Operations Manager - Engineering

KeyHire Solutions; Tipperary; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

KeyHire Solutions in Ireland is seeking an experienced Operations Manager – Engineering to lead daily operations, ensure safe, on-time delivery of projects, fabrication and site activities, and uphold quality standards.

You will partner with the MD, Project Managers, Commercial, Engineering, Fabrication and EHS teams, coordinating resources, driving process improvements and supporting growth across Ireland and Europe.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall operational leadership across all projects, fabrication facilities and site activities.
• Coordinate the delivery of multiple mechanical engineering projects from mobilisation through to completion and handover.
• Work closely with Project Managers and Site Managers to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on programme and within agreed budgets.
• Oversee the planning and allocation of labour, materials, plant, equipment and other resources across projects.
• Monitor operational performance and identify potential programme, resource, commercial or delivery issues at an early stage.
• Develop and implement effective operational processes, procedures and systems to improve efficiency and project performance.
• Coordinate workshop fabrication and off-site manufacturing activities to ensure production schedules align with project requirements.
• Work closely with the Engineering and Design teams to ensure designs, drawings and technical information are available to support fabrication and installation activities.
• Ensure effective coordination between fabrication, logistics, site installation, commissioning and project handover.
• Support project teams in resolving technical, logistical and operational issues.
• Monitor project progress and provide regular operational updates and performance reports to senior management.
• Work closely with the Commercial and Procurement teams to ensure operational decisions support project budgets and commercial objectives.
• Assist with procurement and resource planning to ensure materials and equipment are available when required.
• Develop strong working relationships with clients, suppliers, subcontractors and other project stakeholders.
• Ensure operational activities comply with company policies, project requirements, quality standards and applicable legislation.
• Work closely with the EHS function to maintain a strong safety culture across all operational activities.
• Support the Quality function in maintaining high standards of workmanship, fabrication and installation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across workshop and site operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, minimise downtime and enhance project delivery.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs and implement corrective actions where required.
• Support the recruitment, development and performance management of operational personnel.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to Project Managers, Site Managers, Supervisors and other operational staff.
• Ensure lessons learned from completed projects are captured and incorporated into future operational planning.
• Support senior management with strategic planning and the continued growth of the business.
• Undertake regular site visits and travel as required to support projects across Ireland and Europe.

Job description

Operations Manager – Engineering

We’re working with a specialist mechanical engineering contractor to hire an experienced Operations Manager. The Operations Manager will oversee and coordinate the day-to-day operational activities of the business and will play a key role in ensuring that projects, fabrication activities and site operations are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule and to the required quality standards. Working closely with the Managing Director, Project Managers, Commercial, Engineering, Fabrication, Procurement, Quality and EHS teams, the Operations Manager will provide strong leadership across the operational function and ensure that resources, people, materials and equipment are effectively coordinated. This is a senior position with responsibility for driving operational performance, improving processes and supporting the continued growth and development of the business.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall operational leadership across all projects, fabrication facilities and site activities.
• Coordinate the delivery of multiple mechanical engineering projects from mobilisation through to completion and handover.
• Work closely with Project Managers and Site Managers to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on programme and within agreed budgets.
• Oversee the planning and allocation of labour, materials, plant, equipment and other resources across projects.
• Monitor operational performance and identify potential programme, resource, commercial or delivery issues at an early stage.
• Develop and implement effective operational processes, procedures and systems to improve efficiency and project performance.
• Coordinate workshop fabrication and off-site manufacturing activities to ensure production schedules align with project requirements.
• Work closely with the Engineering and Design teams to ensure designs, drawings and technical information are available to support fabrication and installation activities.
• Ensure effective coordination between fabrication, logistics, site installation, commissioning and project handover.
• Support project teams in resolving technical, logistical and operational issues.
• Monitor project progress and provide regular operational updates and performance reports to senior management.
• Work closely with the Commercial and Procurement teams to ensure operational decisions support project budgets and commercial objectives.
• Assist with procurement and resource planning to ensure materials and equipment are available when required.
• Develop strong working relationships with clients, suppliers, subcontractors and other project stakeholders.
• Ensure operational activities comply with company policies, project requirements, quality standards and applicable legislation.
• Work closely with the EHS function to maintain a strong safety culture across all operational activities.
• Support the Quality function in maintaining high standards of workmanship, fabrication and installation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across workshop and site operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, minimise downtime and enhance project delivery.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs and implement corrective actions where required.
• Support the recruitment, development and performance management of operational personnel.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to Project Managers, Site Managers, Supervisors and other operational staff.
• Ensure lessons learned from completed projects are captured and incorporated into future operational planning.
• Support senior management with strategic planning and the continued growth of the business.
• Undertake regular site visits and travel as required to support projects across Ireland and Europe.

Requirements

• Proven experience in an Operations Manager, Operations Director, Contracts Manager, Senior Project Manager or similar senior operational role within mechanical engineering, M&E, construction, fabrication or a related industry.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering project delivery, ideally including pipework fabrication and installation.
• Experience managing multiple projects and operational teams simultaneously.
• Demonstrated experience managing labour, resources, programmes and project priorities.
• Strong understanding of fabrication, off-site manufacturing and site installation processes.
• Commercial awareness with a strong understanding of project budgets, costs and productivity.
• Excellent leadership and people-management skills.
• Strong organisational and planning abilities with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with senior management, clients, project teams, engineers, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Strong understanding of health and safety requirements within engineering and construction environments.
• Experience working within quality-driven and highly regulated industries would be advantageous.
• Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management or related third-level qualification would be advantageous.
• Full Irish driving licence.
• Willingness to travel to project sites across Ireland and Europe when required.