Solar Operations Manager

ASTUTE Technical Recruitment Ltd; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK renewable energy company seeks an Operations Manager to oversee the delivery of utility-scale solar projects. You will manage the entire project lifecycle, from concept to handover, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards. The ideal candidate has a degree in Engineering, project management certifications, and experience with multi-disciplinary teams. This position offers a competitive salary, car allowance, and the opportunity for professional growth in a flexible work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Car Allowance

Company Laptop and Phone

Professional growth opportunities

Flexible work environment

Qualifications

• Experience delivering utility-scale solar projects in the UK from concept to commissioning.
• Technical understanding of solar PV systems and construction works.
• Proven ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of utility-scale solar projects.
• Lead planning and pre-construction activities.
• Oversee construction works and ensure compliance with specifications.
• Deliver required reporting to stakeholders.
• Identify project risks and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

Project Management

Contract Administration

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

Relevant degree in Engineering or Construction Management

Project Management certifications (PRINCE2, PMP, etc.)

Job description

Astute’s Renewables team is partnering with a UK based renewable energy company who specialises in the development, construction and operation of both Commercial and utility scale solar projects, to recruit an Operations Manager to work flexibly hybrid out of the office in the Warrington area and on sites around the UK.

The Operations Manager role comes with a competitive salary depending on experience plus benefits package including car allowance.

If you have experience as an Operations Manager leading on the delivery of large-scale renewable projects from early conception through to handover are ready for your next career move, we’d love to hear from you, apply today by submitting your CV.

Responsibilities and Duties

Reporting to the Operations Director, you will:

• Manage the full lifecycle of utility-scale and C&I solar projects from concept to handover.
• Lead feasibility, planning, design, and other pre-construction activities.
• Oversee construction works, including site activities, contractors, civil and electrical installation.
• Ensure all designs are delivered on-site as specified and manage any deviations.
• Coordinate closely with the Contracts Manager to understand contract terms, allocate risks, and manage changes.
• Develop realistic project plans, schedules, budgets, and ensure adequate resources.
• Deliver all required reporting (progress, cost, technical, safety, quality) to internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify and manage project risks early, ensuring compliance with health, safety, regulatory, and environmental requirements.
• Oversee quality assurance and control, ensuring workmanship, materials, and testing meet required standards.
• Ensure successful commissioning and handover (PAC/FAC), including snagging, testing, documentation, and performance guarantees.

Professional qualifications

• A relevant degree (or equivalent) in Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Renewable Energy Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Project Management certifications such as PRINCE2, PMP, APM, or other recognised qualifications are highly desirable.
• Delivered utility-scale solar projects in the UK (or comparable markets) from initial concept through to commissioning and handover.
• Proven ability to manage multi-disciplinary project teams across design, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Sound technical understanding of solar PV systems, grid connections (e.g., G99), and civil and electrical construction works.

Personal skills

• Exceptionally organised, capable of overseeing multiple projects simultaneously while balancing detailed tasks with overall project goals.
• Strong expertise in contract administration, reporting, risk mitigation, and quality assurance.
• Excellent communication skills combined with a hands‑on, practical approach to problem solving.
• Willingness to travel frequently to sites, with flexibility to balance field and office responsibilities.

Salary and benefits of the Operations Manager role

• Competitive salary + Car Allowance
• Company Laptop and Phone provided
• Opportunity to work across office and site environments, gaining diverse experience.
• Professional growth through managing complex projects and improving processes.
• Flexible and dynamic work environment with travel opportunities.

Astute People are acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy. We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and comply with all relevant UK legislation. We encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Astute is also committed to the government's Disability Confident Employer initiative. We endeavour to get back to everyone, however, if you have not heard anything after 7 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.