Operations Manager - Power, Utilities, Construction

Construction; Ormskirk; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension

Additional benefits

Job summary

NMS Recruit is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for a growing infrastructure services provider in the UK. You will oversee power, telecoms and construction delivery, manage field teams, and drive KPI performance while upholding safety, quality and regulatory standards.

You will liaise with DNOs/IDNOs and utility providers, manage budgets and planning, and work closely with commercial teams to maximise contract performance. Hybrid working is available.

Qualifications

• Experience working with Distribution Network Operators or within the energy/utilities sector.
• Strong understanding of grid connection processes and regulatory requirements (G81/G99/G100).
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational teams across power, telecoms and construction to deliver projects.
• Manage field operations, ensure safety, quality and budget are met.
• Drive delivery against KPIs, SLAs and contractual obligations.
• Coordinate with DNOs/IDNOs and utility providers for connections and diversions.
• Oversee budgets, forecasting, reporting and business planning activities.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Utilities/energy sector

Grid connection processes

G81 knowledge

Electrical infrastructure projects

Job description

NMS Recruit is seeking an experience Operations Manager for a well‑established and growing infrastructure services provider, delivering turnkey solutions to leading communications and utility providers across the UK. The business specialises in Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) network construction and customer connections for both business and residential customers. The Operations Manager is responsible for the safe, compliant, and profitable delivery of all Power, Telecoms, and Construction activities across all contracts within the power and utilities division. The role will lead operational teams, ensure delivery against contractual KPIs and SLAs, drive customer satisfaction, and maintain the highest standards of health, safety, quality, and productivity.

The position will manage field operations associated with fibre network construction, electrical/power connections, civils activities, and associated infrastructure works. Operational Delivery Manage the day‑to‑day delivery of all power, telecoms, and construction projects. Ensure all work received is validated, and priced accordingly in line with agreed contractual rates. Lead multiple operational teams across survey, planning, permitting, civils, construction, and reinstatement functions. Drive delivery performance against customer commitments, contractual obligations, and internal targets. Manage operational budgets and financial performance. Support forecasting, reporting, and business planning activities. Work closely with commercial teams to maximise contract performance.

• Liaise directly with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs), utility providers, and Independent Connection Providers (ICPs) to facilitate new electrical connections, upgrades, diversions, and disconnections.

Ensure timely submission and management of power applications, quotations, contestable and non‑contestable works, and energisation activities. Coordinate utility designs and power requirements to support network build programmes and project milestones. Ensure all works are completed safely, efficiently, on time, and within budget.

Contract Management

• Ensure full compliance with contractual requirements, processes, and standards.
• Act as the primary operational escalation point for all stakeholders.
• Attend regular customer performance reviews and operational meetings.
• Manage delivery against agreed KPIs, SLAs, and financial targets.
• Support business growth opportunities.

Resource & Workforce Management

• Lead and develop operational managers, supervisors, planners, coordinators, and field teams.
• Ensure effective allocation of labour, plant, vehicles, and subcontract resources.
• Manage workforce capacity planning to meet business and customer demands.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and identify training requirements.

Health, Safety, Environment & Quality

• Promote and maintain a strong safety‑first culture.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety at Work Act, CDM Regulations, NRSWA Requirements, Company HSEQ Procedures.
• Conduct audits, site inspections, and management reviews.
• Lead investigations into incidents, near misses, and customer complaints.
• Drive quality improvements and right‑first‑time delivery.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Maintain strong working relationships with, Customers, Local Authorities, Utility Providers, Contractors, Internal Departments.
• Ensure effective communication throughout project lifecycles.
• Resolve escalated customer and stakeholder issues promptly.

Essential Experience

Experience working with Distribution Network Operators or within the energy/utilities sector.

• Strong understanding of grid connection processes and regulatory requirements.

Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills. Strong understanding of UK Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and electricity connection processes. Experience managing power applications, network extensions, utility diversions, and electrical infrastructure projects. Working knowledge of contestable and non‑contestable utility works. Experience coordinating utility providers within construction, telecommunications, or infrastructure environments. Understanding of G81 standards and electricity network adoption processes. Knowledge of electrical network terminology, capacity assessments, and connection agreements.

Desirable Experience

Knowledge of UK electricity distribution networks and connection standards (e.g., G99, G100). Experience in renewable energy, infrastructure, or utilities projects. Familiarity with Ofgem regulations and industry frameworks. Background in engineering, project management, or energy systems.

Benefits

• Up to £60,000 DOE
• Hybrid working
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension
• Additional benefits

Important Information:

We endeavour to process your personal data in a fair and transparent manner. In applying for this role, NMS Recruit will be acting within your interest and will contact you in relation to the role, either by email, phone or text message. For more information see our on our website. It is important you are aware of your individual rights and the provisions the company has put in place to protect your data. If you would like further information on the policy or GDPR please get in touch with us.