Operations Manager (Projects)

Ipsum Group; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the UK's Water, Infrastructure, and Power sectors seeks a Projects Operational Team Leader. You will ensure project delivery excellence, drive profitability, and lead a team while maintaining high safety standards. This role offers career development and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Career development and professional qualifications

Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support

Access to virtual GP services

Occupational Health support

Tax-efficient benefits

Social events, community projects, and recognition awards

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in project management or operational environment.
• Experience managing a P&L and financial forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Ensure project team operates at highest standards of Health & Safety.
• Drive project business growth and profitability.
• Lead, develop, and motivate the Projects Team.

Skills

Leadership

Decision-making

Problem-solving

Flexibility

Education

Relevant Engineering Qualification (ONC/HNC or equivalent)

Recognized Safety qualification (IOSH/NEBOSH or equivalent)

Job description

To lead the Projects Operational team within the Private Networks business. Fully accountable for H&S, Project Delivery, Customer Satisfaction, and the Project Business P&L. To operate as a member of the Private Networks senior leadership team, building strong working relationships with peers and driving positive change across the business. To work closely with the Engineering Manager (Projects) to ensure sufficient, skilled resources while maximizing utilization, and with Sales Leaders to support key account planning, deepen customer relationships, and ensure high-quality delivery.

Your New Role

Principal Accountabilities:

1. Ensure the Project Team operates at the highest standards of Health & Safety.
2. Drive project business growth and profitability—convert orders into revenue to meet financial targets, maximizing variations and profitability.
3. Ensure customer satisfaction through excellent project delivery throughout the contractual chain.
4. Ensure compliance with Ipsum processes and drive continuous improvement.
5. Manage resources effectively to maximize utilization.
6. Embed lessons learned and best practices into project delivery to enhance competitiveness and profitability.
7. Own working capital management and cash collection to ensure strong cash flow.
8. Lead, develop, and motivate the Projects Team to retain talent, promote personal development, and maintain high engagement.
9. Act as an active ambassador of Ipsum.

About You

Required Qualifications & Professional Memberships:

• Relevant Engineering Qualification (ONC/HNC or equivalent)
• Recognized Safety qualification (IOSH/NEBOSH or equivalent)

Knowledge & Experience:

• Leadership experience in a project management or operational environment
• Knowledge of driving H&S culture, compliance, and safe systems of work
• Experience in financial forecasting and reporting
• Experience managing a P&L
• Experience leading and developing teams
• Experience in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment

Skills & Personal Qualities:

• Ability to motivate and engage teams
• Strong decision-making and implementation skills
• High resilience and integrity
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Flexibility and team spirit

What We Offer

We support our people to develop their full potential through diverse skills and experiences, enabling career progression. We invest in our team to ensure high standards of service to our customers.

Our employee benefits include:

• Career development and professional qualifications
• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support
• Access to virtual GP services
• Occupational Health support
• Tax-efficient benefits (salary sacrifice): Cycle to Work, life assurance, discounts, and more
• Social events, community projects, and recognition awards

Your New Company

Ipsum operates in the UK’s Water, Infrastructure, and Power sectors, providing tailored power and electrical solutions supported by smart technologies. Our vision is to be the leading customer-focused provider of utility and infrastructure solutions on public and private networks.

We seek passionate individuals committed to supporting our teams in delivering essential services that impact communities positively.

Ipsum is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion, marital status, or pregnancy. Please review our Privacy Policy before applying. We do not accept third-party applications or unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies.