Project Operations Manager

Ainscough Crane Hire; Theberton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ainscough Crane Hire is seeking a Project Operations Manager to lead our Theberton Depot and oversee operations for the Sizewell C project. This is a hands-on leadership role bridging our business, the client, and field teams to keep lifts, deliveries and site access running smoothly.

You will coordinate cranes, transport and personnel, manage security clearances, inductions and risk, and drive safe, compliant operations while delivering on schedule and budget.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex operations in construction or heavy lifting environments.
• Strong track record coordinating cranes, transport and personnel.
• Ability to build relationships with customers and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Leading safe, efficient operations across Sizewell C project and Theberton depot.
• Managing crane, transport and personnel movements to keep the project on schedule.
• Coordinating security vetting, site access and inductions.
• Building strong relationships with Sizewell C team and representing Ainscough at operational meetings.
• Supporting fleet utilisation, resource planning and project mobilisation.
• Leading depot operations, maintaining high standards and ensuring operational readiness.
• Monitoring performance, managing risks and driving continuous improvement.
• Supporting commercial performance through accurate forecasting, reporting and cost control.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Stakeholder liaison

Problem solving

Decision making

Education

CPCS Appointed Person qualification

Job description

One project. Thousands of lifts. One person making it happen.

The UK's largest infrastructure projects don't succeed by chance.

They succeed because behind every lift, every delivery, every security clearance and every operational decision is someone making sure nothing is left to chance.

That's where you come in.

We're looking for a Project Operations Manager to lead Ainscough Crane Hire's operations across the Sizewell C Project and our Theberton Depot. This isn't a desk-based management role. It's about becoming the trusted operational link between our business, our customer and the teams delivering one of the UK's most significant construction projects.

You'll be the person people rely on.

The one coordinating cranes, transport and personnel. Managing security clearances and inductions. Keeping projects moving safely, efficiently and compliantly. Solving problems before they become issues and building relationships that keep operations running seamlessly.

No two days will be the same—but every day will make a difference.

What you'll be doing

• Leading safe, efficient operations across the Sizewell C project and Theberton depot.
• Managing crane, transport and personnel movements to keep the project on schedule.
• Coordinating security vetting, site access and inductions.
• Building strong relationships with the Sizewell C team and representing Ainscough at operational meetings.
• Supporting fleet utilisation, resource planning and project mobilisation.
• Leading depot operations, maintaining high standards and ensuring operational readiness.
• Monitoring performance, managing risks and driving continuous improvement.
• Supporting commercial performance through accurate forecasting, reporting and cost control.

You’ll thrive in this role if you...

• Enjoy bringing order to complex operations.
• Can confidently manage multiple priorities without losing sight of the detail.
• Build strong relationships with customers, colleagues and stakeholders.
• Stay calm under pressure and make sound decisions.
• Have experience managing projects or operational teams within construction, engineering, heavy lifting or a similar environment.

Experience within crane operations or holding a CPCS Appointed Person qualification would be an advantage, but it's your ability to lead operations, build relationships and keep projects moving that will set you apart.

Why Ainscough?

At Ainscough Crane Hire, we're trusted to deliver some of the UK's most complex lifting solutions. Joining us means becoming part of a business where safety comes first, teamwork drives success and every individual has the opportunity to make a real impact.

If you're looking for a role where you'll influence major projects, build lasting customer relationships and help deliver something that will leave a legacy for generations, we'd love to hear from you.

Make the Safe Choice. Join Our Team.