OCU are seeking an exceptional Operations Director to provide strategic leadership and shape the future of our operational performance within substations, civils, cabling and associated infrastructure regulated projects based in Greenwich.

This is a pivotal executive role for a commercially minded leader who can translate strategy into execution, drive operational excellence, and build high-performing teams across complex infrastructure environments. If you thrive on accountability, continuous improvement, and delivering measurable business results this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

About the role

As Operations Director you will provide strategic direction across all operational functions, ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of projects and services.

A key focus of this role will include oversight of:

• UKPN DNO works – substations, civils, cabling and associated infrastructure

• Other DNO works – substations, civils, cabling and associated infrastructure

You will play a critical role in ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, compliantly, and profitably, while aligning operational strategy with wider business objectives.

This role requires a leader who can balance strategic oversight with strong operational control — someone experienced in regulated environments and infrastructure delivery.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned to company growth objectives

• Identify opportunities for expansion, optimisation, and competitive advantage

• Shape long-term operational roadmaps to support sustainable success

Operational Excellence

• Oversee delivery across production, supply chain, logistics, facilities, and customer operations

• Lead DNO project delivery (UKPN and other DNO frameworks), ensuring works across substations, civils, and cabling are delivered to the highest standards

• Ensure operational activities meet quality, regulatory, safety, and performance standards

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and inspire department heads, managers, and operational teams

• Build a high-performance culture focused on safety, accountability, and results

• Provide mentorship, structure, and succession planning

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Establish and monitor KPIs across all operational functions

• Analyse performance data to drive informed decision-making

• Champion process optimisation, cost efficiencies, and operational innovation

Financial & Commercial Management

• Manage operational budgets, forecasts, and financial performance

• Ensure operational delivery supports profitability and sustainable growth

Stakeholder & Risk Management

• Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams

• Maintain strong relationships with DNO partners, suppliers, and key stakeholders

• Ensure full compliance with regulatory standards and proactively mitigate operational risk

About you

• Strong background in managing and leading DNO frameworks, substations, civils, and cabling works

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field

• Proven senior leadership experience within operations, ideally within utilities or infrastructure sectors

• Strategic thinker with strong execution capability

• Demonstrable financial acumen and budget management expertise

• Exceptional leadership and stakeholder engagement skills

• Deep understanding of regulatory, safety, and compliance standards

This is more than an operations role it’s a strategic leadership opportunity within a growing organisation delivering critical infrastructure.

If you’re ready to lead complex operations, strengthen performance across DNO frameworks, and drive long-term growth we’d love to hear from you.

Driven by values, powered by inclusion.

At OCU, our values guide everything we do: integrity, collaboration, respect, innovation and one company united. They shape how we work with our clients, communities, and each other. We believe that inclusion is more than a principle — it’s the foundation of our success. By embracing equity and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive, we create a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone feels they belong. 

Together, we build stronger teams, deliver better outcomes, and grow in ways that reflect the communities we serve. If you want to be part of a culture where values matter and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do apply now and help us shape the future together.

If you are invited to progress in the recruitment process, will you require any reasonable adjustments to support you? Please let us know so we can ensure the process is accessible and fair for you. Any information you share will be treated confidentially and will only be used to support you during the recruitment process.