Operations Director UK & Ireland

Egis is a leading global architectural, consulting, construction engineering, operations and mobility services firm. We create and operate intelligent infrastructure and buildings that both respond to the climate emergency and contribute to balanced, sustainable and resilient development. Our 22,000 employees operate across over 100 countries, deploying their expertise to develop and deliver cutting-edge innovations and solutions for clients. Through the wide range of our activities, we are central to the collective organisation of society and the living environment of citizens all over the world.

Must have the right to work in the UK

We’re seeking an accomplished and strategic Operations Director – UK & Ireland (UKI) to partner with the Managing Director UK & Ireland in driving profitable growth, operational excellence, organisational efficiency and transformational change across the sub-region. Based in Dublin, London, Bristol or Manchester, this senior leadership role combines strategic oversight with hands-on operational leadership, ensuring Egis’ vision is delivered locally while responding to regional priorities.

You will lead transformation projects, optimise business processes, and oversee key areas including real estate, procurement, contract and commercial performance, ESG reporting, health & safety, innovation and potential M&A integration. You’ll build high-performing teams, strengthen client and stakeholder relationships, and champion a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.

This is a high-impact role with influence across strategy, operations, people and financial performance throughout the UKI region. You will also play an influential role at the Europe & Africa level, working closely with the newly appointed EURA COO to support standardisation and share best practices.

Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership & Delivery Excellence

• Drive the integrated management and operations of the UK and Ireland, supporting the newly appointed UK & Ireland Managing Director, and bring operations up to a consistent standard, and drive efficiencies
• Lead day‑to‑day operations across all engineering disciplines, ensuring consistent, high‑quality project delivery by supporting Business Unit Directors and their respective teams
• Oversee project governance, performance reviews, and delivery assurance processes, with particular attention to major projects
• Ensure operational alignment with strategic business objectives and client expectations.
• Drive a culture of safety, quality, and accountability across all project teams.

• Performance Management & Efficiency

• Monitor operational KPIs, including utilisation, productivity, project margins, and delivery performance and support management reporting, including to regional and group levels
• Implement operational improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and optimise resource deployment.
• Lead capacity planning, workforce forecasting, and workload balancing across teams.
• Ensure robust project controls, reporting, and risk management processes are in place.

• People Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop operational managers, project directors, and delivery teams.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and capability development to build a high‑performing workforce.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑engagement culture across the organisation.
• Champion professional development, technical excellence, and succession planning

• Client & Innovation

• Work closely with key clients to ensure satisfaction, resolve delivery issues, and strengthen long‑term relationships.
• Collaborate with commercial, technical, and business development teams to support bids, proposals, and strategic pursuits.
• Represent the organisation in client meetings, industry forums, and partner engagements.
• Champion innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability.

• Process, Systems & Governance

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of operational processes, tools, and systems.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and internal governance frameworks and audits/controls including IMS, ISO certifications or ESG
• Drive digital transformation initiatives to enhance delivery efficiency and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Oversee health, safety, environmental, and quality (HSEQ) performance across operations

• Degree-level qualification in business management, an engineering degree or a related field or equivalent gained through work experience.
• Proven experience leading business operations, transformation and change management in a complex, matrixed organisation
• In-depth knowledge of the UK & Ireland engineering, advisory, project management and operational markets
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and deliver successful outcomes
• Track record of developing and empowering teams, fostering leadership and capability at all levels
• Strong commercial acumen, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills
• Experience in optimising processes, improving operational efficiency, and driving organisational transformation
• Excellent organisational, time management, communication and leadership skills
• NEC experience

Desired

• Chartered Engineer
• Oracle experience

We are committed to our planet

In each project we design, engineer and operate we care deeply about the legacy we’re leaving behind. As part of our team, you’ll have a unique opportunity to use your skills and expertise to shape a better future for our communities in the UK, and all around the globe.

Our commitment is translated in the work carried out by our Egis Foundation, which funds concrete actions to address the climate crisis and is focused on educational and social initiatives that will help in the responsible and sustainable shift towards a sustainable world.

We are an Equal Opportunities employer and we strive to build a workforce that truly reflects the communities we represent. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and any other protected characteristic. If you decide to apply for an opportunity with us, your application will be assessed based purely on your experience, the essential and desirable criteria, and your suitability for the role. We value each and every one’s contribution as this builds our culture and means that if you work with us, you will be included, listened to, and respected.