Operations Director

Vacancy Summary

Job Title: Operations Director - Build Construction

Job Type: Permanent

Job Ref: #1402

Location: Cambridge

Salary: c.£150,000+ (Dependent On Experience) + Benefits Package (Company car or car allowance, private healthcare, 30 days holiday + bank holidays, pension contribution, and structured performance bonus).

Company & Project:

A successful aspiring Top 100 Main Contractor operating across the UK from multiple offices is looking to grow its regional presence in Cambridge with the appointment of a new Operations Director.

This is a newly created business opportunity for the company as they expand into the Cambridgeshire region.

Leadership positions in this business do not present themselves often due to their exceptionally stable staff retention rate.

The business is currently looking to grow its talented and long-standing team with an Operations Director who is local to the Cambridge area and has a proven track record in the main contracting market.

Our client is a well-respected employer operating on a number of national frameworks with a healthy secured order book for 2026/27.

The successful candidate will be expected to lead a multidisciplinary team of c20 across a selection of New Build projects at various stages in the project lifecycle.

Due to the senior nature of this position, previous experience in a client-facing capacity and involvement in bids/tenders and business development would be highly advantageous.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Lead the business operationally to resolve high-stakes project issues and ensure project success.
Own the regional budget, set ambitious yet achievable revenue targets, manage regional overheads, and maximise gross profit margins.
Conduct high-level reviews of major regional contracts pre-signature.
Partner with pre-construction and estimating teams to identify, bid on, and win high-value tenders.
Lead bids for national frameworks and major partnerships to help secure a predictable, high-performing 3-to-5-year project pipeline.
Act as the primary point of contact for client relationships.
Manage Preferred Supplier Agreements with regional subcontractors and suppliers.
Oversee, recruit, and manage a multidisciplinary team of reports (up to 20), dynamically shifting key personnel where required, while mentoring and supporting professional development.
Champion exceptional Health and Safety standards.

Our client is looking for a candidate with a stable career history working for a Main Contractor, with at least 5 years in a senior management position and experience managing teams of c20.

Desirable Experience:

Previously held a Senior Management level position within a Main Contractor for at least 5 years.
Exceptional people management skills and experience leading teams of c.20 staff, including solid technical knowledge of construction delivery, planning, design, and commercial awareness.
Previous experience in a client-facing capacity and involvement in bids/tenders and business development.
A motivated and ambitious professional looking to progress their career, grow a business in a new area, and be rewarded for their success.

Qualifications & Skills:

Degree in a construction-related field or a comparable construction qualification (NVQ/HNC, etc.).
MCIOB status would be advantageous.

Application Process:

If you would like more information on this Operations Director position or any other vacancy, please email your current CV to Jess Quinn. It will be reviewed, and you will be contacted within 48 hours if your experience matches our client's requirements.

Services advertised by Apple Technical Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency/Business
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed