Head of UK Operations
Industrial Services | Energy & Infrastructure
£90,000 + Package
We are leading a confidential search for a Head of Operations on behalf of our industrial services business operating across energy, utilities, and heavy industry.
This is a key leadership hire within a national service line, designed to strengthen operational grip, increase commercial performance, and bring a more visible, front-footed leadership style into the business.
The role carries full responsibility for delivering long-term, contract-led services across multiple UK sites. The environment is complex, compliance-driven, and built around established, high-value client relationships. The expectation is to take control of performance while actively growing the operation.
This role requires regular travel across customer sites nationwide and a high level of visibility within the operation. You will be expected to spend time on-site with teams and clients, maintaining close alignment to delivery, performance, and opportunity.
The role:
- Lead operational delivery across a portfolio of long-term client contracts
- Take full accountability for P&L, margin, and contract performance
- Maintain strong visibility across sites and with clients
- Lead contract reviews, audits, and performance meetings
- Drive compliance, safety, and operational standards
- Strengthen senior client relationships and act as a key point of contact
- Identify and deliver growth opportunities within existing accounts
- Shift the operation towards more proactive, commercially driven performance
- Regional multi-site service delivery model
- Established presence across energy, utilities, and industrial sectors
- Long-term contracts within power generation, water, and bulk materials handling
- Strong base of existing relationships with opportunity to expand
What success looks like:
- Stronger operational consistency across contracts
- Increased client engagement and visibility
- Improved commercial performance and margin control
- Delivery of organic growth within existing accounts
- A more proactive, performance-led operating culture
The person:
- Background in industrial services, engineering, or contract-led environments
- Experience leading multi-site or multi-contract operations
- Proven ability to manage key client relationships
- Strong commercial awareness alongside operational delivery
- Comfortable being on-site, visible, and hands-on
Desirable:
- Experience in energy, utilities, waste-to-energy, or process environments
- Exposure to plant lifecycle management or regulated industries
The package:
- £90,000 basic salary
- 30% bonus target
- £6500 car allowance
- Pension
- Private medical and life assurance
- 25 days holiday plus statutory
This search is being managed on a strictly confidential basis. Further details will be shared following an initial discussion.