Water Operations Manager – Projects & Safety

Ies Utilities Group Ltd; Manchester; Remote; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension

Holiday allowance

Other benefits

Career Progression opportunities

Supportive team environment

Job summary

IES Utilities Group Ltd is recruiting an experienced Operations Manager to lead water infrastructure projects. You will be responsible for safe, efficient, and profitable operations, delivering high quality outcomes and excellent customer service across multiple contracts.

The role requires extensive water network operations knowledge, hands-on leadership, and the ability to manage budgets, programmes, and client relations. A UK driving licence is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an Operations Manager or Senior Contracts Manager role within the water industry.
• Extensive knowledge of water mains rehabilitation, repair and maintenance.
• Experience with Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and trenchless technology.
• Strong understanding of water network infrastructure and utility operations.
• Demonstrable experience managing multiple projects and operational teams.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and budget management experience.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Water Division and plan multiple projects.
• Ensure works are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to required quality standards.
• Lead operational teams, supervisors, subcontractors, and support staff.
• Provide technical guidance and support to project teams.
• Promote and maintain a strong health and safety culture across the division.
• Support commercial teams with forecasting, budgeting, and cost control.
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients, authorities, and suppliers.
• Recruit, develop, and mentor operational staff.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Water industry experience

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering

NRSWA Supervisor

SMSTS

NEBOSH General Certificate

EUSR Water Hygiene

Prince2 / APM / Project Management qualification

Job description

IES Utilities Group Ltd is recruiting an experienced Operations Manager to lead water infrastructure projects. You will be responsible for safe, efficient, and profitable operations, delivering high quality outcomes and excellent customer service across multiple contracts.

The role requires extensive water network operations knowledge, hands-on leadership, and the ability to manage budgets, programmes, and client relations. A UK driving licence is essential.