Operations Manager

Operations Manager – Infrastructure Central (Midlands)

March — the UK’s leading provider of critical engineering services

At March, our multi-disciplinary expertise across infrastructure, process and digital engineering has helped us build long-term partnerships with major organisations across food and beverage, utilities, defence, aerospace and nuclear sectors.

Our Infrastructure Central business unit is a thriving, high‑performing division, delivering £30m annual turnover and achieving 10% year‑on‑year growth. As we continue to expand, we are now seeking an experienced Operations Manager to join our leadership team, based out of our Burton upon Trent office.

About the Role

As Operations Manager, you will lead the operations within our Energy and Water sector, ensuring safe, compliant, efficient and commercially strong performance across all projects and sites. You will oversee delivery excellence, operational resilience, customer relationships, and asset optimisation, while driving ongoing improvement and strategic growth across the region.

This is a key leadership role, accountable for operational standards, financial outcomes, team performance and stakeholder confidence.

Key Responsibilities

Operational & Commercial Leadership

Ensure budgets are met or exceeded.

Project costs, revenue and GP forecasts are accurate and financial performance metrics are met across your operating unit.Co-ordinate internal and external resources to maintain project delivery against scope, schedule and quality benchmarks.

Support the work-winning functions including bid writing, tender reviews and mark-up meetings.

Provide leadership and oversight across all project phases to ensure successful outcomes and high professional standards.

Oversee programme management, ensuring schedules are realistic, monitored and updated, with strong change control and value realisation.

People Leadership & Team Development

Lead and develop Contract Managers, Project Managers, Engineers, Support staff, Supervisors, Trades and Apprentices.

Conduct performance reviews, provide constructive feedback and foster a collaborative, high‑performing culture.

Promote teamwork, communication and skills development across the region.

Safety, Compliance & Quality

Champion a culture of safety excellence, ensuring full compliance with HSE legislation and environmental frameworks.

Lead investigations into incidents, non-conformances and near misses, driving corrective and preventative actions.

Maintain operational readiness for audits, inspections and regulatory reporting.

Implement quality control processes and ensure service delivery meets company and industry expectations.

Operational Delivery & Asset Management

Oversee condition, performance and lifecycle planning for energy and water infrastructure assets.

Maintain accurate asset performance, maintenance and operational risk records.

Review technical documentation, engineering designs and commissioning plans.

Stakeholder & Client Engagement

Communicate effectively with clients, suppliers, contractors and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution.

Maintain strong customer relationships, addressing concerns and driving satisfaction and service improvement.

Represent the company at regional events, meetings and industry functions.

Strategic & Performance Management

Align regional operational activities with wider company objectives.

Support commercial functions with tenders, contract management and cost forecasting.

Assess supplier performance, negotiate service agreements and oversee procurement of operational resources.

Drive operational excellence through digital tools, innovation, and process optimisation.

Implement KPI frameworks, dashboards and performance reporting.

Lead initiatives to reduce downtime, enhance reliability, improve customer outcomes and support sustainability objectives (energy efficiency, carbon reduction, water conservation).

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Operations Management, Engineering or related field (although not essential).

Extensive experience in an engineering or operations leadership role.

Strong understanding of NEC and JCT contract frameworks.

Experience managing a portfolio of M&E projects preferably within either the Energy or Water sectors.

Strong commercial acumen with ability to plan strategically and manage budgets.

Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.

Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant operational software.

Knowledge of industry regulations, standards and compliance requirements.

What We Offer

Competitive salary + Car Allowance, Electric Salary Sacrifice scheme membership and comprehensive flexible benefits package

25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Enhanced pension contribution

Market leading Flexi benefit scheme including, BUPA Healthcare, Simply Health Plan, Life assurance Cover and the ability to buy and sell holiday.

Ongoing internal training and Clear career development pathways

A supportive employer committed to employee Wellbeing

Genuine opportunities for career progression within a growing business

Access to employee discount schemes

We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity in all its forms. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.

We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, in the workplace, and in accessing employee benefits. Please contact us if you require accommodation