Head of Operations

Job Introduction

Head of Operations – Remote

Step into a leading utilities company that champions innovation and service excellence. At UKPS (part of the Last Mile Group), we take pride in delivering top-notch solutions across the energy, water, and telecommunications sectors. Our dedicated Operations team is expanding, and we're excited to welcome a talented Head of Operations to our join us.

As Head of Operations at UKPS, you’ll be a key leader, overseeing a large and diverse operations team to ensure the successful delivery of projects. You’ll manage the day-to-day operations across gas, water, and electric services, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and that we are well-resourced to meet customer needs. 

Leading a team of Managers and site-based Supervisors, you’ll drive quality in network construction, operational efficiencies, and cost savings. Reporting directly to the Associate Director of Operations, you’ll also be responsible for monitoring and reporting on the team’s productivity and financial performance.

What’s in it for you as a Head of Operations?

Here at Last Mile, we pride ourselves in providing a great range of benefits available including a fantastic amount of annual leave, including a Christmas shut down.

• 25 days holiday, increasing after 2 years by 1 day each year up to 30 days, plus 9 public holidays
• Holiday buy scheme
• Discretionary bonus
• EV and ULEV salary sacrifice scheme (subject to minimum length of service)
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
• Up to 7% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance (x4 annual basic salary)
• Refer a friend incentive
• Wagestream
• Employee assistance programme
• Car allowance
• Flexible start and finish times for eligible roles*
• Private medical insurance*
• Company sick pay*

*Some of our benefits are only applicable when you have successfully completed your probation period*

Your responsibilities as a Head of Operations:

• Lead a department of Supervisors and Managers, and 60-80 teams working on around 750 live projects across England and Wales, ensuring the delivery of gas, water, and electric networks.
• Manage and support Operations Managers, Supervisors, and Stores and Logistics functions across multiple regions, driving efficient and compliant project execution.
• Collaborate with Heads of Operations Support and Head of Construction to develop and implement strategies that meet customer expectations within budget and schedule.
• Ensure the timely and budget-conscious delivery of the scheduled works programme, swiftly resolving issues to minimise commercial impact and customer delays.
• Optimise department resources by understanding the project pipeline and maintaining appropriate levels of staffing, equipment, and fleet management.
• Drive quality and compliance by leading the team to build networks that meet standards on the first visit and addressing any defects with thorough investigations.
• Foster a strong, high-performing team culture, promoting consistency, innovation, and adherence to the Operational ‘Code of Conduct’ to achieve commercial and customer success.
• Champion a zero-accident health, safety, and environmental culture, supporting audits and quality assurance, and addressing customer complaints promptly.
• Provide detailed monthly reports on departmental performance, risks, and opportunities, while ensuring ongoing training, development, and succession planning for team members.

Experience / Knowledge:

• Have experience in a senior management role, leading complex and diverse teams and processes.
• Have demonstrable experience of delivering process change and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrable relevant experience is more important that formal education (Desirable)

Have you got the drive to go to the Last Mile as a Head of Operations? Apply now!

About us:

We are UKPS; a fast-growing Multi-utility Independent Connections Provider (ICP) part of the Last Mile infrastructure. We are fully accredited under the NERS, GIRS & WIRS schemes to carry out the turnkey provision of multi-utility infrastructure and subsequent connections to new build housing, residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

At Last Mile, we are one of the UK’s largest Independent Network Owners, owning and operating in excess of 500,000 gas, electricity, water, and wastewater connections serving residential and commercial customers. Last Mile Asset Management adopt and operate electricity, gas, water and wastewater, and ground source heat/cooling networks that are designed, installed, and commissioned by Lloyds accredited Independent Connection providers (ICPs).

At UKPS & Last Mile, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse working environment, where employee wellbeing is at the forefront in making sure our people feel valued. We provide tailored ongoing training and development, but most importantly, long term career opportunities for you to grow with us. If you are motivated to succeed and have a ‘can-do’ attitude, we would love to hear from you!