• Senior operational leadership role within the Water sector
• Significant focus on continuous improvement projects & team development

About Our Client

A large Water company operating across the Yorkshire region. Serving 5 million customers, supplying 1.3 billion litres of water and collecting 1 billion litres of wastewater every day. Currently making significant investments to improve service and outcomes for customers, as part of a long-term business transformation plan.

Job Description

The Head of Operations is a senior leader within the Wastewater department, responsible for wastewater pumping and treatment operations across the region.

This position has a significant span of responsibility, leading a team of approximately 230 people across 3 teams, and accountable for an operating budget of £40m and capital expenditure of more than £200m.

The necessity to improve wastewater performance is (rightly) constantly increasing from both consumers and regulators, while pressure to keep prices low is also critical. There is therefore a need to invest heavily to modernise assets and processes, while simultaneously making the operation and processes as cost effective & efficient as possible.

This is where the Head of Operations will play a key role:

• Designing and implementing fit for purpose processes to make it simpler for colleagues, better for the environment and greater value for customers
• Leading the transformation of the function to modernise ways of working, reducing the cost of failure and adapting to new regulations
• Developing the team to work smarter and more efficiently, along with embracing use of the new ERP system
• Ensuring capital investments are targeted, effective and deliver the necessary improvements for the business and for consumers

The Successful Applicant

The right person for this role will, first and foremost, have the passion and enthusiasm to drive change across a large headcount and complex operational process. Embracing change, being resilient and results-focused, and possessing the ability to lead the team with energy and integrity are key.

In terms of background, operational leadership within a regulated industry is the focus. This business is looking for someone who has lead operations, maintenance and/or field service in an industry such as Water, Electricity, Gas, Nuclear, Renewables or Waste Management. Significant exposure to process improvements and capital investments is highly desirable, and ERP implementation experience would be ideal.

Someone operating at similar scale but with a desire to really make change would suit this position well, as would someone currently responsible for a smaller operation who is ready for the next step.

What's on Offer

A senior leadership package, comprising of a strong base salary, attractive annual bonus, long term incentive plan and car allowance.