Operations Manager

Astrum; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrum in Adelaide is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead our HVAC/mechanical services unit. You will own day-to-day operations, mentor engineers and project managers, and drive delivery across major data centres, healthcare, and commercial projects.

You will build a high-performing team, manage forecasting and financial performance, and position the Adelaide operation for organic growth with a clear pathway to a General Manager role.

Qualifications

• HVAC/Mechanical Services experience required.
• Senior leadership experience in operations management.
• Strong project forecasting and financial performance understanding.
• Proven ability to lead teams and grow client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Leading, mentoring and developing a team of Engineers, Project Managers and Site Managers.
• Providing clear leadership, direction and support across the business.
• Overseeing the successful delivery of major HVAC / mechanical projects.
• Managing project forecasting, financial performance and operational outcomes.
• Reviewing project performance, budgets, margins and commercial exposure.
• Managing claims, variations and commercial negotiations.
• Working closely with clients, builders, consultants and key stakeholders.
• Identifying opportunities to improve business performance and profitability.
• Supporting the continued growth of the South Australian business.
• Developing strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Promoting the business and identifying opportunities for further organic growth.
• Working closely with senior leadership and corporate support functions.

Job description

Adelaide | HVAC / Mechanical Construction Services | National Tier 1 Contractor

An outstanding opportunity has become available with a nationally recognised Tier 1 HVAC and mechanical services contractor, seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and grow their Adelaide business.

This is a senior leadership appointment within a well-established business with a strong pipeline of major projects across South Australia, including data centres, healthcare, education and major commercial developments.

The Adelaide team currently comprises of Engineers, Project Managers, Site Managers and operational staff, with the successful candidate providing leadership, direction and support while helping drive the continued organic growth of the business.

This role offers a genuine future pathway into a General Manager position as the South Australian business continues to expand.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the senior leadership team, you will take ownership of the day-to-day operations and performance of the Adelaide business unit.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading, mentoring and developing a team of Engineers, Project Managers and Site Managers.
• Providing clear leadership, direction and support across the business.
• Overseeing the successful delivery of major HVAC / mechanical projects.
• Managing project forecasting, financial performance and operational outcomes.
• Reviewing project performance, budgets, margins and commercial exposure.
• Managing claims, variations and commercial negotiations.
• Working closely with clients, builders, consultants and key stakeholders.
• Identifying opportunities to improve business performance and profitability.
• Supporting the continued growth of the South Australian business.
• Developing strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Promoting the business and identifying opportunities for further organic growth.
• Working closely with senior leadership and corporate support functions.

ABOUT YOU

This role is suited to an established Operations Manager, Construction Manager or Senior Construction Manager from the HVAC / Air / Mechanical services industry who combines strong project delivery experience with genuine people leadership and commercial capability.

You will ideally demonstrate:

• Extensive experience within HVAC / Mechanical Services.
• Previous experience as an Operations Manager, Construction Manager, Senior Construction Manager or similar senior leadership position.
• Strong understanding of project forecasting and financial performance.
• Solid commercial acumen with experience managing claims, variations and commercial issues.
• Proven ability to lead and develop project teams.
• Strong client and stakeholder management skills.
• A track record of supporting business growth and developing client relationships.
• The confidence and presence to lead a business unit and represent the organisation at a senior level.
• A strong people-focused leadership style and the ability to build a positive, high-performing culture.
• A genuine desire to grow with the business and take on greater responsibility over time.

Most importantly, this business is looking for a strong leader someone who can provide direction, develop their people and build a high-performing Adelaide operation.

WHAT'S ON OFFER

• Senior leadership opportunity with a National Tier 1 HVAC contractor.
• $200k–$240k base + super, depending on experience.
• Strong pipeline of major South Australian projects.
• Opportunity to work across data centres, hospitals, schools and major commercial projects.
• Lead an established team of approximately 8-10 professionals.
• Significant influence over the growth and performance of the Adelaide business.
• Genuine long-term pathway towards a General Manager position.
• Strong corporate support across finance, commercial and operational functions.
• A business that places a strong emphasis on people, culture and leadership.