Operations Manager in Bonnyrigg

Our client is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to join a well-established Leakage Framework team supporting a major water utility contract across Scotland's South Region. Covering Edinburgh, Lanarkshire and the Borders, this is a key leadership opportunity responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient and successful delivery of operational activities while maintaining the highest standards of customer service and performance.

Reporting to the senior leadership team, you will lead and support field-based teams, drive operational excellence, champion health and safety, and contribute to the continued success and growth of the contract. This role offers the opportunity to make a real impact within a market-leading business that values its people, prioritises safety and continuously strives for improvement.

The Opportunity

As Operations Manager, you will take ownership of the day-to-day operational performance across the South Region, ensuring contractual obligations are met while maintaining high standards of quality, service and efficiency. You will be responsible for creating a positive and engaging working environment, supporting the development of your teams and ensuring employees have the tools, training and support they need to succeed.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing will be at the forefront of everything you do. You will play a leading role in promoting a strong safety culture, implementing best practice and ensuring compliance across all operational activities. You will also work closely with senior stakeholders to manage budgets, monitor performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiencies and service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead operational delivery across the South Region encompassing Edinburgh, Lanarkshire and the Borders.
• Ensure contractual and client requirements are consistently achieved.
• Drive operational performance, productivity and customer service excellence.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and identify opportunities for increased efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders.
• Champion a positive and proactive safety culture across all areas of the business.
• Ensure all work activities are delivered safely and in line with company policies and procedures.
• Support accident and incident investigations, reporting and root cause analysis.
• Monitor trends and implement actions to improve the overall risk profile.
• Participate in leadership safety audits, toolbox talks and safety communications.
• Work closely with teams to ensure training and compliance requirements are maintained.
• Lead, motivate and develop operational teams to deliver exceptional performance.
• Work closely with the Training Manager and Field Team Leaders to ensure employees receive appropriate training and development.
• Create an inclusive and supportive working environment where individuals can thrive.
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings and performance reviews.
• Support succession planning, employee engagement and career development initiatives.
• Effectively manage employee relations matters where required.
• Support delivery of operational and financial targets.
• Work with the senior leadership team to manage budgets and mitigate risks.
• Review monthly performance and profit & loss information.
• Ensure accurate operational data is provided to support payment applications and reporting requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and commercial performance.

What You'll Need

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience in an Operations Manager or similar leadership role.
• Strong background in Health, Safety and Wellbeing management.
• Demonstrable people management experience with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational, planning and prioritisation abilities.
• Experience analysing operational and financial performance data.
• Ability to influence, drive change and improve business performance.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent numeracy and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and understand complex information quickly and accurately.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within the water industry, utilities sector or field operations environment.
• Leakage management experience.
• Experience using Power BI or advanced Excel reporting tools.
• Knowledge of Scottish Water contracts and frameworks.

If you're ready to take on a regional leadership role within a respected leakage delivery programme and want to join an organisation that values safety, people and performance, we'd be pleased to hear from you.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are not always able to respond to every applicant. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of submitting your application, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Finlay Jude Associates Ltd is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. All candidates will be assessed solely on their merits, qualifications and ability to perform the role.

Finlay Jude Associates Ltd acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. Please visit our website for further opportunities.