Head of Commercial & Operations (MD) - Drainage, Groundworks & Utilities, RECRUITMENTREVOLUTION.COM
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Key skills for this role
Role Overview
Lead the overall direction, performance, and long-term success of a profitable, long-established specialist services SME.
The role combines strategic leadership with practical operational understanding across field-based service delivery.
The position reports to the Chairman and Board and has direct reports including the Operations Manager, Sales Manager, and Executive Assistant.
The role is full-time and permanent.
The stated location is on the Berkshire and Buckinghamshire borders.
Key Skills for This Role
Full Job Posting
Role Overview
Lead the overall direction, performance, and long-term success of a profitable, long-established specialist services SME.
The role combines strategic leadership with practical operational understanding across field-based service delivery.
The position reports to the Chairman and Board and has direct reports including the Operations Manager, Sales Manager, and Executive Assistant.
The role is full-time and permanent.
The stated location is on the Berkshire and Buckinghamshire borders.
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and deliver the company strategy, vision, and growth plans.
- Identify new markets, services, partnerships, investment opportunities, and potential acquisitions.
- Work with the Board to shape the future direction of the business.
Commercial Growth
- Drive revenue growth, profitability, and long-term business performance.
- Support business development, key account management, and major commercial opportunities.
- Lead significant bids, tenders, negotiations, and strategic partnerships.
Operational Leadership
- Lead day-to-day operations across a field-based service business.
- Plan people, equipment, vehicles, and resources effectively.
- Drive operational efficiency, continuous improvement, and high service standards.
- Resolve operational challenges through a practical, hands-on approach.
People and Governance
- Lead, develop, and inspire an experienced team while supporting growth and succession planning.
- Build trust across operational and commercial functions and foster an accountable culture.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety, employment, industry, risk, governance, and quality requirements.
- Provide clear reporting and updates to the Board.
Required Background
- Senior leadership experience in an SME, contractor, utilities, construction, engineering, or related operational environment.
- Strong commercial acumen with accountability for revenue, profitability, and business performance.
- Experience leading operational teams and working with frontline, site-based, or field-service workforces.
- Practical, hands-on leadership style and understanding of frontline operations.
- Experience with business development, client relationships, bids, tenders, contracts, and commercial negotiation.
- Strong communication, stakeholder management, leadership, integrity, resilience, and judgment.
Desirable Experience
- Experience in drainage, utilities, groundworks, civil engineering, infrastructure maintenance, or related sectors.
- Experience delivering growth through acquisitions, diversification, or new service development.
- Knowledge of regulated, compliance-led, or environmental sectors.
- NEBOSH, IOSH, or equivalent health and safety qualification.
- Experience managing depot-based, vehicle-led, or equipment-intensive operations.
Compensation
- Salary is £85,000–£90,000 plus executive benefits.
- The role is full-time and permanent.
Business Context
The business has more than 50 years of experience delivering specialist commercial and industrial drainage, maintenance, and related services.
The appointment follows the planned retirement of a long-serving Managing Director.
The incoming leader will work with an experienced workforce, established customers, and the Board on the next phase of growth.
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