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Managing Director - Drainage, Groundworks & Utilities, RECRUITMENTREVOLUTION.COM
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Managing Director - Drainage, Groundworks & Utilities, RECRUITMENTREVOLUTION.COM
Managing Director – Hands-on SME Leadership
Lead the Business. Shape the Future. Build on 50+ Years of Success.
Are you a commercially minded operator with deep expertise in field-based service delivery, including drainage, utilities, groundworks, construction, civil engineering, or infrastructure maintenance?
We are seeking a hands-on Managing Director to lead a long-established, profitable SME into its next chapter—combining strategic vision with practical operational leadership.
The Opportunity
You will take over a 50+-year-old business with:
- A strong reputation in specialist commercial and industrial drainage, maintenance, and related services
- Loyal customers, an experienced workforce, and growth potential in expansion, diversification, and acquisitions
- Proprietary service networks across London, the Southeast, and surrounding regions
- A planned leadership succession following a long-serving Managing Director’s retirement
This isn’t a desk-only role—we need someone who can ** speak confidently on growth strategy with the Board** and work alongside crews on-site to address logistical, technical, and operational challenges. Your success will require balancing:
✓ Long-term vision with day-to-day execution ✓ Commercial ambition with operational reality ✓ Stability with change
You’ll inherit a committed team, established customer relationships, and an in-demand service market—while shaping an evolving business.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Growth
- Develop and execute the company’s strategy, vision, and growth plans
- Identify new markets, service lines, partnerships, and investment opportunities
- Collaborate closely with the Chairman and Board to chart the business’s future direction
- Evaluate acquisitions and diversification strategies
Commercial Drives
- Boost revenue growth and profitability, ensuring long-term financial health
- Lead major bids, tenders, and commercial negotiations for high-value contracts
- Support key account management and major commercial opportunities
Financial and Operational Excellence
- Implement sound financial controls and investment planning
- Work with the Finance Director to ensure compliance and stability
- Streamline operations—optimise teams, equipment, logistics, and resource management
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Practical Operations
- Oversee field-based service delivery, ensuring high standards in health & safety, scheduling, and equipment use
- Resolve real-time challenges—technical, logistical, or customer-facing—with expertise and adaptability
- Continuously improve service quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction
People & Culture
- Build trust and credibility with a experienced team across operational and commercial lines
- Cultivate a collaborative, accountable culture while supporting succession planning
- Inspire and develop a loyal workforce who share the company’s values
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure full adherence to health & safety, employment laws, and industry regulations
- Maintain rigorous risk assessment and governance standards
- Provide clear, timely updates to the Board on progress and actions taken
Who You Are
Essential Criteria
- HHands-on senior leadership experience as a Managing Director, Operations Director, Commercial Director, or Business Unit Leader in an SME, contractor, utilities, or construction firm
- Proven commercial success with direct accountability for revenue growth, profitability, and operational revenue streams
- Strong operations leadership—credibility with site-based or field crews and a blend of strategic and hands-on experience
- Background in business development, client relationships, and commercial negotiation (bids, tenders, contracts)
- Deep understanding of health & safety, risk management, compliance, and governance, preferably within regulated or environmental sectors
- Excelllence in communication, stakeholder management, and leadership—ability to influence at all levels
Desirable Assets
- Familiarity with drainage, utilities, civil engineering, or infrastructure maintenance sectors
- Experience in growing through acquisitions, diversifying services, or entering adjacent markets
- NEBOSH, IOSH, or equivalent health & safety credentials
- Experience managing equipment-intensive or depot-based operations (vehicles, fleets, logistics)
- Trilateral commercial and operational experience starting from frontline roles (ideally as a crew leader, foreman, or site manager)
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The Role at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Managing Director – SME Leadership |
| Location | Berkshire/Buckinghamshire borders |
| Salary | £85,000–£90,000 per annum + executive benefits |
| Contract | Full-time, permanent |
| Reports to | Chairman & Board |
| Direct Reports | Operations Manager, Sales Manager, Executive Assistant |
| Company Background | Established, profitable SME with 50+ years’ reputation for excellence |
| Culture | Practical |
Why This Role? Why Join Us?
This is more than a job—it’s an ownership opportunity with autonomy and an impact bigger than any legacy role.
- Leadership succession: Shape the next phase of growth alongside an experienced Board.
- No siloed workspace: A hands-on leader will be a classroom, site, and boardroom fixture.
- Service expansion: Test and grow ambitions in adjacent market opportunities (e.g., acquisitions, new commercial lines).
- Meaningful change: Build a sustainable reputation, develop your team, and leave an enduring legacy.
If you’re commercially astute, hands-on, operationally resilient, and deeply customer-aware, this is your chance. We’d love to hear from you.
Applications are handled confidentially. All data processed on the basis of our legitimate interests in recruitment.
For pre-application queries, contact us (mention job title & reference). Good luck, Team RR!
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