Job Description

Operations Director (Gas)

About the Role:

Onshore Technical is supporting the recruitment of an experienced Operations Director (Gas) to lead the operational performance of our client's UK gas division. This is a senior leadership position requiring someone who has previously operated at Director level within the UK gas sector and who can provide strategic oversight, commercial discipline, and operational excellence across all gas construction, maintenance, and capital delivery activities.

The Operations Director will be responsible for delivering high-level operational leadership across all gas services and projects, ensuring safe delivery, financial performance, and client satisfaction. This role involves managing senior operational teams, overseeing day-to-day operations, and driving continuous improvement in safety, quality, delivery, and productivity. You will champion operational excellence and ensure the organisation's reputation remains one of the strongest in the UK gas market.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Team Management

- Lead and inspire senior operational leaders, project managers, supervisors, engineering teams, and support staff across the UK gas portfolio.

- Ensure all operational activities align with organisational objectives, framework standards, and long-term strategic goals.

- Provide hands-on leadership and mentorship, driving a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

- Support succession planning, capability development, and team performance across multi-discipline gas operations.

Operational Oversight & Execution

- Take ownership of all UK gas operational activity, ensuring projects and maintenance works are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.

- Lead the development and implementation of operational strategies that enhance delivery efficiency, customer satisfaction, and technical excellence.

- Ensure operational performance meets KPIs across safety, programme, cost, quality, and compliance.

Project Coordination & Integration

- Work closely with project managers, construction managers, planners, and commercial teams to ensure coordinated delivery across active projects and frameworks.

- Oversee resource allocation, workforce planning, and supply chain engagement to support successful delivery of gas projects.

- Ensure seamless integration between operational teams, engineering, commercial, and SHEQ.

Client Relationships & Stakeholder Management

- Build and maintain strong relationships with major clients, gas network operators, and key stakeholders.

- Provide clear communication, progress reporting, and proactive management of issues, risks, and service improvements.

- Represent the business at client forums, audits, and strategic meetings.

Compliance & Safety Leadership

- Ensure full compliance with relevant gas industry regulations, including SCO (91/92/96/97), GIRS, CDM 2015, GS(G)R, and company policies.

- Maintain oversight of all safety-critical operations, including permit-to-work, technical governance, and asset risk management.

- Lead risk assessments, operational audits, safety initiatives, and quality control activities across all gas operations.

- Promote a strong safety-first culture and ensure all teams adopt best practice in operational risk management.

Financial & Budget Management

- Oversee operational budgets, financial performance, and monthly forecasts for the gas division.

- Monitor P&L performance across projects, frameworks, and service contracts, ensuring operational delivery meets financial targets.

- Drive cost efficiency, productivity improvements, and margin enhancement across the portfolio.

- Provide regular financial and operational reporting to senior leadership.

Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement

- Ensure the highest levels of quality and compliance across all gas projects and operational activities.

- Lead operational audits, inspections, and service reviews to ensure continual improvement.

- Drive improvement programmes focusing on delivery performance, customer satisfaction, process optimisation, and operational maturity.

- Champion innovation, digital tools, and modernised systems to enhance operational effectiveness.

Qualifications & Experience

Experience

- At least 5-10 years in senior operational management, with a minimum of 3+ years operating at Director level within the UK gas sector (essential).

- Proven track record delivering gas construction, maintenance, or capital delivery services across transmission, distribution, or downstream gas environments.

Operational & Technical Competence

- Deep understanding of UK gas operations, including SCO procedures, G17/G35, gas safety legislation, CDM, and GIRS requirements.

- Experience overseeing multi-discipline teams delivering complex gas infrastructure projects.

Leadership & People Management

- Strong leadership capability with demonstrable experience developing senior managers, operational teams, and technical personnel.

- Ability to influence at all levels and drive cultural and operational change.

Financial Acumen

- Proven ability to manage operational budgets, control costs, and interpret P&L performance.

- Experience delivering cost-effective, high-quality service models.

Problem-Solving & Decision-Making

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex operational challenges and high-pressure situations.

Communication & Stakeholder Management

- Excellent communication skills, with experience managing relationships across network operators, clients, regulators, and executive leadership.

- Capable of providing clear operational reporting and strategic updates at board level.

Organisation & Planning

- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to oversee multiple operational areas, priorities, and project portfolios concurrently.

Health & Safety Knowledge

- Comprehensive understanding of UK gas industry safety requirements, including SCO, CDM, Gas Safety Regulations, and relevant technical standards.

Benefits

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

Benefits include:

- An employee rewards and discounts programme, offering savings at major high-street and online retailers such as supermarkets, tech stores, and entertainment venues (e.g., Tesco, Sainsbury's, Currys PC World, Vue Cinemas).

- Cycle to Work Scheme supporting sustainable travel and personal health.

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

- Additional perks designed to enhance career progression, personal development, and overall job satisfaction.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 80,912.98-100,648.93 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in London NW2 7GZ