Operations Manager

Dornan; Atherstone; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Dornan Engineering Group in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for our waste-to-energy facility in Atherstone. You will lead the Operations and Fuel Handling teams and report to the Plant Manager, delivering safe, compliant and efficient daily operations.

The role focuses on plant performance, maintenance coordination, environmental reporting, and continuous improvement, with emphasis on mentoring staff and driving productivity.

Qualifications

• Experience leading operations and fuel handling teams in a large facility.
• Proven ability to drive safety, compliance and efficiency improvements.
• Strong budget management and stakeholder communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental and performance requirements.
• Monitor plant and unit performance; conduct root-cause analyses.
• Lead plant performance assessments weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual.
• Oversee environmental reporting per Plant EA Permit.
• Chair daily operational meetings and prioritise work schedules.
• Set maintenance priorities with Maintenance Manager; plan major outages.
• Manage day-to-day operations staff and shift teams.
• Provide training and staff development to improve productivity.

Skills

Leadership

Safety compliance

Operational management

Mentoring

Job description

Dornan Engineering Group is a leading international engineering contractor delivering complex, high-value projects across the UK, Ireland and Europe.

We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to join the leadership team at our waste-to-energy facility in {location}.

Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, you will take responsibility for the safe, compliant and efficient day-to-day operation of the facility. You will lead the Operations and Fuel Handling teams, drive plant performance and work closely with the Maintenance Manager to maximise availability, reliability and operational efficiency.

This is a key leadership position within the site management team and an excellent opportunity for an experienced operations professional to make a real impact on plant performance, people development and continuous improvement.

Your day will include:

• To ensure the facility is operated in full compliance with all statutory, industry and project-specific safety, environmental and performance requirements.
• Monitors and reports on overall Plant and unit performance, conducts root cause analysis, and leads investigations to develop and implement corrective actions. Provides weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual Plant Performance Assessments.
• Responsible for all environmental reporting in accordance with the requirements of the Plant EA Permit. Ensures that appropriately qualified staff are employed to comply with these requirements.
• Chairs the Daily Operational meetings to review plant performance, operator performance, prioritize work schedules, identify, and deal with plant issues, etc.
• Sets maintenance priorities and maintenance schedules for the Plant in conjunction with the Maintenance Manager based on operational requirements. Leads on the scheduling of planned major outages for the Plant with the Maintenance Manager.
• The day-to-day management of circa 10 operations staff including shift teams and fuel operations day staff.
• Promotes productivity and teamwork within the Operations and Fuel Handling team with open communication, timely decision making, and the use of personal leadership skills to set high standards of performance while providing the direction necessary to achieve that performance.
• Provides regular feedback to employees on their performance to allow them to capitalize on their strengths and focus on opportunities for improvement.
• Ensures proper training is being provided to Plant Operators and Fuel Handling personnel
• Ensure compliance with the company's H&S, Quality and Environmental Systems, Policies and Procedures ensuring that systems are in place to maintain safe systems of work for permanent staff and all visitors to the Plant including 3rd Party Contractors, Service Contractors, Client Staff and their Representatives.
• Liaise with other members of the SLT in relation to projects, maintenance, planned and unplanned outages and evaluation and programming of plant improvements.
• Responsible for the correct application of the Safety Rules, oversee High Voltage SAP and to lead all other STL's in the effective management of the permit office and associated documentation.
• To prepare and report, monthly, in conjunction with the other members of the Senior Leadership Team, the operational budget for the Plant.
• Be available to be called in during emergency situations and plant breakdowns, when necessary, in line with the Management standby rota.
• All other reasonable tasks assigned to you from time to time from your manager.

About You

• Takes ownership of responsibility and accountability
• Ability to prioritise workload and delegate effectively
• A focus on continuous improvement
• Committed to mentoring and providing ongoing support to team

Women @ Dornan

Our W@D Network through mentorship, development, and advocacy empowers women and promotes a more forward thinking construction industry.

Dornan Strava Club

employees can take part in fitness challenges, build connections across the business, and contribute to monthly charitable giving initiatives.

Be Yourself

We want everyone at Dornan to feel welcome, valued, and supported. By embracing different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, we create an environment where people can be themselves, grow their careers, and thrive.