial performance and the operational future of the RK BELL GROUP.
