Head of Major Projects

Head of Projects / Operations (Pipework only)

Bristol (with site visits as required)

The Opportunity

• This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a fast-growing business and take full ownership of a well-performing projects division, with the remit to take it to the next level.
• This is an opportunity to join at the right time, take ownership of the projects division, and play a key role in the next phase of growth.
• The work is there.
• The team is in place.
• The foundations are being built.
• You will take control of planning, resource, and delivery, driving structure, consistency, and performance across all projects.
• This is a senior role with real responsibility, where you will shape how the division operates and have a direct impact on the performance of the business.

The Business

Our client is a mechanical contractor specialising in pipework installation and offsite manufacturing within the building services sector.

Our head office is based in Bristol and comprises two workshop facilities totalling approximately 45,000 sq ft, supporting our offsite fabrication and modular delivery capability.

Project delivery is primarily across London and Bristol, with a growing presence on larger, more complex schemes.

The business is growing year on year, with a strong pipeline of secured work and a clear focus on improving structure, consistency, and delivery across projects.

We are actively investing in our systems, people, and offsite capability to build a more scalable, high-performing operation with a clear ambition to continue expanding over the coming years.

The Role

This role is based out of our Bristol head office, with regular site visits required across our projects, primarily in London and Bristol.

You will take full ownership of the projects division, overseeing the full portfolio of work and the operation behind it.

You will be responsible for:

• Performance across all projects
• Planning, forecasting, and resource across the division
• Structure, standards, and accountability across the team

Responsibilities

• Oversee all projects across the portfolio from setup through to completion
• Maintain control of margin, programme, and delivery performance
• Lead Project Managers and Supervisors and hold them accountable
• Manage planning, forecasting, and labour across the division
• Maintain visibility of workload, pipeline, and capacity
• Drive structure and consistency in how projects are run
• Implement and enforce the clients Operating System
• Run project reviews and intervene where performance drops
• Maintain client relationships and confidence in delivery

Essential Experience / Skills

• Strong background in mechanical pipework within building services
• Proven experience overseeing multiple projects or a projects function
• Strong technical understanding of mechanical installations and delivery
• Experience managing Project Managers, Supervisors, and site teams
• Ability to plan, forecast, and manage resource across multiple projects
• Commercial awareness with ability to understand margin and cost control
• Highly organised, structured, and detail-aware
• Comfortable working both strategically and hands-on where required

Nice to Have

• Experience in offsite fabrication or modular delivery
• Experience improving or structuring a projects department
• Experience working in a growing or scaling business

Performance Measures

• Portfolio margin and programme performance
• Department throughput vs plan
• Quality performance
• Health & safety performance (zero incidents)
• Client satisfaction and repeat work

Package & Benefits

• £90,000 – £130,000 salary (depending on experience and the level you can operate at)
• Package will reflect the level of responsibility and impact on the business
• Company vehicle or car allowance
• Bonus linked to performance of the projects division
• Pension scheme
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays

The Role Offers

• Full ownership of a projects division
• Autonomy to implement structure and improve how projects are run
• Direct impact on business performance and growth
• Opportunity to build and shape a key part of the business

Summary

This role is for someone who wants to take full ownership of a projects division, bring structure and control to delivery, and build a consistently high-performing operation while remaining close enough to the detail to ensure it runs properly.