Head Of Operations

Lanes Group is a leading nationwide utility services provider with c.5000 dedicated employees. Our diverse subsidiaries drive our success across various sectors, contributing to a remarkable turnover of over £700 million. We are committed to excellence and innovation, ensuring we provide industry leading services to our clients and stakeholders. Join us to be part of a dynamic and growing team that values diversity and fosters professional growth.

Department:
The Logistics Management Centre (LMC) supports Southern Water's wastewater operations by delivering specialist tankering and treatment solutions across Hampshire, Sussex and the Isle of Wight regions. Working closely with operational teams, the LMC plays a key role in maintaining network resilience, responding to incidents, supporting planned maintenance activities, and helping to protect customers and the environment.

Our Tankering Division provides a flexible fleet resource to manage wastewater movements across the network, while our Treatment Division delivers specialist services to clean, maintain and optimise critical wastewater assets

Purpose of the role:

Strong leadership being at our heart, supporting our people ensuring they are engaged with purpose, rewarded and recognised whilst delivering absolute exacting operational excellence being a leading entity and enviable delivery team embracing quality and compliance in our overarching delivery, one of our fundamental key differentiators. The Head of Operations leads operational delivery across the Hampshire and Sussex region, ensuring services are safe, efficient, compliant and commercially successful. The ideal candidate will be an experienced operational leader with strong commercial awareness, excellent people-management skills and the ability to deliver results in a fast-paced environment

Location: Sussex Region

Job Type: Permanent, full-time

Hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week

Salary: Depending on experience

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Operational Management

• Oversee and manage the daily operations of the division, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to improve operational efficiency, streamline processes, and enhance service delivery.
• Monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices to ensure compliance and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure optimal utilisation of resources, including staff, equipment, and materials, to maximise productivity and cost-effectiveness.
• Accountable for commercial management with a strong focus on profit and loss, ensuring delivery against budgets and financial targets 

Performance Management & Continuous Improvement

• Analyse division performance metrics, identify key areas for improvement, and develop action plans to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and proactive problem-solving within the team.
• Implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress, measure logistics efficiency, and optimise workflow processes.
• Lead initiatives related to cost reduction, waste management, and sustainability across our operations.

Team Leadership & Workforce Optimisation

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team by providing guidance, training, and career development opportunities.
• Manage workforce planning, including scheduling, workload allocation, and resource adjustments, to maintain efficiency and meet operational demands.
• Create a positive work environment that encourages teamwork, accountability, and professional growth.

Compliance, Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and health & safety standards.
• Identify potential risks, implement risk mitigation strategies, and enforce workplace safety procedures.
• Act as the escalation point for critical operational challenges, ensuring swift resolution while maintaining business continuity.
• Be aware of all Lanes Group policies and your responsibilities towards them.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• Work closely with internal departments, including HR, finance, and procurement, to align logistics strategies with business objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external vendors, suppliers, and regulatory bodies to ensure smooth supply chain operations and compliance.
• Represent the treatment and logistics division in executive meetings, reporting on performance, challenges, and strategic initiatives.
• Any other ad-hoc tasks or projects 

Your contribution to the company:

• Drive delivery of key contractual KPIs
• Drive delivery of excellent customer experience for both external and internal customers – supporting the productivity and utilisation of our field teams
• Strive to be always positive and constructive
• Adhere to all company policies
• Straight talking about the facts of the situation – open discussions are the best way to find solutions
• Help others through communicating clearly
• Deliver on commitments
• Ensure that any ideas that may enhance the productivity or systems of the company are brought to the attention of Senior Management, or your colleagues
• Deliver our Company Values understanding that by working together in unity we are ‘Stronger Together’

Key Requirements

Skills & Experience:

• The successful candidate must have a Full UK Driver's Licence to be considered for this position. 
• Strong managerial experience.  
• Leadership experience and strong interpersonal, relationship - building and networking skills. 
• Confidentiality is very important within this position, and we are looking for someone with experience of working with sensitive information. 
• This is a fast-paced position, and it is essential that you have experience of prioritising your workload and being organised is crucial. 
• Proficient within the Microsoft Office Suite. 

Desirable:

• Senior Managerial experience within a Drainage / Utilities business.
• Proficient in IOS software and have a good understanding of Sewer Flooding and Pollution activities. 

Living the Company Values

By embedding our companies core values and purpose into each role, ensures that every employee, regardless of their role or level, understands how their individual development and contributions align with our purpose of ‘improving today for a better tomorrow’.

Each role and value has an alignment to set proficiency levels and expectations; this role holder is expected to:

• Leading: Acts as a role model, shaping the learning agenda and influencing change.
• Agile: Anticipates learning needs, adjusts quickly to changing operational contexts.
• Nurturing: Supports the development of others through coaching and structured development plans.
• Engaging: Inspires and motivates learners, builds trust and credibility
• Safe & Secure: Ensures all learning is aligned to safety and compliance standards.

Your Contribution to the company:

·        Strive to be always positive and constructive

·        Adhere to all company policies

·        Straight talking about the facts of the situation – open discussions are the best way to find solutions

·        Help others through communicating clearly

·        Deliver on commitments

·        Ensure that any ideas that may enhance the productivity or systems of the company are brought to the attention of Senior Management, or your colleagues

·        Deliver our Company Values understanding that by working together in unity we are ‘Stronger Together’

Equality, Diversion & Inclusion

At Lanes Group, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We believe that our differences make us stronger and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. Join us in our commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse world.