Job Description
Head of Operations
Clarke are a growing specialist construction business based in Ballymena with a portfolio of work that reaches all over the UK and Ireland.
Our people are our priority, they make us stand out, we are extremely proud of them and what we have achieved.
As we continue to grow, we are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Head of Operations to join our dynamic team.
Are you a strategic and results-driven leader with a passion for operational excellence in the construction industry? Do you thrive on planning, process improvement, and fostering strong client relationships? Are you ready to build and inspire a high-performing team that delivers world-class projects? If so, this is your opportunity to join a market-leading facade specialist as Head of Operations, driving efficiency and ensuring operational success from pre-construction to project completion.
This role is based in our Head Office in Ballymena but may require travel to the UK & beyond.
About The Role
Role Summary
Why Join Us?
* Lead High-Impact Projects – Work on cutting-edge facade solutions for iconic buildings.
* Shape Pre-Construction Success – Play a pivotal role in operational planning from the early stages.
* Drive Continuous Improvement – Implement strategies to enhance efficiency, quality, and profitability.
* Strengthen Client Partnerships – Build lasting relationships and ensure customer satisfaction.
* Innovate & Inspire – Lead a high-performing team and foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
* Career Growth & Progression – Be part of an ambitious, forward-thinking organisation with clear pathways for development.
Your Role:
As Head of Operations, you will be at the forefront of our business, overseeing the entire operational lifecycle from pre-construction planning through to project completion. You will play a key role in shaping strategy, enhancing efficiency, and building a world-class operations team. Your responsibilities will include:
Operational Input to Pre-Construction
* Mitigate risks in planning, logistics, and supply chain to ensure projects are fully prepared for execution.
* Provide operational input on major bids, supporting BSA/PCSA planning and governance.
* Ensure ‘Clarke Way’ compliance is upheld from pre-construction through to delivery.
* Oversee strategic workforce and resource planning.
Project Execution & Control
* Foster a collaborative, one-team approach, ensuring clear accountability for HSEQ, cost, and quality.
* Enforce programme and commercial discipline, with structured weekly and monthly KPI reviews.
* Build and maintain strong operational and commercial relationships, managing client escalations effectively.
Team Development & Continuous Improvement
* Strengthen the One Clarke team culture, embedding HSEQ, ESG, and customer relationship management across operations.
* Develop a robust talent pipeline, focusing on mentorship, leadership development, and succession planning.
Competencies
* Innovation – the ability to introduce innovations to enhance or adds efficiencies to the project or task
* Solution Focused – problem solving, finding solutions that commit to the best outcome
* Influence – the ability to build excellent team relationships that influences great outcomes
* Self-Direction/Accountability – the ability to take ownership, set goals, follow through, seek feedback and ask for support in order to achieve results.
* Technical Expertise – developing your expertise and skills base on a regular basis and often ahead of time for future needs.
Ready to Take the Lead?
This is your chance to shape the future of facades, working with an industry leader known for innovation, quality, and technical expertise. If you’re ready to drive operational success, build a world-class team, and deliver iconic projects, we want to hear from you!
Remuneration
* Attractive level of remuneration depending on expertise and experience
* Enhanced Family Friendly Policies
* Flexible working hours
* State of the art offices
* Health cash plan
* Private health care
* Pension
* Onsite Gym
* Opportunities for career development
We are an equal opportunities employer, and led by our values (creative, brave, determined, collaborative, passionate, true).
Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of our business
Skills Needed
Managerial / Operational
About The Company
Our Business
Engaging at the earliest stage of a project, we act as a central hub for clients offering the complete end-to-end facade service from preconstruction to project handover.
By overseeing the process from start to finish, we guarantee safety, innovation and take sole responsibility in delivering remarkable buildings.
Established in 1996, Clarke celebrate 25 years in business. Employing 90 plus direct employees across pre-construction, design, structural engineering, fabrication, operations and management with 180 installers, Clarke is driven by the passion of its people. In 2022, we are moving to a state of the art facility to house our fabrication and office teams under one roof.
Our newly invigorated fabrication facility is fully operational with advanced offsite machinery and equipment.
Company Culture
Life at Clarke
Our team are sociable and responsive, we value the chance to help our community both with action and fundraising.
This is a vital part of our culture, fuelled by a remarkable team of employees who enjoy a challenge, from sponsored walks to marathons, spring cleans, volunteering in the community, raffles to quiz nights and coffee mornings.
Our people also love to do all things social. We have a dedicated team who organise group events and get-togethers to boost company morale and bring the Clarke culture into day-to-day activities.
From running and walking groups to breakfasts and lunches, remote control car racing and team building activities to Christmas parties and festivities. We’ve a great team and one you’ll want to be part of!
Desired Criteria
Required Criteria
* Extensive proven leadership experience in façade construction or specialist subcontracting, with a strong track record of successfully managing projects, teams, and operations within the industry
* Strong expertise in operational planning, pre-construction coordination, and project delivery.
* Experience in driving process improvement, efficiency, and best practices.
* Excellent client-facing skills with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships.
* A hands-on, strategic thinker with a passion for operational excellence and innovation.
* A proven track record of building, leading, and motivating high-performing teams.
Closing DateFriday 4th April, 2025