Area Operations Manager

Hernshead Recruitment Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is looking for an experienced Area Operations Manager in the UK. The successful candidate will manage embedded power projects, ensuring safe and efficient operations of gas engine and battery storage plants. Responsibilities include leading a team of Operations Engineers and optimizing plant availability. Essential qualifications include an ONC level in Plant Engineering and strong engineering experience in power generation.

Qualifications

• Detailed understanding of reciprocating gas engine systems (MWM, MTU, Jenbacher, Caterpillar).
• Experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is desirable.
• In-depth experience with internal combustion engines for power generation.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all duties prioritize health and safety.
• Operate and maintain power generation equipment safely and efficiently.
• Lead and manage a team of Operations Engineers.

Skills

Strong engineering background

IT literacy

Ability to perform under pressure

Education

ONC level in Plant Engineering or related discipline

Tools

CMMS systems

Job description

Overview

My client is seeking an experienced Area Operations Manager to join the operations team. The role involves managing embedded power projects typically comprising reciprocating gas engine or battery storage plants (2-10 MWe at 11kV grid level) and larger sites between 20-50 MWe at 33kV, 66kV, and 132kV grid level.

You will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of flexible power generation plant and associated equipment across a designated area, optimising availability and uptime while complying with H&S, quality, standards, and commercial requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all duties are carried out with health and safety as the top priority—for yourself, colleagues, contractors, and others affected by operations.
• Operate and maintain power generation equipment safely and efficiently, following OEM literature and company H&S procedures.
• Lead, manage, and motivate a team of Operations Engineers—providing training, coaching, and mentoring to ensure competence and safety awareness.
• Optimise plant availability and uptime, attending sites when necessary to support with complex maintenance or unplanned breakdowns.
• Report on plant status, maintenance records, and spare parts, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information within company IT/CMMS systems.
• Identify and resolve technical or safety issues, escalating appropriately and providing timely updates.
• Monitor operational performance against budgets and KPIs (availability, financial performance, etc.), taking remedial actions when required.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong engineering background, ideally with gas engines (MWM, MTU, Jenbacher, Caterpillar).
• Self-starting and well-organised, capable of balancing hands-on maintenance with administrative requirements.
• Experienced in supply chain management for engine parts and services.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Knowledge

• Essential: Detailed understanding of reciprocating gas engine systems (MWM, MTU, Jenbacher, Caterpillar), O&M practices.
• Desirable: Experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and three-phase electrical systems.

Skills

• Essential: IT literacy, good written and numerical skills, ability to perform under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.
• Desirable: Working knowledge of CMMS systems.

Experience

• Essential: In-depth experience with internal combustion engines for power generation, including base-load plants. Proven leadership and strong teamworking ethos.
• Desirable: Experience in BESS operations, and familiarity with data analytics in maintenance environments.

Qualifications

• Essential: ONC level (or equivalent) in Plant Engineering or related discipline, or time-served equivalent experience.
• Desirable: CITB Competence Scheme Card, IOSH Working Safely