Director of Operations in London

Director of Operations in London

London Full-Time 130000 - 150000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and own HV operations, ensuring high standards in safety and performance.
  • Company: A financially strong UK utilities contractor with a focus on growth.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary package and the chance to shape the future of the business.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior leadership role with direct board exposure.
  • Qualifications: Experience in HV or utilities leadership and managing multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Other info: Opportunity for genuine ownership and career advancement in a dynamic environment.

The predicted salary is between 130000 - 150000 £ per year.

A financially strong UK utilities and infrastructure contractor is entering a new phase of growth across its HV and regulated utilities capability. As part of this, they are seeking a Divisional Director to take full ownership of a critical HV operation, with 132kV delivery at its core. This is a senior, high-impact leadership role with direct exposure to board-level decision-makers. It's about owning, strengthening and growing a business.

The Role

  • You will have full accountability for the performance, direction and culture of the HV business unit.
  • Key responsibilities include:
  • End-to-end leadership of HV delivery operations (primarily 132kV)
  • Full ownership of people, performance and operational outcomes
  • Setting and executing operational strategy aligned to wider business objectives
  • Building and leading a strong, credible leadership team
  • Driving consistently high standards in safety, quality, programme and cost
  • Acting as a senior interface with major clients, partners and stakeholders
  • Playing a central role in shaping the future growth of HV and utilities capability

This is a hands-on leadership role, suited to someone comfortable being close to delivery while operating confidently at senior level.

What They’re Really Hiring For:

This role is about ownership and credibility, not just title. They are looking for a leader who can:

  • Take control of a complex, regulated delivery environment
  • Bring clarity, confidence and stability to teams
  • Improve service levels and client experience
  • Retain and develop high-performing people
  • Balance growth ambitions with operational discipline

Cultural fit and leadership style matter as much as technical background.

Background & Experience:

Strong candidates are likely to come from HV / ICP / utilities leadership environments including senior operational or delivery roles within:

  • Major contractors
  • Alliances
  • DNO or network-side organisations

You will likely have experience of:

  • Leading multi-disciplinary teams
  • Managing safety-critical, regulated work
  • Taking clear accountability for delivery outcomes

What matters most:

  • Delivery-first mindset
  • Straight-talking, low-ego leadership style
  • Comfortable being visible and taking responsibility

If you’re a senior HV or utilities leader looking for a role where you genuinely own the outcome, not just the job title, this is a rare opportunity.

Apply directly or email me for a confidential discussion: c.mcphilbin@sustainablet.co.uk

Director of Operations in London employer: Sustainable Talent LTD

As a leading UK utilities and infrastructure contractor, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety, quality, and operational excellence. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and the opportunity to lead high-impact projects in a supportive environment. Join us in this pivotal role where your leadership will directly influence our future success and make a meaningful impact in the HV sector.
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Contact Detail:

Sustainable Talent LTD Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Operations in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want you to walk in confident, knowing how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the one they need!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You should be able to clearly articulate your leadership style and how you can drive performance in a high-stakes environment. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror until it feels natural.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to make it personal.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations in London

Leadership
Operational Strategy
Performance Management
Client Relationship Management
Safety Management
Quality Assurance
Cost Management
Team Development
Regulated Environment Experience
Complex Problem Solving
Stakeholder Engagement
Delivery Accountability
Cultural Fit
Growth Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Leadership Style: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your leadership style. We want to see how you take control and bring clarity to complex environments. Use examples that showcase your ability to lead teams and improve service levels.

Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; we want to know about your hands-on experience in HV operations. Detail your achievements in managing safety-critical work and delivering outcomes. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our growth.

Align with Our Values: Make sure your application reflects our values of accountability and a delivery-first mindset. We’re looking for someone who fits culturally, so use your application to demonstrate how your approach aligns with our goals and objectives.

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 don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sustainable Talent LTD

✨Know Your HV Operations Inside Out

Make sure you have a solid understanding of high voltage (HV) operations, especially 132kV delivery. Brush up on the latest industry standards and regulations, as well as any recent projects or innovations in the field. This will help you speak confidently about your experience and how it aligns with the company's goals.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience

Prepare to share specific examples of how you've led multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Highlight your ability to improve service levels and client experiences, and be ready to discuss how you’ve balanced growth ambitions with operational discipline. This will show that you’re not just about titles but about real impact.

✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking

Think about how you would set and execute an operational strategy for the HV business unit. Be prepared to discuss your approach to aligning operational goals with wider business objectives. This will demonstrate your capability to drive performance and culture within the team.

✨Cultural Fit is Key

Research the company’s culture and values, and think about how your leadership style aligns with them. Be honest and straightforward in your responses, as they value low-ego leadership. Showing that you can bring clarity and stability to teams will resonate well with the interviewers.

Director of Operations in London
Sustainable Talent LTD
Location: London

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