National Operations Manager

Sureserve; Newmarket; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading smart metering services provider in the UK is seeking a National Operations Manager to oversee the strategic and operational delivery of smart meter installations. This role involves managing performance, optimising resources, and developing high-performing teams across the nation. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in operations management within the utilities sector, strong commercial acumen, and excellent leadership skills. This position offers a competitive salary along with comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary and performance-based bonus

Company car or travel allowance

Contributory Pension scheme

Life assurance

29 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Retail discounts through Benefits Hub

Virtual GP service

Employee assistance programme

Bike2Work scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in national or regional operations management, ideally within smart metering or utilities.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience in budget ownership and cost control.
• Demonstrated success in building and developing operational teams.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage complex logistics and multi-site operations.
• Relevant industry certifications are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic and operational delivery of smart meter installations.
• Own and drive commercial performance across smart metering operations.
• Build and inspire high-performing operational teams.
• Monitor install volumes and capacity fill rates.
• Oversee national workforce planning and resources.
• Ensuring adherence to industry regulations and quality assurance.

Skills

Operational management experience

Commercial acumen

Leadership skills

Performance analytics proficiency

Logistics management

Full UK driving licence

Education

Degree in Business, Engineering, or Operations Management

Job description

About Sureserve Energy Services Meters

Sureserve Energy Services Meters Ltd is a subsidiary of Sureserve, specialising in installing domestic smart meters across the UK, working directly with 3 of the “Big Six” energy suppliers in the UK.

As a leader in the smart metering industry, Sureserve Energy Services Meters Ltd is dedicated to advancing energy efficiency and sustainability through innovative metering solutions. Our mission is to empower consumers and businesses with accurate, real‑time data, enabling informed energy decisions.

Role Overview

As the National Operations Manager for Smart Metering, you will lead the strategic and operational delivery of smart meter installations across all UK zones. You will be accountable for performance against budgeted targets, resource optimisation, commercial decision‑making, and the development of high‑performing teams to ensure profitability and service excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Develop and implement national operational strategies aligned with business objectives,
• Lead regional operations managers and field teams to deliver high‑performance outcomes

Commercial Decision-Making

• Own and drive commercial performance across smart metering operations,
• Analyse cost-to-serve, engineer productivity, and install economics to inform strategic decisions,
• Collaborate with Commercial and Finance teams to optimise margins and manage operational budgets,
• Evaluate and approve investment in new resources, technologies, and regional expansion,

Team Development & Growth

• Build, lead, and inspire high‑performing operational teams across all zones,
• Identify talent gaps and lead recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning,
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and collaboration,
• Implement training and development programmes to upskill engineers and managers,

Performance Management

• Monitor install volumes, capacity fill rates, and FTE utilisation across all zones,
• Identify and resolve performance gaps, risks, and inefficiencies,

Resource Planning

• Oversee national workforce planning, including recruitment, deployment, and retention of engineers,
• Ensure optimal FTE alignment to meet demand and reduce “No Slot” occurrences,

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with Planning, Scheduling, Stock, and Commercial teams to ensure seamless delivery,
• Act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including clients and regulatory bodies,

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure adherence to industry regulations, health & safety standards, and quality assurance protocols,
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support audit readiness.

Highlands & Islands Oversight

• Manage logistics and resource planning for remote and challenging geographies,
• Support integration of permanent resident engineers and optimise travel‑based installs.

Qualifications and Key skills required

• Proven experience in national or regional operations management, ideally within smart metering or utilities,
• Strong commercial acumen and experience in budget ownership and cost control,
• Demonstrated success in building and developing operational teams,
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills,
• Proficiency in performance analytics, workforce planning, and operational reporting,
• Ability to manage complex logistics and multi‑site operations,
• Degree or equivalent in Business, Engineering, or Operations Management (preferred),
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., SMICOP, MOCOPA) are advantageous,
• Full UK driving licence.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus
• Company car or travel allowance
• Contributory Pension scheme
• Life assurance
• 29 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption leave, and other family friendly policies such as carer’s leave, neonatal leave, IVF, and assisted conception leave
• Sureserve Benefits Hub, accessing over 1000’s retail discounts
• Virtual GP service, 24/7, 365 days, available for employees and your immediate family
• Employee assistance programme (EAP), available 24/7. 365 days, for employees and your immediate family
• Bike2Work scheme

Resonable Adjustments

As part of our commitment to Inclusivity, we offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process for individuals who may require them. If you feel you need any adjustments, please contact [e-mail].

Pre-employment Checks

Successful applicants will be subject to eligibility checks with a 3rd party, including the right to work in the UK and DBS checks.