Mowlem International LTD
Director of Operations
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Vacancy Title: Operations Director
Vacancy Location: Belfast – United Kingdom (50% International travel)
Engagement Type: Permanent
Who are we?
Here at Mowlem Group, we stand at the forefront of civil engineering, and we are proud to be a trusted name in delivering construction, engineering, and infrastructure solutions. We combine technical expertise with a commitment to excellence to bring complex projects to life and we do this safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
We are currently making significant contributions to infrastructure projects around the globe and our commitment is to set the benchmark for technical excellence, offer bespoke and agile services devoid of unnecessary red tape, nurture local expertise to bolster economic resilience, and uphold the highest ethical standards unwaveringly.
With some incredible international projects currently breaking ground and on the horizon, this is a really exciting time to join the team at Mowlem Group.
The Role
Shape the future of infrastructure. Lead at scale. Make an impact that lasts. Some leadership roles are about managing what already exists. This one is about building what comes next.
We are looking for an exceptional hands-on Operations Director to take strategic and operational leadership of multiple business divisions across international markets, shaping how complex infrastructure and civil engineering projects are delivered and setting the standard for operational excellence across the Group.
This is a role for a leader who can see the bigger picture without losing sight of the detail, understands all parts of the business and can dive in and learn new things. Someone who can move confidently between boardroom strategy and project reality, challenge established thinking, build high-performing teams and turn ambitious plans into safe, successful and profitable delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the Group's business objectives
- Lead and oversee multiple operating divisions across several countries
- Support business growth through operational planning, market expansion, and organisational development
- Contribute to corporate strategy as a member of the executive leadership team
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all business units
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Operational Management
- Provide executive oversight of major infrastructure and civil engineering projects throughout their lifecycle
- Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to contractual requirements
- Monitor operational performance through KPIs, dashboards, and regular business reviews
- Standardise operational processes, governance, and reporting across regions
- Resolve significant operational issues, contractual challenges, and project risks
Commercial Performance
- Drive profitability across all operational divisions
- Work closely with Head of Commercial and Commercial Managers to optimise contract performance and risk management
- Review major bids and tenders, providing operational input into delivery strategies
- Oversee resource planning to maximise utilisation and operational efficiency
- Ensure appropriate controls are in place for cost management and financial forecasting
Leadership & People Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop General Managers, and Project Managers
- Build high-performing leadership teams across all operating regions
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Support succession planning and talent development throughout the organisation
- Champion diversity, inclusion, and employee engagement initiatives
Health, Safety, Environment & Quality
- Promote an uncompromising safety culture across all operations
- Ensure compliance with company policies, client requirements, and international best practice
- Drive continual improvement in SHEQ performance
- Lead investigations into significant incidents and implement corrective actions where required
- Ensure environmental and sustainability objectives are integrated into operational delivery
Client & Stakeholder Management
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, clients, consultants, funding organisations, and key stakeholders
- Represent Mowlem Group at executive-level meetings and industry forums
- Support dispute resolution and strategic client engagement
- Enhance the company's reputation through exceptional project delivery and professional leadership
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Governance & Risk
- Ensure effective operational governance across all regions
- Monitor project risks and ensure mitigation strategies are implemented
- Maintain compliance with local legislation, contractual obligations, and corporate governance standards
- Support internal and external audits where required
Your Experience & Skills
Essential Criteria
- Significant demonstrable experience as a construction executive
- International experience managing large-scale infrastructure programmes in challenging environments and developing markets
- Significant experience delivering/ managing large-scale major infrastructure programmes
- Experience operating within developing countries and emerging markets – and has a deep understanding and appreciation of cultural differences
- Strong commercial and contractual knowledge
- Demonstrated ability to lead large multidisciplinary teams across diverse cultures
- Excellent strategic planning, negotiation, and decision-making skills
- Experience managing complex operational risk
- Strong financial and commercial acumen
Desirable Criteria
- Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline
- Professional qualification/accreditation for an industry recognised body
Why Work for Mowlem Group?
- Equity in Mowlem Group
- Competitive salary
- Extensive travel opportunities
- Hybrid working
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Up to £500 towards professional subscription fees that are relevant to your role
How to Apply
Please click Apply Now
NB: We do not accept speculative CV’s from recruitment agencies.
Mowlem Group is very pleased to be an equal-opportunities employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment where our people feel welcomed, valued and included. As an international company operating across multiple regions, cultures, and communities, we value individuals for who they are, and we know that our strength lies in the diversity of our people.
We want you to have the best possible interview experience with us, so we are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. If we can make any reasonable adjustments or accommodations due to a disability, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills