Role Purpose
The Head of Operations & Maintenance is a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) responsible for the strategic leadership, operational delivery, and commercial performance of the company's installation and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) activities.
The role has overall accountability for the safe, profitable, and efficient delivery of all projects and operational assets, ensuring compliance with quality, health & safety, environmental and regulatory requirements. The postholder will lead the growth and development of the O&M division whilst ensuring all installation projects and operational contracts are delivered on time, within budget and to the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction.
The Head of Operations & Maintenance will work closely with the Managing Director and wider leadership team to support business growth, improve operational performance, develop strategic partnerships and ensure the company remains a market leader in renewable energy deployment and asset management.
Key Accountabilities
Strategic Leadership
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to business strategy, growth plans and organisational objectives.
- Develop and implement operational and maintenance strategies aligned with company goals.
- Build and grow the O&M division as a profitable business unit.
- Support business development activities and contribute to sales growth.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across operational and maintenance functions.
- Provide specialist operational and technical input to support strategic decision-making.
- Develop succession planning, workforce planning and leadership capability within operational teams.
Operational Delivery
- Hold overall responsibility for the successful delivery of all installation projects and operational contracts.
- Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to agreed quality standards.
- Oversee technical surveys, project planning, resource allocation and project execution.
- Ensure all project documentation, commissioning records and handover packs are completed correctly.
- Monitor project progress, resource utilisation and commercial performance.
- Attend client meetings and provide executive-level stakeholder management.
- Implement corrective actions where performance targets are not achieved.
Operations & Maintenance Management
- Lead all scheduled and reactive maintenance activities across operational assets.
- Ensure solar PV and BESS assets achieve optimal performance, reliability and availability.
- Manage maintenance contracts, service agreements and warranty obligations.
- Serve as the senior technical authority for O&M activities.
- Monitor plant performance and implement strategies to maximise generation and minimise downtime.
- Oversee monthly operational reporting and client performance reviews.
- Ensure effective fault management, escalation and resolution processes.
Health, Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Maintain overall accountability for health, safety and environmental performance across all operations.
- Ensure compliance with all legislation, industry standards and client requirements.
- Lead the development and implementation of RAMS, quality processes and safety systems.
- Conduct audits and reviews to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
- Manage risk identification, mitigation and contingency planning.
- Promote a strong safety culture throughout the organisation.
Commercial & Financial Management
- Own departmental budgets, forecasts and financial performance.
- Ensure projects and contracts achieve agreed profitability targets.
- Support contract negotiations, commercial reviews and dispute resolution.
- Monitor operational KPIs and financial metrics.
- Manage invoicing processes and cost control measures.
- Identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and cost reduction.
Leadership & People Management
- Lead, motivate and develop multidisciplinary operational and maintenance teams.
- Recruit, retain and develop high-performing employees.
- Manage performance, training, succession planning and employee engagement.
- Ensure appropriate resource levels are maintained to support growth.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Develop future leaders within the business.
Customer & Stakeholder Management
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers and strategic partners.
- Act as the senior escalation point for operational and customer issues.
- Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and contract compliance.
- Work collaboratively with commercial, design, engineering and finance teams.
- Represent the business professionally with clients and industry stakeholders.
Person Specification
Essential
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Construction Management, Renewable Energy or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
- Significant leadership experience within renewable energy, construction, utilities or engineering sectors.
- Proven experience managing operational delivery and maintenance functions.
- Strong commercial and financial management experience with full budget responsibility.
- Demonstrable experience leading large multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent understanding of Health & Safety legislation and management systems.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Experience in strategic planning and organisational development.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Desirable
- Solar PV and/or BESS operational experience.
- Project Management qualification (PRINCE2, PMP or equivalent).
- IOSH Managing Safely, NEBOSH or equivalent.
- Chartered Engineer or relevant professional accreditation.
Pay: £55,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company car
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Paid volunteer time
- Profit sharing
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
