VSL, part of the Bouygues Construction Group, is a global specialist in engineering and construction, delivering innovative solutions across some of the world's most complex infrastructure projects.

With major investment in the UK's transport, energy and infrastructure sectors, specialist foundations and ground engineering are playing an increasingly important role in delivering the country's most ambitious construction programmes. From Sizewell C and the Lower Thames Crossing, the UK offers significant opportunities for technically challenging and innovative ground engineering works.

As VSL continues to develop its specialist geotechnical and foundations activities across the UK, we are seeking an experienced senior leader to oversee our operational portfolio, strengthen our technical capabilities and support the sustainable growth of the business.

This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in the leadership of VSL's UK operations, contributing to the delivery of complex infrastructure projects while shaping the future of our specialist foundations business.

Position

We are sneeking an experienced Operations Director – Geotechnics & Foundations to provide strategic and operational leadership across VSL's specialist geotechnical and foundations activities throughout the United Kingdom.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director of VSL UK, you will be responsible for overseeing the successful delivery, operational performance and continued development of our UK geotechnical portfolio.

This senior leadership position requires extensive experience in deep foundations, specialist ground engineering and major civil infrastructure projects, combined with strong commercial acumen and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams across multiple concurrent projects.

You will take ownership of operational performance, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently and profitably, while maintaining the highest standards of technical excellence, quality and client satisfaction.

Working closely with the UK leadership team and the wider VSL and Bouygues Construction network, you will also contribute to business strategy, resource planning and the long-term development of our specialist foundations activities.

The position has a UK-wide remit, requiring regular travel to projects and operational locations across the country.

Main Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Project Delivery

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across VSL's UK geotechnical and specialist foundations portfolio.

• Oversee the successful delivery of multiple complex projects, ensuring compliance with contractual, programme, financial, safety and quality requirements.

• Lead and support Project Directors, Project Managers, Construction Managers and multidisciplinary operational teams.

• Establish effective delivery strategies, construction methodologies and performance management frameworks.

• Monitor project performance, productivity, programme milestones and resource utilisation, implementing corrective actions where required.

• Provide senior-level oversight on critical operational, technical and contractual matters.

• Drive operational efficiency, continuous improvement and best practices across the portfolio.

Technical Leadership – Geotechnics & Foundations

• Provide senior technical and operational oversight across specialist foundation and ground engineering activities, including diaphragm walls, bored and CFA piling, Cutter Soil Mixing (CSM), ground improvement, grouting, micropiles and ground anchors.

• Oversee the development and implementation of construction methodologies, sequencing and execution strategies.

• Ensure engineering and construction solutions are safe, practical, efficient and commercially viable.

• Work closely with technical and design teams to resolve complex geotechnical and construction challenges.

• Oversee technical risk management, constructability reviews and compliance with relevant engineering standards.

• Leverage specialist expertise from the wider VSL and Bouygues Construction network to support project delivery.

Commercial & Financial Performance

• Take senior operational accountability for the commercial and financial performance of VSL's UK geotechnical portfolio.

• Oversee project budgets, cost forecasts, financial performance and operational margins in collaboration with commercial and finance teams.

• Identify and manage operational and commercial risks, implementing appropriate mitigation strategies.

• Monitor project profitability, productivity and cost efficiency, driving improvements where necessary.

• Provide senior operational input into contract management, variations, claims and commercial negotiations.

• Support the UK Managing Director in financial planning, forecasting and operational performance reporting.

Business Strategy & Development

• Contribute to the development and implementation of VSL's UK geotechnical and foundations business strategy.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen the company's position within the UK specialist foundations and infrastructure markets.

• Support business development, tendering and preconstruction activities, providing technical and operational expertise during bid preparation.

• Participate in strategic bid reviews, risk assessments and resource planning.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, joint venture partners, principal contractors and key industry stakeholders.

• Collaborate with the wider Bouygues Construction Group to identify opportunities for innovation, resource sharing and business growth.

Resource Planning & Operational Coordination

• Oversee strategic workforce, plant and equipment planning across the UK geotechnical portfolio.

• Ensure effective allocation and utilisation of specialist personnel, plant, equipment and subcontractor resources.

• Coordinate with engineering, procurement, commercial and operational teams to optimise project performance.

• Anticipate future operational requirements based on project workloads and business development opportunities.

• Work closely with international VSL and Bouygues Construction teams to access specialist resources and technical expertise where required.

Health, Safety, Quality & Environmental Leadership

• Provide visible senior leadership in promoting a strong health, safety, environmental and quality culture across all operations.

• Ensure compliance with relevant UK legislation, company policies, contractual obligations and industry standards.

• Oversee effective risk management, quality assurance and operational control procedures.

• Champion proactive safety leadership, incident prevention and continuous improvement.

• Promote sustainable construction practices and responsible resource management.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Provide strong leadership and direction to senior project and operational management teams.

• Establish clear objectives, performance expectations and accountability across the operational portfolio.

• Develop and mentor Project Directors, Project Managers and other senior operational personnel.

• Foster a high-performance culture built on collaboration, technical excellence, safety and commercial accountability.

• Represent VSL in senior-level meetings with clients, joint venture partners and key stakeholders.

• Maintain effective relationships with senior management across VSL International and Bouygues Construction.

• Report directly to the UK Managing Director on operational performance, financial outcomes, risks and strategic priorities.

Education

• Degree or Master's in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

• Chartered Engineer status (CEng, MICE or equivalent) would be advantageous.

Experience

• Extensive senior operational leadership experience within specialist foundations, geotechnical engineering or ground engineering.

• Proven track record in an Operations Director, Regional Director, Business Unit Director, Project Director or equivalent senior leadership position.

• Significant experience delivering complex deep foundation and ground engineering works on major infrastructure or civil engineering projects.

• Demonstrable experience managing multiple projects or a substantial operational portfolio, including financial, commercial and resource management responsibilities.

• Strong technical background in specialist foundation construction, ideally gained within a recognised geotechnical or specialist civil engineering contractor.

• Comprehensive understanding of diaphragm walls, piling, ground improvement and associated specialist foundation techniques.

• Experience leading large multidisciplinary teams and managing complex construction operations.

• Strong financial and commercial management capabilities, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control and profitability management.

• Good understanding of UK construction contracts, ideally including NEC.

• Experience on major UK infrastructure programmes, including highways, rail, tunnelling, energy or other large-scale civil engineering schemes.

• Experience working within joint ventures or international construction organisations would be advantageous.

Essentials

• Strong leadership capabilities, with the credibility to operate effectively at Director and Managing Director level.

• Excellent commercial judgement combined with sound technical and operational expertise.

• Strategic mindset with a practical, hands-on approach to operational challenges.

• Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder-management skills.

• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage competing priorities across multiple projects.

• Decisive, solutions-oriented and results-driven approach.

• Commitment to operational excellence, safety, quality and continuous improvement.

• Ability to collaborate effectively across UK and international teams.

• Legal right to work in the UK.

• Willingness to travel regularly across the UK to support projects and operational teams.

Interested? Apply now and let's build the great structures of tomorrow together!