Job Description

General Manager - Utilities / Construction

📍 Reading (100% Office-Based)

💼 Permanent or Contract Opportunity

💰 Highly Competitive Salary / Day Rate (DOE, Outside IR35 for contract)

The Opportunity

We're working with a growing utilities contractor delivering projects under SSEN Lot 1, covering electricity connections up to 11kV underground and 33kV overhead line (OHL).

They are seeking a General Manager to take full ownership of their office-based operations in Reading. This is a key leadership role with responsibility for driving performance across multiple teams and ensuring efficient project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage the planning, RFQ (pricing), and streetworks departments

Act as the Office Lead, overseeing administration, training, and operational processes

Provide strong leadership to department heads (direct reports)

Drive performance, accountability, and continuous improvement across teams

Ensure effective coordination across all business functions supporting project delivery

Make confident, strategic decisions to support business growth and operational efficiency

About You

Proven experience in a similar senior leadership / General Manager role

Strong background within construction, utilities, or infrastructure sectors (electricity connections experience highly desirable)

Demonstrable experience managing multiple teams/functions simultaneously

A decisive, confident leader able to take ownership and drive outcomes

Excellent organisational, operational, and people management skills

What's on Offer

Flexible permanent or contract engagement

Outside IR35 status for contract roles

Competitive salary/day rate depending on experience

Opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role within a growing business

Exposure to major utility frameworks and projectsIf you're a strong operational leader with utilities or construction experience and are looking for a role where you can truly make an impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Please click to find out more about our Key Information Documents. Please note that the documents provided contain generic information. If we are successful in finding you an assignment, you will receive a Key Information Document which will be specific to the vendor set-up you have chosen and your placement.

To find out more about Progressive please visit

Progressive Recruitment, a trading division of SThree Partnership LLP is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy | Registered office | 8 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4BQ, United Kingdom | Partnership Number | OC(phone number removed) England and Wales