Area Operations Manager

Covering Sites: Dorset, Berkshire & Wiltshire
Salary: £58,000 – £62,000 per annum plus car allowance £9,300 - £9,700

Relocation Assistance: Subject to HMRC guidance
Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Are you ready to lead operations that balance heritage and progress? Hills Quarry Products has an exciting opportunity for an Area Operations Manager to join our team and oversee multi-site quarry production. This new role is perfect for someone who respects traditional quarrying methods while embracing innovation to improve efficiency, sustainability, and safety.

What We Offer:

• Healthcare maintenance cash plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, prescriptions, and health screening)
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme with life assurance
• 25 days holiday (increasing annually to 28) + holiday trading
• Salary sacrifice cycle-to-work scheme
• Access to shopping and gym discounts
• Employee assistance programme (24/7 helpline + up to 6 counselling sessions per year)
• Paid volunteering days (up to 2 per year)
• Eligibility to join Group Performance Bonus scheme
• Relocation assistance available (subject to HMRC guidelines)

About the Role:

As Area Operations Manager, you will lead and optimise operations across multiple sand and stone aggregate quarries and a rail depot in the South region. You will ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production while maintaining compliance with all regulatory and environmental requirements. You will be the driving force behind the success of several quarry sites, managing day-to-day operations and supporting teams to deliver excellence.

 With sites at different stages of development, your role will be full of variety and responsibility, where your leadership will shape outcomes and foster growth for the business and its employees. The successful applicant will be required to take ownership and guide a dedicated team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee quarry operations to deliver the right quantity and quality of product safely and profitably
• Drive operational efficiency through proactive maintenance and resource planning
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and planning regulations, including the Quarries Regulations 1999
• Manage budgets, cost control, and supplier relationships across multiple sites
• Lead, motivate, and develop site teams, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement
• Plan and deliver site improvement projects, restoration regimes, and earthmoving activities
• Build strong relationships with regulators, contractors, and customers

What We’re Looking For in our Area Operations Manager:

• NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Safety, Health and Environmental Management in Mineral Product Operations (or equivalent)
• Proven experience managing sand and gravel operations and production processes ideally across multiple sites
• Strong knowledge of health and safety systems, cost control, and regulatory compliance
• In-depth understanding of the Quarries Regulations 1999
• Excellent leadership, people management, planning, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage budgets and analyse operational data to make informed decisions
• Experience in earthmoving projects, restoration regimes, and scheduling maintenance
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to manage conflicting priorities

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who values the heritage of quarrying while embracing innovation. You’ll play a key role in shaping the future of our operations, ensuring we remain competitive and sustainable in a rapidly evolving industry.

Interview Information:

First stage interviews will be held mid to end of January 2026.

Click 'Apply' today to be our new Area Operations Manager.

About Us

Across Wiltshire and surrounding counties, The Hills Group of companies manages and recycles waste, produces essential construction materials through quarrying and ready mixed concrete, and builds award-winning homes in sought after locations.

Established in 1900 and family-owned, The Hills Group has evolved over the past four generations into a multi-million pound business, harnessing the latest technologies, pioneering major infrastructure projects, and employing over 600 people.

Whether extracting minerals, managing and recycling waste or building new homes, the same qualities of energy, enterprise, affability and confidence with which Hills was founded, still characterise the Hills business today.

Hills is committed to providing an equitable workplace for all. We aim to ensure our workplaces are free from discrimination, and that our current and future colleagues are treated fairly and with dignity and respect. Please feel free to contact us directly should you wish to discuss how we can ensure a positive experience for you.