Customer Operations Manager - In-Line Inspections (Ambergate)

National Gas; Belper CP; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy provider in Belper is seeking a Customer Operations Manager for In-Line Inspections. This role involves first-line management of staff, safety leadership, and ensuring efficient operational delivery. Ideal candidates will have strong technical knowledge in ILI operations, proven leadership abilities, and excellent communication skills. In return, the company offers a competitive salary, bonus, and comprehensive benefits package including generous holidays and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary and annual performance bonus

Double-match pension scheme

Generous holiday allowance

Flexible benefit scheme

Professional development opportunities

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and influencing skills.
• Knowledge of high-pressure gas network operation and maintenance.
• Full UK car driving license.

Responsibilities

• Managing day-to-day operational ILI activities.
• Overseeing safe work procedures.
• Supporting business growth with technical input.

Skills

Technical expertise in ILI operations

Strong leadership skills

Excellent communication skills

Customer-focused approach

Education

Minimum HNC/ONC in relevant engineering discipline

Job description

Customer Operations Manager (In-Line Inspections)

£53,500 to £62,500 plus up to 6% bonus and company car

Ambergate

On-site 5 days a week with travel (inc. some overnight stays) to other operational sites as and when required.

About us

National Gas is securing Britain's energy. We transport gas throughout Great Britain, repair and maintain gas pipelines, and manage the meters that allow millions of homes and businesses to access the energy they need. We are the national gas network, providing secure energy to power Britain, achieve net zero, and maintain our industrial competitiveness.

About the role

We're looking for a proactive individual to join our In-Line Inspection (ILI) team. In this role, you'll provide first-line management for National Gas Services (NGS) staff and contractors, ensuring safety leadership, technical expertise, and customer focus. Your work will help deliver a cost-effective, customer-centric operation that supports the ILI programme for National Gas Transmission (NGT) and external customers.

What you’ll be doing

• Managing and supervising day-to-day operational ILI activities, including creating job packs and RAMS, ensuring high productivity and efficient workforce and asset utilisation.
• Overseeing the safe setting to work for all activities in line with Safe Control of Operations procedures, driving a strong safety culture and compliance.
• Supporting business growth through technical input, preparing business cases, and creating quotations for new activities.
• Managing planned work and maintenance to deliver cost-effective, customer-focused services within budget and timescales.
• Leading and developing multi-disciplined site teams, conducting competency reviews, audits, and performance management.
• Driving continuous improvement and innovation to enhance operational performance and profitability.
• Developing and optimising annual inspection programmes, ensuring maximum benefit from contract discounts.
• Chairing pre-start meetings with customers and service providers, ensuring clarity and alignment before inspection runs.

About you

You’ll be confident with strong technical knowledge and a passion for safety and customer service. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment, balancing operational delivery with team development and continuous improvement. Your ability to influence, communicate, and build collaborative relationships will be key to success.

Key requirements & experience

• Minimum HNC/ONC (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline, or comprehensive experience in ILI operations
• Technical expertise in all aspects of ILI operations and planning
• Knowledge of high-pressure gas network operation and maintenance
• Detailed understanding of Safe Control of Operations procedures (SCO1 & 2 / 91 & 94) and ability to act as Job Owner
• Strong understanding of legislative requirements, company policies, and procedures, ideally including CDM
• Proven leadership and influencing skills, with a customer-focused approach
• Excellent communication skills and ability to foster teamwork across staff, project teams, and contractors
• IOSH Managing Safely - desirable
• Full UK car driving licence

What we offer

• Competitive salary and annual performance bonus
• Double-match pension scheme (max. company contribution 12%)
• Generous holiday allowance (26 days + bank holidays)
• Flexible benefit scheme, incl. private healthcare, dental insurance, technology plans, and more
• Financial protection with 10x salary death in service and financial support if you’re unable to work due to long-term illness or injury
• Excellent family friendly provisions such as maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave
• Professional development opportunities inc. financial support to help you cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions
• Employee assistance programme offering free confidential professional counselling 24/7
• Inclusive, supportive, and forward-thinking workplace

Inclusive recruitment

At National Gas, we are disability confident, and we are signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve. We celebrate the different experiences our colleagues bring to our organisation and strongly encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. Please let us know of any reasonable adjustments you need to perform your best.