Senior Operations Manager

We are working with a fast-growing specialist engineering and infrastructure contractor delivering complex projects across the industrial, utilities, energy, and heavy engineering sectors.

Due to continued growth and a strong project pipeline, we are seeking an experienced Head of Projects / Senior Operations Manager to play a key leadership role within the business. This is a strategic hire with genuine influence, offering the opportunity to help shape the operational structure, lead high-performing delivery teams, and drive project performance across multiple large-scale programmes.

This role would suit a commercially aware and operationally focused leader with a proven background in delivering complex engineering or infrastructure projects while managing senior stakeholders, programme risk, and operational performance.

The Role

Reporting directly into senior leadership, you will oversee the successful delivery of multiple projects and operational teams, ensuring programmes are delivered safely, efficiently, on time, and within budget.

You will act as a key figure within the business, supporting long-term growth, improving operational processes, and building a scalable management structure capable of supporting continued expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the delivery of multiple engineering and infrastructure projects across the UK
• Manage operational performance, project delivery teams, and senior project managers
• Drive programme delivery, resource planning, commercial awareness, and operational efficiency
• Build and strengthen management structures, reporting processes, and delivery standards
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders
• Provide leadership across project planning, risk management, quality, and health & safety
• Navigate complex stakeholder environments and confidently manage conflict resolution when required
• Support business growth through strategic operational input and leadership
• Mentor and develop project teams while promoting accountability and high performance
• Ensure projects are delivered in line with contractual obligations and client expectations

Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior operational or project leadership role within engineering, infrastructure, M&E, utilities, industrial, or construction sectors
• Strong track record delivering complex, high-value projects
• Exceptional leadership and people management capability
• Commercially astute with strong operational awareness
• Confident managing senior stakeholders, difficult conversations, and project challenges
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams across multiple live projects
• Strong understanding of project controls, programme management, and delivery strategy
• Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on where required