At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a successful SME in drainage and utilities, driving growth and operational excellence.
- Company: Established business with over 50 years of success and a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Autonomy, influence, and the chance to shape the future of a respected company.
- Other info: Join a collaborative culture focused on people, accountability, and strategic growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while leading a dedicated team through exciting growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations or commercial leadership within construction or related sectors.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Lead the Business. Shape the Future. Build on 50+ Years of Success. Are you a commercially minded operator who understands field-based service delivery? Have you built your career in drainage, utilities, groundworks, construction, civil engineering, infrastructure maintenance or a closely related sector? Do you know what it takes to earn the respect of experienced crews, lead from the front and grow a successful SME without losing what makes it special? We are seeking a hands‑on Managing Director to lead a highly respected, long‑established SME into its next chapter. This is a rare opportunity to take the reins of a profitable business with strong foundations, loyal customers, an experienced workforce and genuine growth potential.
The company has built its reputation over 50+ years by delivering specialist commercial and industrial drainage, maintenance and related services to customers across London, the South East and beyond. This appointment forms part of a planned leadership succession following the retirement of a long‑serving and highly respected Managing Director. You will inherit a committed team, established customer relationships and a business with significant opportunity to evolve, diversify and grow.
This is not a desk‑only leadership role. We are looking for someone who can combine strategic thinking with practical operational understanding; someone who is as comfortable discussing growth plans with the Board as they are talking through site challenges, equipment, logistics, health & safety and customer delivery with operational teams.
The Role at a Glance
- Location: Berkshire/Buckinghamshire borders
- Contract: Full‑time, permanent
- Reporting to: Chairman & Board
- Culture: Practical | Loyal | Commercial | Accountable | People First
Your background may include:
- Drainage, utilities, groundworks, civil engineering, construction services, environmental services, facilities maintenance, infrastructure maintenance, specialist contracting or field‑based service operations.
Previous / Current Roles:
- Operations Director
- Commercial Director
- Regional Director
- Business Unit Director
- General Manager
- Divisional Director
The Opportunity
You will lead the overall direction, performance and long‑term success of the business, working closely with the Board to develop and deliver a clear strategy for sustainable growth. The business has strong foundations, but there is also scope to think ambitiously. Future growth opportunities may include acquisitions, service diversification, expansion into adjacent markets, new commercial partnerships and continued development of the company’s existing specialist services. Success will require a leader who can balance strategy with execution, commercial ambition with operational reality, and change with stability. You will need to build trust quickly with long‑serving colleagues, customers and suppliers, while bringing fresh thinking and energy to the next phase of the company’s journey.
Where You’ll Make an Impact
- Strategic Leadership
- Develop and deliver the company’s strategy, vision and growth plans.
- Identify new markets, services, partnerships and investment opportunities.
- Work closely with the Board to shape the future direction of the business.
- Commercial Growth
- Drive revenue growth, profitability and long‑term business performance.
- Support business development, key account management and major commercial opportunities.
- Lead significant bids, tenders, negotiations and strategic partnerships.
- Ensure sound financial controls, commercial decision‑making and investment planning.
- Work closely with the Finance Director and external advisers to maintain compliance and stability.
- Operational Leadership
- Lead day‑to‑day operations across a field‑based service business.
- Ensure effective planning across people, equipment, vehicles and resources.
- Drive operational efficiency, continuous improvement and high service standards.
- Resolve operational challenges with a practical, hands‑on approach.
- People & Culture
- Lead, develop and inspire an experienced team.
- Build trust and credibility across operational and commercial functions.
- Foster a collaborative, accountable culture while supporting growth and succession planning.
- Governance & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with health & safety, employment and industry regulations.
- Maintain effective risk management, governance and quality standards.
- Provide clear reporting and updates to the Board.
About You
You’ll likely be an experienced Managing Director, General Manager, Operations Director, Commercial Director or Business Unit Leader with a track record of leading operational, field‑based or contractor‑led businesses. You’ll bring senior leadership experience within an SME, contractor, utilities, construction, engineering or related operational environment. Strong commercial acumen with accountability for revenue growth, profitability and business performance. Experience leading operational teams and earning credibility with frontline, site‑based or field‑service workforces. A practical, hands‑on leadership style, ideally with experience close to frontline operations earlier in your career. Strong business development, client relationship and commercial negotiation skills, including bids, tenders and contracts. A solid understanding of health & safety, compliance, risk management and governance. Excellent communication, stakeholder management and leadership skills, with the ability to influence at all levels. Integrity, resilience, sound judgement and the ability to drive change while maintaining team engagement. Experience within drainage, utilities, groundworks, civil engineering, infrastructure maintenance or related sectors. Experience delivering growth through acquisitions, diversification or new service development. Knowledge of regulated, compliance‑led or environmental sectors. NEBOSH, IOSH or equivalent health & safety qualification. Experience managing depot‑based, vehicle‑led or equipment‑intensive operations.
Why This Role?
This is a rare opportunity to take over a profitable, long‑established business with an excellent reputation and strong foundations. Working closely with the Board, you'll lead an experienced team through a planned succession while shaping the next phase of growth. You'll have genuine autonomy, visibility and influence, with the opportunity to expand services, develop people, strengthen performance and leave a lasting legacy. If you're a commercially astute, hands‑on leader who thrives in operational environments and wants to make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Head of Commercial & Operations (MD) - Drainage, Groundworks & Utilities in Maidenhead employer: RR
Join a well-respected SME with over 50 years of success in the drainage, groundworks, and utilities sector, located on the Berkshire/Buckinghamshire borders. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a committed team and drive strategic growth while fostering a collaborative and accountable work culture. With a focus on employee development and operational excellence, you will have the autonomy to shape the future of the business and make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial & Operations (MD) - Drainage, Groundworks & Utilities in Maidenhead
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