Job Description

Join a Leading Force in Water Engineering

Miles Water Engineering is a well-established and thriving specialist contractor delivering a wide range of civil engineering projects across the UK. From conservation lakes, reservoirs to pumping systems, desilting and natural flood management, our work is as diverse as it is impactful. We're now offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to step into a senior leadership role within our dynamic team.

We're looking for someone with strong expertise in

contract and commercial management

, ideally with a background or keen interest in the

natural environment

and

earthmoving or civils-based projects

. This is a varied and rewarding role that offers the chance to shape and deliver some of the UK's most distinctive landscape and water engineering schemes.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic

Head of Operations

to lead and optimise our operational delivery in the water engineering civil sector. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring that projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards while supporting sustainable business growth. This role requires a deep understanding of the water engineering industry, strong leadership skills, and the ability to develop systems and processes that strengthen project delivery and company performance.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee day-to-day operational activities across waterscape, green infrastructure, water-based civils and maintenance works, ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance. Both by way of direct overseeing of key projects and through leading a team of contract managers within the department. Develop and implement operational strategies, processes, and systems to drive sustainable growth and continuous improvement. Manage resource planning, including workforce allocation, supply chain coordination, and equipment utilisation. Work closely with project managers and engineering teams to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to client specifications. Establish and monitor KPIs to measure operational performance, productivity, and client satisfaction. Ensure adherence to health, safety, environmental, and quality standards across all projects. Be responsible for and lead, mentor, and develop operational teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth. Collaborate with commercial, sales, and finance departments to align operational capacity with business development goals. Identify and mitigate operational risks, implementing robust governance and control measures. Support innovation in methods, technology, and sustainability practices to strengthen competitive advantage. Prepare and deliver operational performance reports and improvement plans to the executive team, reporting into MD.

Qualifications:

Proven experience in operations management and leadership within water engineering, environmental solutions, or related infrastructure sectors. Strong technical understanding of lake, wetland, reservoir, flood defences, dredging, and river restoration projects. Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale, complex operations and multi-disciplinary teams. Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and organisational skills. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred. Strong understanding of compliance, health & safety, and environmental management systems.

What We Offer:

Competitive salary and performance-based rewards, aligned with a trajectory of company growth and operational excellence. Opportunity to play a key role in and lead and shape the operational strategy of a pioneering water engineering company. Collaborative and innovative work environment. Commitment to environmental sustainability and impactful projects
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Work Location: In person