Technical/Operations Director (Infrastructure and Environment) in Suffolk

Technical/Operations Director (Infrastructure and Environment) in Suffolk

Suffolk Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Sweco

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead regional growth and drive innovative infrastructure projects for a sustainable future.
  • Company: Join Sweco, Europe's top architecture and engineering consultancy focused on sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture promoting equality and diversity, with excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of communities while collaborating with industry experts in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Strong leadership, commercial acumen, and experience in infrastructure and environment sectors required.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

Be part of a sustainable future with Sweco. At Sweco, we plan and design the sustainable communities and cities of the future. As Europe’s leading architecture and engineering consultancy, we work with private and public sector clients to deliver smarter, cleaner and more resilient solutions from transport networks and urban regeneration to energy, water and environmental management. Our Infrastructure & Environment division brings together experts in transport planning and modelling, development infrastructure, highways and streets, active travel, and public realm. We help clients across the country to unlock growth, improve connectivity and enable low‑carbon, people‑focused places.

To support our continued expansion in London and the Southeast, we’re looking for a Senior Leader to drive regional growth and market presence. This role is based in our Ipswich office, with office attendance expected 3 days per week, and some travel to client sites and other Sweco offices as required.

What does the role involve?

  • Work closely with Department Managers to shape and deliver the growth plan for London and the Southeast.
  • Define the direction of change and growth needed to meet current and future market expectations in the region and turn that vision into action.

Regional growth leadership

  • Develop and implement the regional growth plan for London and the Southeast.
  • Be instrumental in identifying and securing opportunities that enable growth of the London business.
  • Seek opportunities that support all departments and services within the Division – and the wider UK business where they arise.

Work winning and business development

  • Take an active role in Work Winning Campaign Team meetings, helping to identify key strategic pursuits and agree actions for successful pursuit.
  • Identify growth areas (geographic and sector) in existing markets and shape plans to secure market share.
  • Identify future market opportunities and how we diversify into these areas.
  • Lead the development of win strategies and storyboard key bid pursuits.
  • Act as Bid Manager, Bid Director or Reviewer where appropriate.
  • Lead or support development of the commercial strategy for bids, ensuring robust, competitive and sustainable propositions.

Project delivery and technical leadership

  • Deliver projects in our existing pipeline, acting as Project Manager/Project Engineer or Technical Authority as needed.
  • Spend a proportion of your time working directly on projects in a project‑management and/or technical‑lead capacity – this is an integral part of the role.

Collaboration and visibility

  • Work across multi‑discipline teams within the UK business to create joined‑up solutions for clients.
  • Build strong internal and external networks, representing Sweco and our Infrastructure & Environment services in the London market.

What We’re Looking For

  • A strong blend of commercial, technical and leadership skills, together with deep understanding of the infrastructure and environment market.
  • Strong leadership skills and the ability to play a proactive role in Division and Business Unit management teams.
  • Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence strategic decision‑making.
  • Excellent communication and relationship‑management skills, with the ability to adapt your style to different audiences.
  • Extensive experience of relevant tender processes, with the ability to understand client briefs and clearly demonstrate our professional capability.
  • Proven ability to engage with key stakeholders and influence outcomes.
  • Experience working across multi‑discipline teams, ideally within a UK consultancy setting.
  • Chartered membership of a relevant professional institution.
  • Solid technical knowledge and expertise in a relevant discipline (e.g. transport, highways, development infrastructure, or related fields).

How We’ll Measure Success

  • Business development indicators such as Tell‑Us registrations and NPS score.
  • Improved win‑rate ratios on bids you lead.
  • Strong project profitability and sustainable long‑term client relationships.

Why join Sweco?

  • Influence the growth of a key region for our UK Infrastructure & Environment division.
  • Work on projects that genuinely shape how people move, live and work across London and the Southeast.
  • Collaborate with leading technical experts across a wide range of disciplines.
  • Develop your career through professional support, mentoring and access to a broad portfolio of projects.

Employee Benefits

  • Flexible and hybrid working (Flexworks Policy)
  • Competitive pension contribution
  • Life assurance
  • Private medical insurance (including family cover)
  • Company car or car allowance
  • Discretionary annual bonus scheme
  • Payment of two relevant professional subscriptions
  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year)
  • Cycle2Work Scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme (well‑being, mental health, financial and work advice)
  • Employee discounts via Sweco Benefit Select (Faircare)
  • Salary sacrifice electric vehicle scheme
  • We plant a tree for all new starters!

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

It’s important to us that all our colleagues thrive at work – we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects the contribution individuals can bring to Sweco. We aim to promote equality, inclusivity and diversity for everyone. Here at Sweco we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. We are an accredited Real Living Wage Employer. We are also a Disability Confident Committed employer and will interview applicants covered by the Equality Act 2010 that opt‑in to the guaranteed interview scheme on the application form and meet the minimum criteria for the role.

Technical/Operations Director (Infrastructure and Environment) in Suffolk employer: Sweco

At Sweco, we are committed to fostering a sustainable future while providing an exceptional work environment for our employees. Our Ipswich office offers a collaborative culture where you can influence regional growth and work on impactful projects that shape communities across London and the Southeast. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits, and a commitment to equality and inclusion, Sweco is an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in infrastructure and environment.

Sweco

Contact Details:

Sweco Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Technical/Operations Director (Infrastructure and Environment) in Suffolk

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.

Tip Number 2

Show off your expertise! When you’re at networking events or interviews, share your insights and experiences related to infrastructure and environment. This not only demonstrates your knowledge but also positions you as a thought leader in the field.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive in your job search! Instead of waiting for job postings, reach out directly to companies you admire, like Sweco. Express your interest in potential roles and how you can contribute to their growth plans. You’d be surprised how many doors this can open!

Tip Number 4

Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and initiatives. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their goals, especially in driving regional growth and market presence. And remember, apply through our website for a smoother process!

We think you need these skills to ace Technical/Operations Director (Infrastructure and Environment) in Suffolk

Leadership Skills
Commercial Acumen
Communication Skills
Relationship Management
Tender Process Experience
Stakeholder Engagement
Multi-Discipline Team Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Technical/Operations Director role. Highlight your leadership skills and technical expertise in infrastructure and environment, as these are key for us at Sweco.

Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've driven growth or improved project outcomes in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you can bring to our team.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key messages stand out. This will make it easier for us to understand your fit for the role.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is received by the right people and helps us streamline the process. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sweco

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the infrastructure and environment market. Brush up on recent projects, trends, and challenges in the sector. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing multi-discipline teams. Think about times when you’ve driven growth or led successful projects, as this is crucial for the Technical/Operations Director role.

Understand Sweco's Vision

Familiarise yourself with Sweco’s mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your personal goals align with their commitment to sustainable communities and cities. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you want to be part of their vision.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would tackle them, particularly in relation to business development and project delivery.