Operations Manager

Operations Manager – Drainage / Groundworks / Civils
Salary: £45,000 – £50,000 DOE
Location: South East England – Hybrid
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00am–4:30pm
Job Type: Permanent
The Role
We are recruiting for an experienced Operations Manager to join an established drainage, groundworks and civils contractor operating across the South East.
This is a business-wide Operations Manager position, rather than a traditional Site Manager or Project Manager role. You will oversee the operational support of multiple short-duration projects, ensuring sites have the people, materials, plant, documentation and support required to operate efficiently.
Projects typically run for 1–2 weeks, meaning you will need to be highly organised and comfortable coordinating multiple projects and site teams simultaneously.
The role will also take responsibility for improving procurement, planning, processes, administration and operational efficiency, helping senior management reduce their day-to-day workload and improve the overall running of the business.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee the day-to-day operations across multiple live drainage, groundworks and civils projects.
* Provide operational support and act as a key point of contact for site teams and operatives.
* Coordinate materials, plant, equipment, subcontractors and resources.
* Manage procurement and purchasing, including obtaining quotes and negotiating with suppliers.
* Plan materials and resources in advance to avoid delays and unnecessary costs.
* Coordinate site visits, permits, access and operational requirements.
* Complete and manage Building Control, Environment Agency and permit documentation.
* Develop and improve operational procedures, systems and processes.
* Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, organisation and cost control.
* Monitor purchasing and operational expenditure.
* Liaise with suppliers, subcontractors, project teams and senior management.
* Troubleshoot operational issues and provide practical solutions to site teams.
* Ensure agreed processes and procedures are implemented and followed.
* Support senior management with business improvement and operational planning.
* Carry out occasional site visits where required.
About You
You will ideally have previous experience within drainage, groundworks, civils or construction and understand the practical requirements of running multiple sites.
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in Operations Management, Construction Coordination, Procurement, Project Support, Site Coordination or Office Management within the construction sector.
You should be:
* Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
* Comfortable managing multiple projects and priorities.
* Experienced dealing with site teams, suppliers and subcontractors.
* Confident with procurement, purchasing and resource planning.
* Commercially aware and focused on reducing unnecessary costs.
* Comfortable handling administration, permits and compliance documentation.
* A strong communicator who can provide effective support to site teams.
* Proactive, practical and confident making operational decisions.
* Experienced in identifying and implementing process improvements.
Previous drainage or groundworks experience is highly desirable, but candidates with strong construction-sector operational experience and transferable skills will also be considered.
Full UK driving licence required.
What's on Offer
£45,000 – £50,000 DOE
Monday–Friday, 7:00am–4:30pm
Home working
Permanent position
Established drainage and civils contractor
Senior operational responsibility across the business
Opportunity to influence processes, procurement, cost savings and efficiency
Genuine opportunity to make a significant impact on the way the business operates