Head of Commercial & Operations (MD) - Drainage, Groundworks & Utiliti

Lead the Business. Shape the Future. Build on 50+ Years of Success.

Are you a commercially minded operator who understands field-based service delivery?

Have you built your career in drainage, utilities, groundworks, construction, civil engineering, infrastructure maintenance or a closely related sector?

Do you know what it takes to earn the respect of experienced crews, lead from the front and grow a successful SME without losing what makes it special?

We are seeking a hands-on Head of Commercial & Operations (MD) to lead Clear Drains UK, a highly respected, long-established SME, into its next chapter.

This is a rare opportunity to take the reins of a profitable business with strong foundations, loyal customers, an experienced workforce and genuine growth potential.

Clear Drains UK has built its reputation over 50+ years by delivering specialist commercial and industrial drainage, maintenance and related services to customers across London, the South East and beyond.

This appointment forms part of a planned leadership succession following the retirement of a long-serving and highly respected Managing Director. You will inherit a committed team, established customer relationships and a business with significant opportunity to evolve, diversify and grow.

This is not a desk-only leadership role. We are looking for someone who can combine strategic thinking with practical operational understanding; someone who is as comfortable discussing growth plans with the Board as they are talking through site challenges, equipment, logistics, health & safety and customer delivery with operational teams.

The Role at a Glance

Head of Commercial & Operations (MD) – Hands-on SME Leadership Location: Berkshire/Buckinghamshire borders Salary: £85,000 – £90,000 + Executive Benefits Contract: Full-time, permanent

Reporting to: Chairman & Board

Direct Reports: Operations Manager, Sales Manager, Executive Assistant

Culture: Practical | Loyal | Commercial | Accountable | People First

Your background may include: Drainage, utilities, groundworks, civil engineering, construction services, environmental services, facilities maintenance, infrastructure maintenance, specialist contracting or field-based service operations.

Previous / Current Roles: Operations Director, Commercial Director, Regional Director, Business Unit Director, General Manager. Divisional Director

The Opportunity

You will lead the overall direction, performance and long-term success of the business, working closely with the Board to develop and deliver a clear strategy for sustainable growth.

The business has strong foundations, but there is also scope to think ambitiously. Future growth opportunities may include acquisitions, service diversification, expansion into adjacent markets, new commercial partnerships and continued development of the company’s existing specialist services.

Success will require a leader who can balance strategy with execution, commercial ambition with operational reality, and change with stability. You will need to build trust quickly with long-serving colleagues, customers and suppliers, while bringing fresh thinking and energy to the next phase of the company’s journey.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and deliver the company’s strategy, vision and growth plans.
• Identify new markets, services, partnerships and investment opportunities.
• Work closely with the Board to shape the future direction of the business.

Commercial Growth

• Drive revenue growth, profitability and long-term business performance.
• Support business development, key account management and major commercial opportunities.
• Lead significant bids, tenders, negotiations and strategic partnerships.

Financial Management

• Ensure sound financial controls, commercial decision-making and investment planning.
• Work closely with the Finance Director and external advisers to maintain compliance and stability.

Operational Leadership

• Lead day-to-day operations across a field-based service business.
• Ensure effective planning across people, equipment, vehicles and resources.
• Drive operational efficiency, continuous improvement and high service standards.
• Resolve operational challenges with a practical, hands-on approach.

People & Culture

• Lead, develop and inspire an experienced team.
• Build trust and credibility across operational and commercial functions.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable culture while supporting growth and succession planning.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with health & safety, employment and industry regulations.
• Maintain effective risk management, governance and quality standards.
• Provide clear reporting and updates to the Board.

About You

You’ll likely be an experienced Managing Director, General Manager, Operations Director, Commercial Director or Business Unit Leader with a track record of leading operational, field-based or contractor-led businesses.

You’ll bring

• Senior leadership experience within an SME, contractor, utilities, construction, engineering or related operational environment.
• Strong commercial acumen with accountability for revenue growth, profitability and business performance.
• Experience leading operational teams and earning credibility with frontline, site-based or field-service workforces.
• A practical, hands-on leadership style, ideally with experience close to frontline operations earlier in your career.
• Strong business development, client relationship and commercial negotiation skills, including bids, tenders and contracts.
• A solid understanding of health & safety, compliance, risk management and governance.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and leadership skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Integrity, resilience, sound judgement and the ability to drive change while maintaining team engagement.

Desirable

• Experience within drainage, utilities, groundworks, civil engineering, infrastructure maintenance or related sectors.
• Experience delivering growth through acquisitions, diversification or new service development.
• Knowledge of regulated, compliance-led or environmental sectors.
• NEBOSH, IOSH or equivalent health & safety qualification.
• Experience managing depot-based, vehicle-led or equipment-intensive operations.

Why This Role?

This is a rare opportunity to take over Clear Drains UK, a profitable, long-established business with an excellent reputation and strong foundations. Working closely with the Board, you'll lead an experienced team through a planned succession while shaping the next phase of growth. You'll have genuine autonomy, visibility and influence, with the opportunity to expand services, develop people, strengthen performance and leave a lasting legacy.

If you're a commercially astute, hands-on leader who thrives in operational environments and wants to make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.

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