Operations Excellence Director

Operations Excellence DirectorSkip to main content Excellence Director page is loaded Operations Excellence DirectorApplylocations: Maidenheadtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: July 17, 2026 (27 days left to apply)job requisition id: JRHeidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK's largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 4,000 people and operating around 300 manufacturing sites in the UK.We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is vital to our growth and advancement. We aim to promote a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement.At the centre of our actions lies the responsibility for the environment. As the front runner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, we are working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future. We enable new opportunities for our customers through digitalisation. Operations Excellence Director South Competitive Salary + Bonus + Company Car Are you ready to lead transformation at scale and redefine what operational excellence looks like? This is more than a role it's a career-defining opportunity .We're looking for a standout Operations Excellence Director to take ownership of a critical national function spanning Aggregates, Asphalt and Recycling . You'll operate at the centre of business performance, driving large-scale transformation, delivering best-in-class capital execution, and unlocking significant, sustainable value across a complex, high-impact operation. This is a role for someone who doesn't just improve performance but defines it The Opportunity Sitting at the heart of business transformation, you'll lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary function spanning: Aggregates, Asphalt & Recycling Performance Capital Project Management (CapEx) Land Surveying Electrical Operations Support Heavy Mobile Equipment (HME) FleetYou'll bring these capabilities together to drive productivity, efficiency, and innovation setting the benchmark for Operational Excellence across the organisation. What You'll Be Doing Strategic Leadership Define and deliver the vision for Operations Excellence aligned to business priorities Build a high-performing function with strong governance, reporting and accountability Operational Performance Champion LEAN methodologies (TIMWOODS, Kaizen, benchmarking) Lead plant optimisation initiatives to increase efficiency and EBIT performance Embed continuous improvement culture across all sites CapEx Delivery Own the delivery of major capital programmes end-to-end Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget Technical & Operational Support Oversee critical support services including surveying, electrical and HME fleet Ensure resources are aligned to operational priorities Stakeholder Impact Partner with senior leadership, operations and engineering teams Champion Voice of Customer and Critical to Quality (CTQ) thinking Safety & Compliance Lead with a safety-first mindset Ensure full compliance with HSE and engineering standards What Success Looks Like Measurable improvement in plant KPIs and operational efficiency Consistent delivery of major CapEx projects to time, cost and quality Tangible increase in Return on Capital Employed (RCO / EBIT) Strong stakeholder confidence and engagement High-performing, motivated and collaborative team Industry-leading safety performance Why Join us? At Heidelberg Materials, we don't just offer jobs-we build careers. As a global leader in construction materials, we're committed to innovation, sustainability, and, above all, our people. Rewards & Benefits We're proud to be recognised as an Employer of Choice, with accreditations including: Armed Forces Covenant (Gold) Disability Confident 5% Club (Platinum) Mates in Mind Clear Assured STEM Ambassador MPQC Member Competitive Package: Salary, bonus incentives, generous pension, and life assurance Work-Life Balance: 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays), agile/flexible working, holiday purchase, and sabbatical options, Season and travel ticket loans Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced support for maternity, paternity, adoption, IVF, neonatal care, and menopause Inclusive Culture: Paid volunteering day and active employee communities (LGBTQ+, Women in STEM, Armed Forces, and more) Wellbeing & Development: Employee Assistance Programme, retail discounts, and continuous learning opportunitiesAt Heidelberg Materials UK (previously known as Hanson UK) we strive to create an inclusive and respectful workplace where every individual can bring their unique skills and background to contribute to the success of our business. About usAt Heidelberg Materials UK (previously known as Hanson UK), we understand that a diverse workforce is key to our growth and development, and we aim to foster a culture that values openness, transparency, and individual achievement.As part of our commitment to promoting diversity, we are actively working to encourage more individuals to consider careers within the construction industry.We believe in building a workplace that is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and diversity.If you're interested in joining our team, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience or skill set doesn't perfectly align with the job description. Creating a candidate home page is optional, when asked, but you can use this to quickly see the progress of your application(s).You may still be the right fit for this or other roles within our company.Heidelberg Materials is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process. For quick access to screen reading technology compatible with this site click here to download a free compatible screen reader (free step by step tutorial can be found here). Please contact for additional information or to request accommodations.We understand that women may face unique challenges in their careers, and we are committed to providing a supportive environment to help you thrive.Our family-friendly policies, such as enhanced maternity and parental leave, neonatal care, and adoption support, will provide you with the flexibility and support you need to balance your personal and professional commitments.We also offer a range of benefits, such as access to our Employee Assistance Program, trained mental health first aiders, discounted private medical benefits and much more, to ensure your wellbeing is prioritized.