At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and drive strategic growth in a thriving water and infrastructure business.
- Company: Established company with a strong market presence and ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and the chance to shape the future of the business.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture focused on technical excellence and team development.
- Why this job: Take full ownership of a £100m turnover business and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Chartered engineer with senior leadership experience in water or civil engineering.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.
We are working exclusively to appoint a Managing Director on behalf of a well-established, independently operated business within the water, civils and infrastructure sector. The business holds a strong market position, an excellent client base, and a proven track record of delivering complex infrastructure programmes. This is a rare opportunity for a senior leader to take full strategic, commercial and operational ownership of a business approaching £100m turnover - with genuine ambition and the platform to grow further.
The Role
- As Managing Director you will be the most senior leader in the business, chairing the board and carrying full accountability for:
- Developing and executing the medium-term strategy and annual business plan
- Driving sustainable growth, profitability and commercial performance
- Leading, motivating and developing a high-performing leadership team of circa 10 direct reports
- Maintaining and growing relationships with clients, partners and key stakeholders
- Overseeing financial performance including P&L, budgeting, forecasting and risk management
- Embedding a high-performance, safety-first culture aligned with the company's values and heritage
- Operating within a Group framework while retaining full accountability for outcomes and execution
- Ensuring compliance with UK regulations, management system accreditations and governance requirements
About You
- You will be a chartered engineer (Engineering Council) and a member or fellow of a relevant professional body.
- You will bring a strong track record in a senior leadership role - ideally as Managing Director, Deputy MD or equivalent - within water or broader civil engineering
- Proven experience managing a P&L at scale and driving commercial performance in a project-based business
- A genuine ability to lead, inspire and develop teams, creating an inclusive culture where people thrive
- Credibility and an established network with clients, frameworks and stakeholders at the highest level
- Experience as a statutory director with awareness of associated fiduciary responsibilities
- A business-development mindset - able to identify, evaluate and pursue growth opportunities
- Resilience and adaptability in navigating complexity, risk and uncertainty
Why This Role?
- Rare whole-business MD accountability - not a divisional or functional role
- A business with strong foundations, a 100-year heritage and ambitions to grow
- An engaged and supportive parent group providing resources, expertise and strategic backing
- A collaborative and people-first culture with a genuine commitment to technical excellence
Managing Director - Water, Civils, Infrastructure in Reading employer: Talent Link Ltd
Join a leading environmental technology company in London, where your expertise as an Electrical Engineer will contribute to meaningful projects in the water and wastewater treatment sector. Enjoy a hybrid work model that promotes flexibility, alongside a supportive culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning and development opportunities. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, this role offers you the chance to make a real impact while working with top-tier contractors and water companies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director - Water, Civils, Infrastructure in Reading
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Talent Link Ltd, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Managing Director - Water, Civils, Infrastructure at Talent Link Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director - Water, Civils, Infrastructure in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Link Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
