Head of Operations & Asset Management

Piper Maddox; Faringdon; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy infrastructure firm in the UK is seeking a Head of Operations & Asset Management to oversee a distributed technical network and ensure high performance and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will lead teams, manage supplier relationships, and drive continuous performance improvements within the organization. Strong leadership, communication skills, and a background in operations management are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in operations, asset management, or infrastructure management in technical or energy-related sectors.
• Proven leadership of multi-disciplinary technical teams.
• Experience developing and executing maintenance strategies for complex, distributed assets.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and regulatory compliance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee management of distributed technical network for performance and efficiency.
• Lead and manage the operations team for various technical and logistical tasks.
• Drive predictive and preventive maintenance approaches using performance data.
• Manage operational budgets and supplier contracts to meet performance goals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Engineering, Technical Management, or a related field

Tools

Asset management systems

Maintenance tracking software

Reporting tools

Job description

Role Overview

The Head of Operations & Asset Management will oversee the management of a distributed technical network, ensuring high performance, reliability, and operational efficiency across multiple asset types. This role involves leadership of operational teams, maintenance programs, asset optimisation, and process improvement. You will be responsible for managing supplier relationships, operational budgets, and driving continuous enhancements in performance and technology.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and manage the operations team, including technical support, field services, network planning, asset oversight, and materials/logistics coordination.
• Develop and coach high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Encourage collaboration across operational areas to achieve consistent performance outcomes.

Operational Strategy & Performance

• Ensure operational reliability, uptime, and resilience across the network.
• Develop, implement, and enhance procedures and maintenance programs to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Drive predictive and preventive maintenance approaches using performance data and analytics.
• Support integration of new technologies and services into existing operational systems.

Network & Asset Management

• Oversee network planning to align capacity, performance, and investment priorities with organisational goals.
• Manage asset life cycles to maximise value, reliability, and operational availability.
• Coordinate materials and inventory management to support smooth field operations.

Supplier & Contract Management

• Manage operational agreements and service contracts to meet performance and commercial expectations.
• Conduct performance reviews, renegotiations, and strategic supplier planning to achieve operational and cost objectives.
• Build collaborative relationships with key vendors and service partners.

Financial & Commercial Oversight

• Plan and manage operational budgets, balancing cost efficiency, quality, and performance.
• Support investment planning and project evaluation for asset and infrastructure development.
• Identify opportunities to optimise processes and contractual arrangements for cost and operational efficiency.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure operations meet regulatory, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation and contingency measures.
• Develop and maintain incident and emergency response plans to minimise disruptions.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Define, monitor, and report on operational and performance metrics.
• Analyse trends to identify improvement opportunities and implement corrective actions.
• Provide clear, data-driven reporting and insights to senior leadership.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with internal teams and cross-functional partners to align operational priorities with business objectives.
• Act as a point of contact for operational performance and service delivery inquiries.
• Promote clear communication and shared accountability across teams.

Person Specification

Experience Required

• Extensive experience in operations, asset management, or infrastructure management in technical or energy-related sectors.
• Proven leadership of multi-disciplinary technical teams.
• Experience developing and executing maintenance strategies for complex, distributed assets.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and regulatory compliance frameworks.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset, with a data-driven approach to optimising operations.
• Familiarity with asset management systems, maintenance tracking software, and reporting tools.
• Financial literacy and experience managing operational budgets.
• Ability to drive change, process improvements, and innovation in operational practices.

Qualifications & Certifications

• Degree in Engineering, Technical Management, or a related field.
• Membership of a relevant professional body preferred.
• Professional certifications in operations, asset management, or health and safety are desirable.