At Lanes Group nothing is more important than the health, safety and well-being of our people and our customers. It is a major reason we are the UK’s largest independent specialist infrastructure delivery partner of choice with a turnover in excess of £530 million, (EBITDA £60m), with over 4,000 brilliant people and a countrywide network of operational locations. Our services cover the majority of the FTSE 100 & 250 respectfully.

About the Role:

We are now seeking an experienced and visionary Managing Director to oversee the delivery of our key Southern Water, Thames Water, and other South of England utilities contracts. This senior leadership role is critical to ensuring world-class service delivery, regulatory compliance, and long-term client partnerships. The successful candidate will be a proven leader with a track record of managing large-scale infrastructure or utilities contracts, alongside exceptional commercial acumen and the ability to inspire high-performing teams.

Responsibilities – but not limited to:

Strategic Leadership

• Define and deliver the overarching strategy for the Southern and Thames Water frameworks, fully aligned with Lanes Group’s vision and client requirements.
• Champion innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement to drive efficiency and service excellence.
• Embed a culture of safety, quality, and accountability across all operations.

Operational Management

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of multi-million-pound contracts, ensuring full compliance with KPIs, SLAs, and regulatory standards.
• Oversee resource planning, financial management, and performance optimisation.
• Implement robust risk management processes to anticipate and resolve operational challenges.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the senior point of contact for Southern Water and Thames Water, building strong, collaborative partnerships.
• Develop trusted relationships with regulators, supply chain partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Represent Lanes Group at client forums and industry events as a thought leader.

Team Leadership

• Lead, motivate, and develop multidisciplinary teams to achieve operational excellence.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, accountability, and professional growth.
• Align local teams with wider Lanes Group strategic objectives.

Performance & Reporting

• Monitor and report on contract performance, delivering accurate insights and recommendations.
• Use data-driven analysis to identify opportunities for improvement and growth.

Experience and qualifications required for the role:

• Proven experience in leading large-scale infrastructure, utilities, or framework contracts.
• Strong knowledge of the UK water sector, including regulatory and operational frameworks.
• Inspirational leadership and team management skills with a track record of driving high performance.
• Commercial expertise in budget management, P&L ownership, and financial governance.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation abilities, with the credibility to engage senior stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of health, safety, and environmental standards.

At Lanes Group, we are committed to creating an environment where people are engaged with purpose, recognised for their contributions, and empowered to deliver exceptional outcomes. As Managing Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our Southern operations—driving excellence, strengthening client partnerships, and making a real difference to the communities we serve.