We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the operational delivery team within our South West Water framework. This key role involves overall responsibility for successful project delivery, encompassing health and safety, client relations, quality, environmental considerations, design, programme management, and commercial performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Safety and Health Leadership : Lead by example on all aspects of safety, health, wellbeing, and environmental performance. Collaborate with the leadership team to foster a generative team culture and ensure that safety risks are effectively mitigated in design and construction.

• Resource Management : Work alongside Senior Project Managers to deploy operational staff resources efficiently, considering skills and competency mixes while maintaining safe staffing levels.

• Team Development : Support and mentor team members by identifying personal development needs. Conduct formal annual appraisals for direct reports and maintain regular communication through monthly one-on-one meetings.

• Team Building Initiatives : Identify and initiate team development interventions, utilising external specialists when appropriate. Collaborate with leadership to implement succession plans.

• Site Engagement : Be accessible to team members by regularly visiting sites and engaging with all personnel, including supply chain employees.

• Recruitment and Onboarding : Proactively identify resourcing needs and assist in recruiting staff. Review CVs, conduct interviews, and ensure comprehensive onboarding processes are in place.

• Quality Assurance : Ensure project teams understand quality requirements and strive for right-first-time delivery with zero defects at handover.

• Performance Monitoring : Assist in establishing arrangements to achieve set objectives and targets. Ensure timely submission of performance data from project teams and critically review this data.

• Project Oversight : Monitor onsite and offsite operations progress against deadlines and budget constraints. Manage project reporting responsibilities.

• Relationship Management : Build mutually beneficial relationships with strategic supply chain partners. Act as a key contact within the issue resolution/escalation process to ensure timely outcomes.

• Programme Advocacy : Promote the "programme is king" philosophy by ensuring "Last Planner" principles are implemented throughout the project lifecycle.

• Client Engagement : Develop effective relationships with client personnel, particularly senior leaders, to become a trusted advisor.

• Pre-construction Support : Collaborate with the pre-construction team by providing necessary resources and technical expertise for tenders. Participate in bid review meetings as needed.

• Best Practice Sharing : Engage with personnel from other frameworks to share best practices and support knowledge sharing initiatives.

• Business Development : Identify opportunities for business development by attending relevant events.

• Risk Mitigation : Work collaboratively to identify and take proactive measures to mitigate business risks at both programme and project levels.

Qualifications

• Degree or HNC/D level qualification in construction, technical or management-related subjects.

• Proven experience in delivering a range of projects of varying values and complexity.

• Experience in design and build projects.

• Familiarity with NEC forms of contract.

• Experience in delivering high-quality non-infrastructure water projects is preferred but not essential.

• Excellent knowledge of construction techniques and methodologies.

• Strong commercial understanding with the ability to embed this within teams.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 products and general IT skills.

• Full UK driving licence.

• Current SMSTS qualification and relevant CSCS card.

• Ability to manage, mentor, and lead individual members of the construction team.

• Effective communication skills (both written and oral).

• Natural ability to work collaboratively with clients, designers, and supply chain partners.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary along with various benefits including:

• Car allowance

• 26 days annual leave (with the opportunity to buy or sell up to 3 days)

• Additional long service days after 3, 7, and 10 years

• Private medical insurance (with an option for family cover)

• Defined contribution pension scheme matched up to 8%

• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and parental leave

• Volunteering opportunities

• Flexible working arrangements (dependent on role)

• Employee Assistance Programme (including financial advice)

• Professional membership fees covered

• Employee discount scheme offering various discounts

• Flexible benefits scheme including options for critical illness insurance, dental insurance, travel insurance, cycle-to-work scheme, retail vouchers, etc.

If you are passionate about leading teams towards successful project delivery while prioritising safety and quality standards, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.