Operations Manager (Subsea Tooling)

FT Recruitment Group; Westhill; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A major international business is seeking an Operations Manager based in Westhill, Aberdeenshire. This leadership role involves overseeing the performance of subsea tooling solutions, guiding engineering teams, and managing commercial strategies. Ideal candidates should have a degree in a relevant engineering discipline and significant experience in subsea engineering. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to travel approximately 25%. The position offers a full-time, permanent contract.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in subsea tooling, ROV systems or subsea engineering.
• Proven leadership in a design-and-build environment.
• Experience managing vendors, contracts and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and integration of subsea tooling solutions.
• Provide guidance and oversight to engineering teams.
• Own commercial strategy for the tooling product line.
• Support sales and project teams with technical assessments.
• Identify market trends for tactical and strategic growth.
• Champion safety and operational excellence.

Skills

Subsea tooling experience

Leadership in design-and-build

Strong commercial acumen

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Mechanical, Marine, Robotics, or related discipline

Job description

FT Recruitment Group are recruiting on behalf of our client for an Operations Manager based in Westhill, Aberdeenshire on a Permanent, Full Time basis.

This role will oversee the technical and commercial performance of a diverse subsea equipment portfolio, and offers an excellent opportunity to take on a key leadership role within a major international business.

Main duties include:

• Lead the design, development and integration of a wide range of subsea tooling solutions.
• Provide guidance and oversight to engineering teams, ensuring compliance, quality and continuous improvement.
• Own commercial strategy for the tooling product line, including pricing, budgeting, cost control and lifecycle optimisation.
• Support sales and project teams with technical assessments, proposals, and client engagement.
• Identify market trends and drive both short‑term tactical growth and long‑term strategic development.
• Champion safety, quality assurance and operational excellence across all tooling activities.

Suitable candidates should have the following:

• Significant experience in subsea tooling, ROV systems or subsea engineering
• Proven leadership in a design‑and‑build environment.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing vendors, contracts and cross‑functional teams.
• Degree‑qualified in Mechanical, Marine, Robotics or a related engineering discipline.
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving and stakeholder management skills.
• Willingness to travel (approx. 25%).

Candidates should be based locally to Aberdeen, and must hold the Right to Work in the UK.