Operations Manager

Ipsum; Henstridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Cycle to Work scheme

Life assurance cover

Enhanced Maternity Pay

24/7 virtual GP & mental health

Job summary

Ipsum is looking for an Operations Manager to support the Regional Director South by guiding the region's operational and commercial performance. You will translate strategy into effective delivery, driving safety, quality, cost control and customer satisfaction.

You will lead teams across projects, ensure value, resilience and compliant service delivery, while fostering growth and strong client relationships within a dynamic, regional framework.

Qualifications

• Experience in two or more sectors: Utilities, Construction or Framework Delivery.
• Proven leadership of operational, construction or project delivery teams.
• Experience with multi-site programmes and portfolios.
• Strong organisational, planning and decision-making abilities.
• Customer-facing and contractual environment experience.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations in line with regional strategy and objectives.
• Oversee delivery and construction of projects across the region to client and contract standards.
• Plan forecasts, programmes and resource requirements for efficient delivery.
• Manage subcontractors, suppliers and operations within budget and safety standards.
• Coach, mentor and develop operational teams; conduct performance reviews.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Communication

Stakeholder management

Financial awareness

Job description

What's in it for you?

We believe in looking after our people, and it shows. When you join Ipsum, you're not just taking a job, you're starting a career with real support behind it.

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Option to buy up to 5 additional holidays
• Career development and progression, including professional qualifications
• 24/7 virtual GP and mental health support
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Discount club including supermarkets, phone bills, gyms and more
• Life assurance cover
• Long service recognition
• Enhanced Maternity Pay

Location: South West of England

What's in it for you?

We believe in looking after our people, and it shows. When you join Ipsum, you're not just taking a job, you're starting a career with real support behind it.

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Option to buy up to 5 additional holidays
• Group Personal Pension Plan
• Career development and progression, including professional qualifications
• 24/7 virtual GP and mental health support
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Discount club including supermarkets, phone bills, gyms and more
• Life assurance cover
• Long service recognition
• Enhanced Maternity Pay
• Paid volunteering opportunities

About The Role

As an Operations Manager, you will support the Regional Director South by leading the operational and commercial performance of the framework within the region. You will translate strategy into effective delivery and ensure strong performance across safety, quality, cost and customer service measures. You will provide leadership across all projects, strengthen operational resilience and ensure high-quality service delivery that meets regulatory, contractual and customer expectations.

As an Operations Manager you will:

Operational Leadership and Service Delivery

• Lead day-to-day operations in line with regional strategy.
• Take overall responsibility for the delivery and construction of projects across the region.
• Ensure all construction works and projects are delivered to client, contractual and company standards.
• Support delivery planning, forecasting and programme development.
• Manage construction and operational programmes, ensuring visibility of resource requirements and efficient delivery.
• Lead resource planning across maintenance, reactive works and project delivery activities.
• Ensure teams are appropriately resourced to meet programme commitments and future growth requirements.
• Work with the Talent Acquisition Team to support recruitment and workforce planning.
• Act as the senior operational contact, ensuring KPIs and SLAs are achieved.
• Provide operational updates and performance reporting.
• Lead, coach and mentor operational teams to drive engagement and performance.
• Manage team performance, development and succession planning.
• Complete annual performance reviews and competency assessments.
• Hold regular team meetings and performance reviews.
• Ensure accurate job planning, scheduling and reporting through Ipsum systems.
• Monitor performance, address issues and implement improvements.
• Manage subcontractors, suppliers and specialist contractors to ensure work is delivered safely, on time and within budget.
• Control plant, equipment, traffic management and materials to maximise efficiency and minimise waste.
• Drive operational resilience and continuous improvement.

Safety, Compliance and Quality

• Ensure compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality standards.
• Champion a positive safety culture across all teams.
• Lead Health, Safety and Compliance activities across the region.
• Promote safe working practices and ensure operational teams remain compliant at all times.
• Lead incident response and restoration activities where required.
• Investigate incidents, near misses, complaints and audit findings, ensuring lessons learned are implemented.
• Conduct site audits and inspections to verify compliance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Support SHEQ and Compliance teams in maintaining business-critical accreditations.
• Ensure competency requirements are managed and maintained across operational teams.
• Work with SHEQ to monitor and develop team competence.
• Ensure all delivery activities meet company, client and regulatory requirements

Customer and Stakeholder Management

• Manage customer issues and escalations professionally to achieve positive outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, partners, subcontractors and stakeholders.
• Liaise with project managers, clients and internal departments throughout project lifecycles.
• Collate operational performance information to support stakeholder reporting.
• Represent the region at client forums, operational reviews and contract performance meetings.
• Identify opportunities for service improvement, business growth and future workstreams.
• Represent the business at regional reviews and industry events.
• Support the development of Ipsum's reputation and customer relationships.
• Ensure excellent customer service standards are delivered across all operational teams.

About You

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience within at least two of the following sectors: Utilities, Construction or Framework Delivery.
• Proven leadership experience managing operational, construction or project delivery teams.
• Experience managing multi-site programmes and project portfolios.
• Strong organisational, planning and decision-making abilities.
• Experience within customer-facing and contractual environments.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Knowledge And Skills

• Strong leadership, coaching and people management skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong commercial, financial and analytical understanding.
• Experience managing resources, subcontractors and operational teams.
• Proven track record of delivering performance targets and operational objectives.
• Experience working within framework and contractual arrangements.
• Strong understanding of Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality requirements.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build successful client relationships and identify growth opportunities.
• Ability to thrive in a high-performing operational environment.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Please review our Privacy Policy before applying to understand how we process your data in line with GDPR.