Managing Director - Smart Monitoring

Ref: VA179 Head Office - Harpenden Full TimePermanent

Plowman Craven is a recognised geospatial leader, combining innovation with precision to support clients across the entire asset lifecycle. Trusted by the industry's largest developers, property managers, contractors, and engineering firms, we deliver highly accurate data and insights that drive smarter decision-making and improve project efficiency. Our mission is to push the boundaries of possibility, providing market-leading solutions that shape the future of the built environment.

Our Smart Monitoring division plays a vital role in managing structural integrity, environmental impact and construction progress across complex, high-risk and high-value projects. By combining cutting-edge sensor technologies, automation and data analytics, we deliver real-time insight for clients in infrastructure, transport, construction, heritage and utilities.

This is a rare opportunity to take on a pivotal leadership role in a forward-thinking, values-led organisation at the forefront of geospatial and digital monitoring. You'll shape a fast-evolving Division, lead with autonomy and impact, and work closely with a loyal, highly skilled team passionate about technical delivery and client outcomes.

ROLE PURPOSE

As a critical leader within the Plowman Craven Group, the Managing Director of Smart Monitoring holds full accountability for the strategy, sales, operations, performance, and people leadership of the Division. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role blends high-level strategic thinking with day-to-day commercial and technical leadership. The successful candidate will be a recognised figure in structural or environmental monitoring, digital construction, or geotechnical engineering - a respected voice with the credibility, drive and vision to lead and grow a multi-disciplinary monitoring business.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Define and deliver the Smart Monitoring strategy, aligned with Group goals and evolving market needs.
• Drive integrated growth across the three main disciplines: structural movement monitoring, environmental compliance monitoring (e.g. noise, vibration, dust), and construction progress monitoring through digital technologies.
• Build differentiated propositions using smart sensor networks, automated data reporting and cross-business collaboration.
• Full P&L responsibility for the Smart Monitoring Division, with strong focus on profitable growth.
• Lead commercial operations including forecasting, WIP, invoicing and margin management.
• Secure flagship opportunities across infrastructure, transport and complex construction schemes, often requiring cross-disciplinary solutions.

Client & Market Leadership

• Cultivate strong relationships with tier 1 contractors, consultants, infrastructure owners and public bodies.
• Maintain understanding of regulations and industry guidance relating to structural health, environmental thresholds, and programme visibility.
• Act as a visible and credible ambassador of Plowman Craven's monitoring capability within industry forums and client networks.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure effective and safe delivery across all monitoring disciplines - from sensor installation and data capture to insight reporting and compliance assurance.
• Leverage technology and automation to scale services, improve reliability and minimise site interventions.
• Collaborate with other BUs and international teams to deliver seamless solutions across the full built environment lifecycle.
• Work collaboratively with other BUs and international teams in Poland, India, Australia and the US to deliver quality and consistency

People & Culture

• Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team including engineers, analysts, project managers and technical specialists.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, responsiveness and continuous improvement.
• Support talent development and succession planning to meet growing demand and future capability needs.

Collaboration & Key Relationships

• CEO, CFO, Business Development Director
• Central Support Teams (HR, Finance, H&S, Technical, IT)
• External technology partners, framework clients, sector regulators

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Proven senior leadership experience in monitoring, geotechnical, structural or environmental engineering.
• Broad understanding of the full spectrum of monitoring services - structural, environmental and construction progress.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with P&L accountability.
• Recognised technical expertise and market credibility within relevant sectors.
• Passion for innovation, automation and the smart use of data in operational delivery.
• Track record of leading and scaling high-performing technical teams.
• Collaborative and empowering leadership style with a strong delivery mindset.
• Resilient, adaptable and values-driven - a visible ambassador for Plowman Craven's culture of excellence and teamwork.

Plowman Craven is a great place to work and offers a range of competitive family friendly benefits including:

• 25 Days Annual Leave - increasing to 30 days plus bank holidays
• Performance related bonus
• Salary sacrifice pension contribution scheme
• Travel loans & travel cards (Zone 1+2) for London-based roles
• Access to fleet vehicles
• Life assurance
• Enhanced family friendly benefits
• Social activities organised throughout the year
• Harpenden & London offices
• Employee owned company held in a Trust for the benefit of employees

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Benefits of working at Plowman Craven

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