RR
Head of Commercial & Operations (MD) - Drainage, Groundworks & Utilities
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Lead the Business. Shape the Future. Build on 50+ Years of Success
Are you a commercially minded operator who understands field-based service delivery?
Have you built your career in drainage, utilities, groundworks, construction, civil engineering, infrastructure maintenance, or a closely related sector?
Do you know what it takes to earn the respect of experienced crews, lead from the front, and grow a successful SME without losing what makes it special?
We are seeking a hands-on Managing Director to lead a highly respected, long-established SME into its next chapter.
The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to take the reins of a profitable business with strong foundations, loyal customers, an experienced workforce, and genuine growth potential.
About the Company
The company has built its reputation over 50+ years by delivering specialist commercial and industrial drainage, maintenance, and related services to customers across London, the South East, and beyond.
This appointment forms part of a planned leadership succession following the retirement of a long-serving and highly respected Managing Director. You will inherit:
- A committed team
- Established customer relationships
- A business with significant opportunity to evolve, diversify, and grow
The Role at a Glance
Job Title: Head of Commercial & Operations (Managing Director)
Location: Berkshire/Buckinghamshire borders Salary: £85,000 – £90,000 + Executive benefits Contract: Full-time, permanent
Reporting to: Chairman & Board
Direct Reports: Operations Manager, Sales Manager, Executive Assistant Company Culture: Practical | Loyal | Commercial | Accountable | People First
The Opportunity
You will lead the overall direction, performance, and long-term success of the business, working closely with the Board to develop and deliver a clear strategy for sustainable growth.
Scope for Growth
Future opportunities may include:
- Acquisitions
- Service diversification
- Expansion into adjacent markets
- New commercial partnerships
- Continued development of the company’s existing specialist services
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Where You’ll Make an Impact
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and deliver the company’s strategy, vision, and growth plans.
- Identify new markets, services, partnerships, and investment opportunities.
- Work closely 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.
Financial Management
- Ensure sound financial controls, commercial decision-making, and investment planning.
- Work closely with the Finance Director and external advisers to maintain compliance and stability.
Operational Leadership
- Lead day-to-day operations across a field-based service business.
- Ensure effective planning across people, equipment, vehicles, and resources.
- Drive operational efficiency, continuous improvement, and high service standards.
- Resolve operational challenges with a practical, hands-on approach.
People & Culture
- Lead, develop, and inspire an experienced team.
- Build trust and credibility across operational and commercial functions.
- Foster a collaborative, accountable culture while supporting growth and succession planning.
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with health & safety, employment, and industry regulations.
- Maintain effective risk management, governance, and quality standards.
- Provide clear reporting and updates to the Board.
About You
You’ll likely be an experienced Managing Director, General Manager, Operations Director, Commercial Director, or Business Unit Leader with a track record of leading operational, field-based, or contractor-led businesses.
Requirements
You’ll bring:
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- Senior leadership experience within an SME, contractor, utilities, construction, engineering, or related operational environment.
- Strong commercial acumen with accountability for revenue growth, profitability, and business performance.
- Experience leading operational teams and earning credibility with frontline, site-based, or field-service workforces.
- Practical, hands-on leadership style, ideally with experience close to frontline operations earlier in your career.
- Strong business development, client relationship, and commercial negotiation skills, including bids, tenders, and contracts.
- A solid understanding of health & safety, compliance, risk management, and governance.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Integrity, resilience, sound judgment, and the ability to drive change while maintaining team engagement.
Desirable
- Experience within drainage, utilities, groundworks, civil engineering, infrastructure maintenance, or a related sector.
- Experience delivering growth through acquisitions, diversification, or new service development.
- Knowledge of regulated, compliance-led, or environmental sectors.
- NEBOSH, IOSH, or equivalent health & safety qualification.
- Experience managing depot-based, vehicle-led, or equipment-intensive operations.
Why This Role?
This is a rare opportunity to take over a profitable, long-established business with:
- An excellent reputation and strong foundations.
- The ability to lead an experienced team through a planned succession while shaping the next phase of growth.
- Autonomy, visibility, and influence.
- The opportunity to:
- Expand services
- Develop people
- Strengthen performance
- Leave a lasting legacy
If you’re a commercially astute, hands-on leader who thrives in operational environments and wants to make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.
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