Job Description

Head of Operations (Gas)

About the Role

Onshore Technical is supporting the recruitment of a highly experienced Head of Operations (Gas) to oversee the operational delivery of our client's UK gas portfolio. This senior leadership role requires a candidate with strong, proven experience within the UK gas sector, capable of managing multi-discipline teams, driving operational excellence, and ensuring safe, compliant delivery across gas construction, maintenance, and capital projects.

The Head of Operations will manage day-to-day delivery performance, ensuring that all operational activities meet safety, quality, programme, and commercial requirements. You will be responsible for leading regional operational teams, coordinating resources, improving operational efficiency, and maintaining excellent client relationships. This position plays a critical role in supporting the organisation's continued growth and strengthening its reputation within the UK gas market.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Team Management

- Lead and motivate operational teams, project managers, supervisors, engineers, and support staff across the UK gas portfolio.

- Ensure all operational activities, frameworks, and delivery programmes align with the organisation's strategic objectives.

- Provide leadership, development, and mentorship to operational managers, promoting a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement.

- Support workforce planning, succession development, and competency management across operational teams.

Operational Oversight & Execution

- Take responsibility for the safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of all gas projects and maintenance activities.

- Develop and implement operational plans designed to improve delivery performance, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

- Monitor project performance, ensuring KPIs related to safety, programme, quality, and cost control are consistently achieved.

- Lead operational readiness planning and execution for new frameworks or project mobilisation.

Project Coordination & Integration

- Work closely with project managers, planners, commercial teams, and SHEQ to ensure smooth coordination and delivery.

- Manage resource allocation and workforce deployment to support safe and efficient operations across multiple sites.

- Ensure robust communication and integration between operational teams, engineering, commercial, and H&S functions.

Client Relationships & Stakeholder Management

- Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, network operators, and key industry stakeholders.

- Provide regular progress reporting, early warnings, and issue resolution to maintain high levels of client confidence.

- Represent the operational function in client meetings, audits, and performance reviews.

Compliance & Safety Leadership

- Ensure full compliance with gas industry regulations including SCO (91/92/96/97), GIRS, CDM, GS(M)R, and company policies.

- Provide leadership across safety-critical activities, including permit-to-work, risk assessments, and technical compliance.

- Drive continuous improvement in safety culture, promoting proactive hazard identification and robust incident prevention measures.

- Lead safety inspections, audits, and quality checks across operational teams.

Financial & Budget Management

- Support the management of operational budgets, forecasting, and cost control across the gas portfolio.

- Monitor financial performance of projects and services, ensuring operational delivery meets commercial targets.

- Provide operational input into P&L reviews, contractual reporting, and commercial decision-making.

Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement

- Ensure all projects and services are delivered to high-quality standards and in line with client expectations.

- Lead initiatives that improve operational processes, systems, and delivery performance.

- Drive continuous improvement activities focusing on efficiency, productivity, safety, and customer satisfaction.

- Promote the adoption of digital tools and operational innovations to enhance performance.

Qualifications & Experience

Experience

- Proven operational management experience within the UK gas sector (essential).

- Demonstrable experience managing multi-discipline teams delivering gas infrastructure, construction, maintenance, or capital delivery works.

Operational & Technical Competence

- Strong understanding of gas industry regulations, including SCO, G17/G35, CDM, GIRS, GS(M)R, and related technical standards.

- Experience overseeing operational delivery across multiple sites, frameworks, or regions.

Leadership & People Management

- Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing operational managers, supervisors, and technical teams.

- Ability to motivate teams, drive performance, and instil a high-performance culture.

Financial Awareness

- Understanding of operational budgeting, forecasting, and cost control in a gas-sector environment.

Problem Solving & Decision Making

- Strong analytical skills with the ability to resolve operational issues and make effective decisions under pressure.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

- Excellent communication skills with experience managing client relationships and providing clear operational updates.

- Capable of producing operational reports, dashboards, and performance updates for management and clients.

Organisation & Planning

- Strong organisational and project planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Health & Safety Knowledge

- Comprehensive knowledge of health and safety processes relevant to the gas sector, including SCO compliance, CDM, and gas safety regulations.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, pension, private healthcare, and a holiday allowance starting at 24-26 days per annum, this role includes access to a comprehensive employee benefits package designed to support wellbeing, work-life balance, and financial savings.

Benefits include:

- Access to an employee rewards and discounts programme, offering savings at major retailers and entertainment providers (e.g., Tesco, Sainsbury's, Currys PC World, Vue Cinemas).

- Cycle to Work Scheme promoting sustainable travel.

- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing confidential support for personal, financial, and wellbeing concerns.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 88,857.41-110,411.94 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in London NW2 7GZ