Operations Manager – Civil Engineering Consultancy
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Manager to join a well-established civil engineering and groundworks consultancy delivering maintenance, minor works and capital projects across a diverse UK portfolio. The business operates across government, commercial property, retail, leisure, sports facilities and new developments, with a strong reputation for reliability, quality and long-term client relationships.
This is a senior leadership role combining operational control, commercial oversight and business development. You will be responsible for managing delivery across multiple live contracts while also playing a key role in securing new work through established networks and developing long-term client partnerships.
This position also offers a genuine long-term opportunity to grow with the business, with performance-based progression, bonus structure and future equity participation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee day-to-day operations across multiple civil engineering and maintenance projects.
- Take ownership of a varied contract portfolio spanning public sector, commercial, retail and infrastructure clients.
- Drive business development activity, including identifying opportunities, building relationships and supporting bid/tender submissions.
- Strengthen and expand existing client relationships, ensuring high levels of repeat business and satisfaction.
- Oversee planning, resourcing, programme delivery and operational performance across all active projects.
- Manage project financials including budgets, margins, forecasting and cost control.
- Ensure all works are delivered safely, on time and to required quality standards.
- Coordinate site teams, subcontractors and supply chain partners across multiple live schemes.
- Act as senior client contact, representing the business in meetings and contract discussions.
- Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety and industry regulations.
- Support continuous improvement across delivery processes, efficiency and service quality.
Requirements
- Proven experience in an Operations Manager, Contracts Manager or Senior Project Management role within civil engineering, groundworks or construction.
- Strong track record in business development, winning work and growing client accounts.
- Experience managing a diverse contract portfolio across maintenance and construction projects.
- Strong commercial awareness including budgeting, forecasting and margin management.
- Excellent client-facing and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to lead teams and manage multiple live projects simultaneously.
- Strong leadership, communication and decision-making ability.
- Solid understanding of Health & Safety compliance and operational risk management.
Desirable Experience
- Established network within civil engineering, construction or property sectors.
- Experience working with local authorities, commercial landlords, retail portfolios or public sector frameworks.
- Background in reactive maintenance, planned civils works and small-to-medium capital projects.
- Experience managing long-term service contracts or frameworks.
Salary & Progression
- Competitive salary depending on experience.
- Performance-related bonus structure.
- Clear pathway to salary growth and senior leadership progression.
- Long-term opportunity for equity participation and shareholding in the business.
- Opportunity to help shape and scale a growing civil engineering consultancy.
Final Note
This is a key leadership appointment for someone who wants more than just a job, but the opportunity to help take an established consultancy to the next level through operational excellence, commercial growth and strategic business development.
Pay: £60,000.00-£80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring programme
- Employee stock ownership plan
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Flexitime
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Paid volunteer time
- Profit sharing
- Sabbatical
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
