Operations Director - Major Projects

Location: National

Salary: Competitive

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday

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What you’ll do:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Operations Director to lead and oversee our Major Projects works, delivering safe, reliable, and efficient operations across a broad network of infrastructure and field services. This pivotal leadership role requires a combination of commercial acumen, strategic vision, and operational excellence—particularly within the construction and infrastructure industries.

You will be responsible for people leadership, financial performance, innovation, and ensuring compliance across multiple operational teams, while delivering service excellence and driving continuous improvement across the division.

Key Responsibilities:

People & Team Leadership

Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team of managers, supervisors, and field staff

Foster a culture of high performance, innovation, and safety

Drive a proactive approach to talent development and succession planning

Operations & Strategic Oversight

Direct complex operations across a wide network of utility infrastructure

Balance compliance, operational efficiency, and environmental best practices

Provide strong leadership in business planning, with autonomy in decision-making

Financial Management & Growth

Manage substantial budgets with a focus on cost optimisation and value creation

Identify new opportunities for revenue generation and operational improvement

Stakeholder Engagement & Governance

Act as a senior liaison for internal and external stakeholders

Ensure full compliance with regulatory and health & safety requirements

Represent the organisation in high-level meetings and strategic planning sessions

Business Development & Risk Management

Identify strategic growth areas within the sector

Lead risk management initiatives, audits, and emergency response planning

Ensure all operations meet or exceed safety, compliance, and quality standards

Innovation & Sustainability

Promote the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices

Encourage continuous improvement through data-led decision-making and tech integration

What we’re looking for:

Minimum 10 years’ experience in infrastructure or construction management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role

Proven ability to lead large, multi-site teams in a fast-paced, metric-driven environment

Strong commercial and financial acumen; experienced in managing P&L and driving profitability

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills at senior levels

Strong operational decision-making and problem-solving skills

Desirable:

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field

Experience with vegetation management, advanced machinery, or asset control systems

Why join us:

Career Development Focus: We’re committed to supporting your professional growth with clear career paths, training, and tailored development programs, including our GC Leadership Academy, job specific accreditations and higher education opportunities.

Exciting Growth Opportunities: Be part of a rapidly growing company with a dynamic team and expanding client base.

Collaborative Environment: Work in a supportive, engaging, and innovative culture where your contributions are valued.

Competitive Package: Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, along with flexible working options, including:

23 days holiday, Increasing with length of service + bank holidays

Yearly bonus scheme & Share options

Robust pension scheme

Medigold employee support, Free Flu Jabs, Online private GP Service

Free or subsidised national gym memberships

Employee Recognition Scheme

2 personal choice volunteering days

Ground Control

Ground Control is a UK-based grounds maintenance company powered by the latest technology. Since launching in 1973, Ground Control has grown rapidly and now provides full national coverage for our customers across the UK and Ireland.

We deliver a range of services, including grounds maintenance, winter gritting, landscape construction, design, arboriculture, electric vehicle charging point installation to more than 50,000 commercial properties across the UK.

If you are looking to invest in your future with a business that puts people at the centre of everything, click the apply now button below to speak to a member of our team.

#INDHP

Equal Opportunities Statement

At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate based on age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and beyond.