Operations Manager (Fire Protection & Engineering)

Cornerstone Global Partners (CGP Group); Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornerstone Global Partners in Singapore seeks an experienced Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day operations, drive project performance and support business growth. The role combines operational leadership with commercial acumen to balance efficiency, profitability and client satisfaction.

You will lead project teams, manage cost, tendering and variations while ensuring compliance with Singapore fire safety regulations.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Engineering, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Building Services or related discipline.
• Relevant experience in operations management within fire protection, M&E, engineering services or construction.
• Experience in both operations and commercial activities, including costing, tendering, budgeting.
• Strong leadership, client management, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Understanding of Singapore's construction environment and safety/regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily business operations and ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget and to the required quality standards.
• Manage project execution, resource allocation, manpower planning and subcontractor coordination.
• Establish operational procedures and drive continuous improvement in productivity and efficiency.
• Monitor project progress, resolve operational issues and ensure effective coordination between departments.
• Monitor project costs, budgets, margins and overall business profitability.
• Review quotations, tenders, contracts and project costing to ensure commercial viability.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and improve operational performance.
• Manage variations, claims, invoicing and payment follow-ups to support healthy cash flow.

Skills

Operations management

Commercial acumen

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Engineering degree

M&E background

Job description

Our client is an established engineering solutions provider in Singapore, specialising in fire protection systems and related engineering services. They are seeking an experienced Operations Manager with a strong combination of operational leadership and commercial acumen to oversee business operations, drive project performance and support business growth.

This role is ideal for a commercially minded professional who can balance operational efficiency, customer satisfaction and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operations & Project Management

• Oversee daily business operations and ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget and to the required quality standards.
• Manage project execution, resource allocation, manpower planning and subcontractor coordination.
• Establish operational procedures and drive continuous improvement in productivity and efficiency.
• Monitor project progress, resolve operational issues and ensure effective coordination between departments.
• Monitor project costs, budgets, margins and overall business profitability.
• Review quotations, tenders, contracts and project costing to ensure commercial viability.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and improve operational performance.
• Manage variations, claims, invoicing and payment follow-ups to support healthy cash flow.

3. Business Development & Customer Management

• Develop and maintain relationships with existing clients, consultants, main contractors and business partners.
• Identify new business opportunities and support tendering, pricing and commercial negotiations.
• Work closely with the sales and project teams to secure new projects and expand existing accounts.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and build long-term business relationships.
• Lead and develop operations, project and site teams to achieve business objectives.
• Plan manpower requirements and ensure resources are deployed effectively across projects.
• Set performance targets, monitor team productivity and support staff development.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable and performance-driven working culture.

5. Quality, Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure projects comply with relevant Singapore fire safety regulations, SCDF requirements and workplace safety standards.
• Oversee quality control, testing, commissioning and project handover.
• Identify operational risks and implement appropriate corrective and preventive measures.

Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Engineering, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Building Services or a related discipline.
• Relevant experience in operations management within fire protection, M&E, engineering services or construction.
• Demonstrated experience in both operational management and commercial activities, including project costing, tendering, budgeting and profitability management.
• Strong leadership, client management, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, teams and competing business priorities.
• Good understanding of Singapore's construction environment and relevant safety and regulatory requirements.

The Ideal Candidate

A hands-on and commercially driven leader who can oversee day-to-day operations while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen client relationships and grow the business.

Cornerstone Global Partners (EA Licence Number: 19C9859) is an affirmative equal-opportunity employer and recruitment firm. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.