Wates Group
Operations Director

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Operations Director SES
SES Engineering Services are looking for an Operations Director to lead our Northern Home Counties Operating Unit, a key part of our Central region and an area with significant growth ambitions for the future.
Delivering complex and technically challenging projects for some of the industry's most prestigious clients, the Northern Home Counties team has built a strong reputation for excellence and is supported by a healthy pipeline of opportunities across a diverse range of sectors. As part of a high performing Central region delivering approximately £200m of MEP services annually, this role offers the opportunity to lead a business unit with huge potential and play a pivotal role in its next phase of growth and success.
If you are an experienced business leader with a track record of operational excellence, commercial success and developing high performing teams, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We are looking for someone who will not only drive outstanding project delivery and financial performance but also help establish Northern Home Counties as one of the largest and most successful operating units within the region. Join us and help create tomorrow together.
This is an outstanding opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse and supportive leadership team, where you will have the autonomy, influence and platform to shape the future direction of a growing business.
About The Role
Our Operations Directors are a vital part of our business, providing strategic leadership, driving operational excellence and delivering sustainable growth. The focus of this role will be to lead the Northern Home Counties Operating Unit, taking full accountability for the operational, commercial and financial performance of a portfolio of projects, client relationships and teams.
We are looking for a proven leader who can build on the strong foundations already in place, develop and inspire high performing teams, strengthen key client relationships and maximise the significant opportunities within the business unit's pipeline. As a member of the Central region leadership team, you will play a key role in shaping strategy, supporting regional growth ambitions and contributing to the continued success of one of the UK's leading MEP businesses.
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As Our Operations Director You Will
- Develop and lead business performance, project strategy and operational delivery, ensuring strong commercial results and exceptional client satisfaction.
- Take ownership of key client relationships from pre qualification through to project delivery and account development, identifying future opportunities and supporting continued growth.
- Drive a culture of operational excellence, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards of quality.
- Lead the delivery of the SHE strategy, ensuring the SHE team is challenged, supported and providing consistent standards, guidance and assurance across the business unit.
- Be accountable for the full financial performance of multiple projects, ensuring robust forecasting, risk management and successful commercial outcomes.
- Develop, inspire and lead a high performing team, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Contribute to the strategic direction and growth of both the Northern Home Counties Operating Unit and the wider Central region, helping to deliver our ambitious plans for the future.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary & Bonus structure
- Flexible working
- Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade)
- Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates)
- Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 6% employers' contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more…
- Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression.
- Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity.
SES are committed to the fair treatment of people with criminal records, including employees and potential employees. We ensure that our recruitment, promotion, and retention activity does not treat people less favourably because of an offending background.


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Basic Check
Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks.
To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security VettingTo find out more about LIFE AT SES Engineering Services please click on the following link https://www.ses-ltd.co.uk/careers/working-at-ses/
We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all of the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within the WATES Group.
If you would like clarity on any of our vacancies, discuss career opportunities in strict confidence or need anything to make our recruitment process easier, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly or via recruitment@wates.co.uk and one of us will get in touch as soon as possible.
As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family owned, business means we understand and value long term relationships.
Please note that candidates represented by Agencies will not be considered at this time.
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