Position Title: Head of Operations
Reporting To: General Manager
Role Overview
The Head of Operations will be a key member of the regional leadership team and will report directly to the Regional Managing Director.
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing awarded projects and ensuring operational delivery is achieved in accordance with contractual requirements, performance targets, and a strong safety-first culture.
This role carries responsibility for operational leadership, project delivery, client relationship management, financial performance, and continuous improvement across a portfolio of complex engineering and infrastructure projects.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Project Delivery
- Lead and manage project delivery from initiation through to completion.
- Ensure successful execution of projects while achieving operational and financial objectives.
- Contribute to organisational strategy and operational performance improvement alongside the leadership team.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key clients, stakeholders, vendors, and suppliers.
- Ensure project scope, objectives, and deliverables are clearly defined and aligned with business goals.
- Develop project plans, schedules, and communication frameworks.
- Ensure project governance and stage gate processes are followed and documented appropriately.
- Coordinate resources, personnel, and equipment to support project delivery requirements.
- Manage project risks, dependencies, and critical paths to minimise delays and operational disruption.
- Proactively identify opportunities for improvement, additional revenue, and operational efficiency.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, motivate, and support project teams, operational personnel, and contractors.
- Work alongside HR and leadership teams to support employee development, retention, and succession planning.
- Support recruitment activities and workforce planning where required.
- Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team culture.
Commercial & Financial Management
- Review project budgets and ensure delivery aligns with margin expectations.
- Monitor financial performance and identify risks to project profitability.
- Support commercial discussions, proposals, and reporting requirements.
- Ensure effective management of high-value contracts and customer expectations.
Reporting & Communication
- Deliver project updates, reports, presentations, and documentation in accordance with client and business requirements.
- Communicate effectively with internal teams, senior leadership, customers, and external stakeholders.
- Conduct project close-out reviews and capture lessons learned to support continuous improvement.
Qualifications & Experience
Education
- Relevant Project Management qualification.
- Master's degree in Engineering, Business Management, or a related discipline preferred.
Experience
- Proven experience in a senior operational or project leadership role.
- Strong understanding of project delivery within engineering, energy, infrastructure, or industrial environments.
- Experience managing large-scale or technically complex projects.
- Financial budgeting and cost management experience.
- Experience within multinational or large corporate project-focused organisations would be advantageous.
- Flexible and willing to travel internationally as required.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong commercial awareness and client relationship management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Leadership, influencing, and decision-making capability.
- Strong problem-solving and organisational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Team-oriented approach with commitment to continuous professional development.
Travel Requirements
- International business travel for meetings, conferences, and project support.
- Regional travel may be required for up to 10 business days per month during peak project activities.
Due to current workloads, Simpson Booth regrets to inform that in the instance you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of your application, you are to consider your application unsuccessful at this time.