Operations Manager

Bridgewater Consultancy UK Ltd; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Company pension

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Mobile phone

Laptop

Job summary

Bridgewater Consultancy UK Ltd. is seeking a Contracts Manager / Operations Manager to lead ground investigation contracts across Scotland.

You will coordinate project teams, drilling crews, plant, subcontractors, laboratories and commercial information to ensure safe, on-time delivery within budget. A minimum of 7 years' experience in ground investigation is preferred and a strong leadership capability is essential.

Qualifications

• Good commercial awareness, including budgets, forecasting and project profitability.
• Experience managing programmes, resources and project delivery standards.
• Ability to lead and support project teams and operational staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage ground investigation contracts from mobilisation through to completion.
• Oversee planning, coordination and delivery of multiple projects.
• Review project scopes, specifications, programmes and commercial requirements.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to agreed standards.
• Coordinate site teams, drilling crews, subcontractors, laboratories and suppliers.
• Monitor progress against programme and resolve operational issues.
• Support handover and close-out of completed projects.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Programme management

Resource management

Team leadership

Education

Geology degree

Engineering Geology

Civil/Geotechnical engineering

Job description

Our client is an established ground investigation and geotechnical contractor delivering site investigation services across a range of sectors. The business supports clients across infrastructure, construction, residential, commercial and development-led projects, providing practical site investigation solutions from planning and mobilisation through to completion. With experienced operational teams, drilling resources and technical support, the company offers a hands‑on environment where senior managers can influence delivery, improve performance and support regional growth.

About the Role

As Contracts Manager / Operations Manager, you will be responsible for managing ground investigation contracts and overseeing day‑to‑day operational delivery across Scotland. The role will involve coordinating project teams, drilling crews, plant, subcontractors, laboratories and commercial information to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget. You will demonstrate strong operational judgement, commercial awareness and the ability to manage people, programmes and client expectations across multiple live projects. Experience wise we are seeking a candidate with a minimum of 7 years in ground investigation.

Responsibilities - Contract and Project Delivery

• Manage ground investigation contracts from mobilisation through to completion
• Oversee the planning, coordination and delivery of multiple projects
• Review project scopes, specifications, programmes and commercial requirements
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to agreed standards
• Coordinate site teams, drilling crews, subcontractors, laboratories and suppliers
• Monitor progress against programme and resolve operational issues
• Ensure project documentation, site records and deliverables are completed accurately
• Liaise with project managers, engineers, clients and internal teams throughout delivery
• Support the successful handover and close‑out of completed projects

Operations Management

• Lead day‑to‑day operational delivery across active ground investigation projects
• Plan and allocate labour, drilling rigs, plant, equipment and materials
• Ensure resources are used effectively across projects
• Support mobilisation, site set‑up and demobilisation activities
• Manage operational risks, delays and site constraints
• Maintain clear communication between site teams and office‑based staff
• Improve consistency, efficiency and quality across operational delivery
• Support wider regional planning and workload management

Commercial Management

• Take responsibility for commercial performance across assigned contracts
• Monitor project budgets, costs, WIP, forecasting and profitability
• Review project expenditure and resource utilisation
• Identify variations, additional works and changes in scope
• Support applications for payment, invoicing and commercial reporting
• Maintain accurate commercial records and project financial information
• Work closely with senior management to improve margins and delivery performance
• Contribute to financial planning and operational decision‑making

HSEQ and Compliance

• Promote strong health, safety, environmental and quality standards across all projects
• Ensure works are delivered in accordance with RAMS, project documentation and company procedures
• Monitor site compliance and safe working practices
• Support site inspections, audits and safety reviews
• Ensure incidents, hazards and near misses are reported and addressed
• Maintain high standards of technical quality and site documentation
• Encourage a positive safety culture across site and operational teams
• Lead, support and develop project managers, engineers, supervisors and site teams
• Provide clear direction and support to operational staff
• Assist with workload planning, performance management and team development
• Mentor team members and encourage high professional standards
• Support recruitment, onboarding and training where required
• Promote accountability, communication and collaboration across the team

Client and Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key point of contact for clients on assigned contracts
• Build and maintain strong client relationships
• Attend progress meetings, commercial reviews and project discussions
• Communicate project progress, risks and changes clearly
• Resolve client queries and delivery issues professionally
• Support repeat business through reliable project delivery
• Contribute to client development and regional growth opportunities

Business and Regional Growth

• Support the continued growth of the Scottish region
• Identify opportunities to improve service delivery and project performance
• Assist with tender reviews, proposals and new project opportunities
• Provide operational input into pricing, planning and resource requirements
• Support senior management with regional strategy and development
• Contribute to a commercially focused and growth‑minded working environment

Qualifications

• UK ground investigation, geotechnical contracting or technical contracting experience
• Technical qualification or degree in Geology, Engineering Geology, Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Good commercial awareness, including budgets, forecasting and project profitability
• Experience managing programmes, resources and project delivery standards
• Ability to lead and support project teams and operational staff.
• Excellent Salary
• Car allowance or Car
• Company pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Additional holiday entitlement with length of service
• Mobile phone and laptop
• Flexible Working Pattern/ 3 days office 2 days from home
• Medical Cover/Health
• Varied and challenging ground investigation projects
• Opportunity to support regional growth across Scotland