At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage operations for exciting MEP projects from start to finish.
- Company: Join a dynamic building services engineering company in Grays, Essex.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving operational efficiency and driving project success.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations or project management within the MEP/construction sector is essential.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
1st Step Solutions are supporting a building services engineering company who have an opportunity for an Operations Manager based in Grays, Essex.
Role Overview: The Operations Manager will oversee the operational delivery of the companies’ projects and ensure that the business has the people, systems, resources and processes required to deliver consistently strong results. The successful candidate will combine strong leadership and organisational skills with a practical understanding of MEP construction and project delivery. You will be responsible for improving operational efficiency, supporting project teams, managing resources, monitoring performance and ensuring that projects are delivered in line with programme, budget, quality and client expectations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the business.
- Oversee multiple MEP projects from mobilisation through to completion and handover.
- Ensure projects are properly resourced with labour, materials, plant, equipment and subcontractors.
- Establish and maintain effective operational processes and procedures.
- Identify operational risks, issues and bottlenecks and implement solutions.
- Ensure consistent communication between office, management and site teams.
- Develop systems that improve productivity, accountability and project visibility.
- Support Project Managers and Site Managers in delivering projects successfully.
- Monitor project progress against programme, budget, quality and resource requirements.
- Attend project and progress meetings where required.
- Ensure project teams understand their responsibilities, deliverables and deadlines.
- Assist with resolving technical, programme, commercial and resource-related issues.
- Ensure projects are properly planned and mobilised before works commence.
- Drive successful project completion, commissioning and handover.
- Work closely with the commercial and finance teams to protect project margins.
- Monitor project costs, labour performance, material spend and subcontractor costs.
- Review project performance and identify areas where profitability can be improved.
- Support forecasting, budgeting and resource planning.
- Ensure variations, additional works and commercial opportunities are identified and communicated promptly.
- Challenge inefficiencies, waste and unnecessary expenditure.
- Provide regular operational and commercial reporting to senior management.
- Promote and maintain a strong health and safety culture across all operations.
- Ensure projects comply with company policies, legislation and client requirements.
- Work closely with the Health & Safety team to address risks and ensure appropriate controls are in place.
- Ensure required inspections, documentation and project records are maintained.
- Promote high standards of quality and workmanship across all projects.
- Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and operational performance.
Requirements:
- Proven experience in an Operations Manager, Senior Project Manager, Contracts Manager or similar senior operational role within the MEP/construction sector.
- Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical building services.
- Proven experience managing multiple projects and teams.
- Experience working for an MEP contractor.
- Strong commercial and financial awareness.
- Excellent leadership and people-management skills.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving ability.
- Experience working with main contractors, clients, consultants and subcontractors.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Good understanding of health & safety, quality and compliance requirements.
- Strong IT and reporting skills.
On Offer:
- Competitive salary
- Performance-related bonus
- Company car / allowance
- Pension scheme
- Career progression opportunities
- Private health care
Operations Manager in Essex employer: 1st Step Solutions
Join a dynamic team in Leeds as an M&E Stores Person, where you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values collaboration and efficiency. We offer competitive pay, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to employee well-being, making this an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the construction sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Essex
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like 1st Step Solutions, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Operations Manager at 1st Step Solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Step Solutions
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
