Operations Manager

Nijhuis Saur Industries UK and Ireland; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A water treatment solutions provider is seeking an Operations Manager based in the UK. The role supports efficient operation at wastewater treatment sites, offering hands-on management experience for individuals with 2-5 years in the field. Applicants should have a background in wastewater treatment or related disciplines. The salary ranges from £35,000 to £40,000 with benefits like a company car and private healthcare eligibility.

Benefits

25 days holidays + 8 statutory days

Pension plan with employer contribution

Company car or allowance of £400 per month

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of relevant experience for the role.
• Experience supervising staff or projects is a plus.
• Basic experience with contract or project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Support QHSE systems implementation.
• Contribute to operational documentation.
• Participate in customer meetings alongside senior managers.

Skills

Background or qualification in Wastewater treatment

Strong interpersonal skills

Understanding of water/wastewater processes

Familiarity with QHSE systems

Enthusiasm for professional growth

Education

Qualification in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline

Job description

Overview

The Operations Manager supports the safe and efficient operation of water and wastewater treatment assets at customer sites. This is a development role designed for individuals with 2–5 years of relevant experience and those who are ready to take their first step into management.

Working closely with senior Operations Managers and the wider support teams, the Operations Manager will assist in ensuring compliance, reliability, and efficiency of plant operations, while gradually building responsibility for team leadership, contract delivery, and customer interaction.

The role provides an opportunity to gain hands-on management experience, develop technical and commercial awareness, and grow into a fully-fledged Operations Manager. We partner with a diverse range of clients across industries such as Food & Beverage, Aviation, Oil & Gas and Leisure as well as operate all the major water treatment processes so there is the opportunity for the right individual to gain significant experience in a relatively short period of time.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of Quality, Health & Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) systems.
• Actively promote a strong safety culture within plant operations.
• Assist senior managers in responding to operational issues and incidents.
• Work with Support functions (QHSE, Technical, Asset Care, Finance) to ensure smooth running of contracts.
• Monitor and report on site performance against agreed targets.
• Assist in planning and scheduling of maintenance and improvement activities.
• Contribute to the preparation of operational documentation and procedures.
• Provide day-to-day support to operators and technicians; contribute to on-the-job training.
• Build strong working relationships with customer contacts and represent the company professionally.
• Support continual improvement initiatives that generate value for customers.
• Participate in customer meetings alongside senior managers, contributing updates and insights.
• Take on increasing responsibility for aspects of budget monitoring, cost control, and small project delivery as experience grows.
• Take on additional responsibilities as the company may reasonably require.

Required Skills/Qualifications

• Background or qualification in (any of): Wastewater treatment, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Some exposure to supervising staff, contractors, or projects.
• Understanding of water/wastewater processes and treatment technologies.
• Familiarity with QHSE systems.
• Basic experience with contract or project delivery.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a proactive, problem-solving mindset.
• Enthusiasm for professional growth and long-term career development in operations management.

Working For Us Means

• Salary Banding – £35,000 to £40,000 (DOE)
• Hours of Work – 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Holidays – 25 days + 8 statutory days
• Probationary Period – 6 months
• Pension – Can join immediately or auto enrolled after 3 months - Employee 5% and Employer 5% via salary sacrifice
• Eligible to join Private Healthcare after successfully completing probation
• Eligible for Death in Service benefit (4 x basic salary) and Group Income Protection upon commencement of employment
• Notice – 1 week during probation, increasing to 1 month thereafter
• Location – North (UK Wide). Contracts will largely cover Ayr, Samlesbury, Grantown-on-Spey
• Company Car or Car Allowance (£400 per month)

Nijhuis Saur Industries UK & Ireland are committed to maintaining Environmental & Social Impact goals:

To reach Net Zero emissions across our value chain by 2040.

To continuously meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, accountability, maintaining B-Corp Certification.

To be a socially responsible company creating a positive impact to all stakeholders including workers, communities, customers, and our planet.

Nijhuis Saur Industries UK & Ireland are an equal opportunity employer; we are committed to providing equal opportunities in all aspects of employment in line with the Equality Act 2010.