Operations Manager

Universal Business Team; Stafford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in utilities is looking for an Operations Manager to lead its growing team in Stafford. This key role involves overseeing project delivery and driving operational efficiency in a hands-on environment. Ideal candidates will bring strong leadership skills and experience in engineering or utility sectors. The offered salary ranges from £50,000 to £60,000 plus benefits including a company car and healthcare scheme.

Benefits

Company car

Profit-sharing scheme

Free daily lunches

Healthcare scheme

Opportunities for growth and career progression

Qualifications

• 3+ years in an operational or team leadership role, ideally within engineering or utilities.
• Proven success in project delivery and contract fulfilment.
• Full UK Driving Licence and eligibility to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on leadership and mentorship to the team.
• Oversee project delivery from concept to completion.
• Drive operational efficiency and process improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Project Delivery

Commercial Awareness

Organizational Skills

Continuous Improvement

Education

Degree or qualification in engineering, operations, or business management

Job description

Operations Manager

Location: Stafford, Staffordshire
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 + Company Car + Benefits
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

About the Company

This is an established and growing organisation operating within the wastewater, utilities, and environmental sectors. The company designs and delivers dust, odour and water management solutions that help clients operate more efficiently, safely, and responsibly.

Known for reliability, innovation, and excellent customer service, the business is now seeking an experienced and motivated Operations Manager to lead and develop its growing Operations Team, driving excellence across project delivery, efficiency, and customer experience.

The Opportunity

This newly created role offers the chance to shape the future of the company's operations. You will lead a diverse and skilled team comprising:

• 1 Engineering & Facilities Manager overseeing 8 Installation & Maintenance Engineers
• 1 Project Manager
• 2 Hire/Service Administrators
• 1 Purchasing Administrator
• 1 QHSE Manager (part-time)

You will be responsible for project delivery, order fulfilment, and operational performance, ensuring safe, efficient, and profitable outcomes across all activities. This is a hands‑on leadership role within a practical, engineering‑focused environment‑ideal for someone who enjoys balancing people leadership with commercial delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strong, hands‑on leadership and mentorship to your team.
• Oversee purchasing, fulfilment, workshop/stores, site engineering, transport, and QHSE.
• Manage and deliver multiple bespoke projects from concept to completion.
• Drive operational efficiency, process improvement, and system development.
• Maintain financial oversight, including budgets, cost control, and contribution margins.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Foster a positive culture built on teamwork, accountability, and continual improvement.
• Support business growth by ensuring operational readiness and scalability.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have experience working in a practical or rugged engineering environment, leading teams and delivering projects involving mechanical and electrical equipment. You will have a strong commercial mindset and understand how to balance quality, cost, and timelines to achieve the best outcomes.

Experience within or alongside the hiring industry (e.g. equipment, plant, or labour hire) would be a distinct advantage.

Essential skills and experience:

• 3+ years in an operational or team leadership role, ideally within engineering, utilities, or industrial sectors.
• Proven success in project delivery and contract fulfilment.
• Commercial awareness, with a solid understanding of budgets and financial performance.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• Proactive, hands‑on approach with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Full UK Driving Licence and eligibility to work in the UK.

A degree or qualification in engineering, operations, or business management is desirable but not essential.

Benefits

This business is values‑driven and genuinely invests in its people. It offers a supportive and collaborative environment where great ideas are encouraged and success is shared.

Benefits include:

• Salary of £50,000 - £65,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
• Company car
• Profit‑sharing scheme
• Free daily lunches
• Healthcare scheme
• Genuine opportunities for growth and career progression

If you are ready to take ownership of a key operational function and make a real impact in a forward‑thinking organisation, we would love to hear from you.