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Operations Director (Construction Sector)

Location: Greater Manchester (Hybrid)

We are seeking an experienced, strategic Operations Director to take full ownership of the operational performance of our client’s growing construction business. This is a senior leadership role, reporting directly to the board, with responsibility for driving operational excellence, scalability, and profitability across a portfolio of projects.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned operations professional with a deep understanding of construction delivery, resource optimisation, cost control, and process improvement. This is not a role for a Project Manager or Contract Manager looking to step up, we require a proven leader who has successfully managed large-scale operations in a construction environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Business Growth - Develop and execute the Operations Strategy, aligning with business objectives for growth, profitability, and reputation.
• Build and lead a scalable operational structure capable of supporting £20m+ turnover.
• Represent operations at board level, providing data-driven insights on performance, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Operational Delivery & Performance - Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality, while maintaining strict health & safety compliance.
• Oversee project delivery, pre-construction, and aftercare functions, ensuring seamless execution.
• Establish and monitor KPIs (productivity, programme adherence, client satisfaction) using internal systems.
• Planning & Resource Optimisation - Work closely with the Head of Operations to ensure efficient labour, material, and subcontractor allocation.
• Drive productivity improvements through benchmarking, planning, and reporting.
• Support accurate forecasting and cashflow management through effective resource planning.
• Commercial & Financial Oversight - Collaborate with the Commercial Manager to protect project margins through proactive cost control.
• Monitor labour, materials, and overheads against budgets, identifying efficiencies.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting and risk mitigation across all projects.
• Health, Safety, Environmental & Quality (HSEQ) - Take full ownership of HSEQ performance, ensuring compliance with legal and client standards.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement in safety and quality.
• Client & Stakeholder Management - Maintain strong client relationships, ensuring high satisfaction through quality delivery and proactive communication.
• Process & Systems Improvement - Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve predictability.
• Utilise reporting software and dashboards to track and communicate operational performance.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Proven track record as an Operations Director (or senior ops leadership role) in construction or related sectors.
• Strong background in operations strategy, programming, SOPs, and cost control.
• Experience in scaling operations within a growing business.
• Deep understanding of construction delivery, including labour, subcontractor, and material optimisation.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and margin protection.
• Leadership presence—able to influence at board level and drive performance across teams.
• Experience in modular, off-site, or high-volume construction is advantageous.
• Knowledge of ERP, project management software, and operational reporting tools.
• Continuous improvement mindset (Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies).

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Strategy/Planning, Management, and Project Management

• Industries

  Construction, Building Construction, and Civil Engineering

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