Business Unit Manager

Industrial Services | Energy & Infrastructure | UK-Wide
£95,000 + Bonus + Car + Executive Benefits

We are retained on a confidential mandate to appoint a Head of UK Operations into a well-established, £100m+ industrial services business operating across energy, utilities, and heavy industry.

This is a critical leadership hire within a key service line — taking ownership of a national operation delivering long-term, high-value client contracts across some of the UK’s most demanding industrial environments.

The brief is simple on paper, but demanding in reality:

Run it. Improve it. Grow it.

You will take full operational and commercial responsibility for a Termed Services division focused on:

• Long-term operations & maintenance contracts
• Bulk materials handling and industrial services
• High-compliance, asset-intensive environments

This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring visibility across sites and credibility with clients.

You will:

• Lead and develop a portfolio of major national client contracts
• Be front-facing with key accounts — attending reviews, challenging performance, strengthening relationships
• Drive operational delivery, compliance and safety standards
• Improve commercial performance across existing contracts
• Identify and convert growth opportunities within the client base
• Work closely with the MD to shape and deliver strategic direction

• £100m+ UK operation
• 500+ employees within division
• Multi-site, nationwide delivery model

You’ll lead a structured team including:

• Contracts Managers (major single-account ownership)
• Senior Operations Managers (multi-site portfolios)
• Health & Safety leadership

You’ll inherit and develop relationships with a strong portfolio of blue-chip industrial and infrastructure clients, including:

• Energy & power generation
• Utilities & water
• Industrial processing & materials handling

The platform is already there — the expectation is to expand it.

• Stronger operational grip and consistency across contracts
• Increased client engagement and visibility
• Improved margin and commercial discipline
• Tangible growth from existing accounts
• A shift from reactive delivery to proactive, commercially-led leadership

This role will suit a credible, field-based operator who is as comfortable on-site as they are in front of a client or board.

You will bring:

• A strong background in contracting, industrial services, or engineering-led environments
• Proven experience leading multi-site or multi-contract operations
• A track record of owning client relationships and commercial outcomes
• The ability to balance delivery, compliance and growth
• A visible, hands-on leadership style — not desk-bound
• Operated as a Business Unit Manager / Leader with P&L Growth Experience

Experience within energy, waste-to-energy, process, or heavy industrial environments would be advantageous.

• £95,000 basic salary
• Bonus: 30% target
• £721/month car allowance
• 8% matched pension
• Private medical & life assurance
• 25 days holiday + statutory

This search is being managed on a strictly confidential basis.
Full details will be shared following initial discussion.