Role Purpose

Walls Construction is seeking an experienced and strategic Operations Director Europe to lead, develop, and oversee European construction operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring project delivery performance, supporting business growth, maintaining the highest safety standards, and enhancing profitability across all European projects.

This role will provide leadership to regional operational teams, ensuring consistency in delivery standards, client satisfaction, commercial performance, and alignment with the company's strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the European operational strategy aligned with overall business objectives.

• Provide leadership and direction across construction operations throughout Europe.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, productivity, and project outcomes.

• Support business development activities and contribute to market expansion strategies.

• Identify opportunities for growth in new and existing European markets.

Operational Management

• Oversee the successful delivery of projects within the European portfolio.

• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

• Monitor operational KPIs and implement corrective actions where required.

• Establish and maintain best-practice operational procedures.

• Ensure resources are effectively allocated across projects and regions.

Commercial Performance

• Work closely with Commercial and Finance teams to maximise project profitability.

• Review project performance, forecasting, risk exposure, and financial reporting.

• Drive cost control measures while maintaining quality and safety standards.

• Support tender reviews and major contract negotiations.

• Ensure robust governance and commercial controls are maintained across projects.

Health, Safety & Quality

• Champion a culture of safety throughout the organisation.

• Ensure compliance with all local and European legislative requirements.

• Lead incident reviews and implement lessons learned across operations.

• Promote continuous improvement in quality management systems.

• Foster a culture of compliance, accountability, and operational excellence.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, consultants, and stakeholders.

• Act as senior operational lead for major projects and strategic clients.

• Support contract negotiations and dispute resolution where required.

• Ensure exceptional client service and high customer satisfaction levels.

People Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop regional operational teams.

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

• Support succession planning and talent development initiatives.

• Drive employee engagement and retention across European operations.

• Ensure leadership capability is developed throughout the organisation.

Risk Management

• Identify operational and commercial risks and implement mitigation strategies.

• Monitor project performance against contractual obligations.

• Ensure effective governance structures and reporting mechanisms are maintained.

• Support business continuity planning across European operations.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Degree qualification in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Project Management, or related discipline.

• Minimum 15 years' experience in the construction industry.

• Proven experience operating at Director or Senior Leadership level.

• Extensive experience managing large-scale construction projects across multiple geographic locations.

• Strong commercial acumen with responsibility for significant project portfolios.

• Demonstrated success leading high-performing teams.

• Strong knowledge of construction contracts and commercial management.

• Exceptional stakeholder and client management skills.

• Strong understanding of health, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

• Willingness to travel extensively across Europe.

Desirable

• Chartered Engineer or equivalent professional accreditation.

• Experience operating within data centre, pharmaceutical, commercial, industrial, or large-scale infrastructure sectors.

• International construction experience within multiple European markets.

Rewards & Benefits

• A competitive and attractive rewards package, including car allowance, pension scheme, professional subscription support, and additional benefits.

• Opportunities for increased responsibility, continued professional development, and long-term career progression within the organisation.

Diversity & Inclusion at Walls Construction

At Walls Construction, we believe diversity strengthens our business and inclusion drives innovation. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported, and valued.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, or membership of the Travelling community.

Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know if you require any support.