Contracts Manager / Operations Manager Ground Investigation Location: Scotland
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Sector: Ground Investigation / Geotechnical Contracting / Site Investigation
The Opportunity An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Contracts Manager / Operations Manager to join a well-established ground investigation contractor covering projects across Scotland.
We are seeking a candidate with strong UK ground investigation, geotechnical contracting or technical contracting experience who can lead operational delivery across multiple projects.
This is a senior role combining contract management, site operations, commercial control, resource planning, HSEQ standards, team leadership and client delivery.
The successful candidate will take ownership of projects from mobilisation through to completion, ensuring works are delivered safely, efficiently, commercially and to the required technical standard.
About the Company The employer is an established ground investigation and geotechnical contractor delivering site investigation services across a range of sectors.
The business supports clients across infrastructure, construction, residential, commercial and development-led projects, providing practical site investigation solutions from planning and mobilisation through to completion.
With experienced operational teams, drilling resources and technical support, the company offers a hands-on environment where senior managers can influence delivery, improve performance and support regional growth.
The Role As Contracts Manager / Operations Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing ground investigation contracts and overseeing day-to-day operational delivery across Scotland.
The role will involve coordinating project teams, drilling crews, plant, subcontractors, laboratories and commercial information to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget.
Applicants should demonstrate strong operational judgement, commercial awareness and the ability to manage people, programmes and client expectations across multiple live projects.
Key Responsibilities Contract and Project Delivery Manage ground investigation contracts from mobilisation through to completion
Oversee the planning, coordination and delivery of multiple projects
Review project scopes, specifications, programmes and commercial requirements
Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to agreed standards
Coordinate site teams, drilling crews, subcontractors, laboratories and suppliers
Monitor progress against programme and resolve operational issues
Ensure project documentation, site records and deliverables are completed accurately
Liaise with project managers, engineers, clients and internal teams throughout delivery
Support the successful handover and close-out of completed projects
Operations Management Lead day-to-day operational delivery across active ground investigation projects
Plan and allocate labour, drilling rigs, plant, equipment and materials
Ensure resources are used effectively across projects
Support mobilisation, site set-up and demobilisation activities
Manage operational risks, delays and site constraints
Maintain clear communication between site teams and office-based staff
Improve consistency, efficiency and quality across operational delivery
Support wider regional planning and workload management
Commercial Management Take responsibility for commercial performance across assigned contracts
Monitor project budgets, costs, WIP, forecasting and profitability
Review project expenditure and resource utilisation
Identify variations, additional works and changes in scope
Support applications for payment, invoicing and commercial reporting
Maintain accurate commercial records and project financial information
Work closely with senior management to improve margins and delivery performance
Contribute to financial planning and operational decision-making
HSEQ and Compliance Promote strong health, safety, environmental and quality standards across all projects
Ensure works are delivered in accordance with RAMS, project documentation and company procedures
Monitor site compliance and safe working practices
Support site inspections, audits and safety reviews
Ensure incidents, hazards and near misses are reported and addressed
Maintain high standards of technical quality and site documentation
Encourage a positive safety culture across site and operational teams
Support continuous improvement across HSEQ performance
Team Leadership Lead, support and develop project managers, engineers, supervisors and site teams
Provide clear direction and support to operational staff
Assist with workload planning, performance management and team development
Mentor team members and encourage high professional standards
Support recruitment, onboarding and training where required
Promote accountability, communication and collaboration across the team
Help develop a strong regional delivery culture
Client and Stakeholder Management Act as a key point of contact for clients on assigned contracts
Build and maintain strong client relationships
Attend progress meetings, commercial reviews and project discussions
Communicate project progress, risks and changes clearly
Resolve client queries and delivery issues professionally
Support repeat business through reliable project delivery
Contribute to client development and regional growth opportunities
Business and Regional Growth Support the continued growth of the Scottish region
Identify opportunities to improve service delivery and project performance
Assist with tender reviews, proposals and new project opportunities
Provide operational input into pricing, planning and resource requirements
Support senior management with regional strategy and development
Contribute to a commercially focused and growth-minded working environment
About You We are seeking a candidate with strong operational experience within ground investigation, geotechnical contracting, site investigation or a closely related technical contracting environment.
The successful candidate should be confident managing contracts, leading teams, coordinating site resources and overseeing commercial project performance.
Applicants should demonstrate strong organisation, communication, leadership and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities across Scotland.
This role would suit a candidate currently working as a Contracts Manager, Operations Manager, Senior Project Manager, Regional Manager or experienced Project Manager ready to step into a broader operational role.
Essential Requirements Strong UK ground investigation, geotechnical contracting or technical contracting experience
Proven UK project experience is required
Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK
Previous experience managing contracts, operations or multiple site-based projects
Strong understanding of ground investigation delivery and site operations
Experience coordinating drilling crews, site teams, subcontractors and suppliers
Good commercial awareness, including budgets, WIP, forecasting and project profitability
Experience managing programmes, resources and project delivery standards
Strong understanding of HSEQ requirements within site-based operations
Ability to lead and support project teams and operational staff
Strong client-facing and stakeholder-management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Good organisational and problem-solving ability
Full UK driving licence
Willingness to travel across Scotland as required
Desirable Experience Previous experience as a Contracts Manager or Operations Manager
Experience working within ground investigation or geotechnical contracting
Knowledge of drilling techniques, laboratory scheduling and site investigation processes
Experience supporting tenders, proposals or commercial submissions
Experience managing regional operations or multi-project workloads
Experience leading project managers, engineers or site supervisors
SMSTS or SSSTS qualification
CSCS card
First Aid at Work qualification
Technical qualification or degree in Geology, Engineering Geology, Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline
Salary and Benefits Competitive salary, depending on experience
Car allowance/Car
Company pension contribution
Annual leave plus bank holidays
Additional holiday entitlement with length of service
Mobile phone and laptop
Flexible Working Pattern/ 3 days office 2 days from home
Medical Cover/Health
Varied and challenging ground investigation projects
Opportunity to support regional growth across Scotland
Supportive senior leadership team
Allowances & Expenses
Why Apply? Take ownership of ground investigation operations across Scotland
Lead contracts from mobilisation through to commercial close-out
Manage project teams, drilling resources, programmes and budgets
Play a key role in HSEQ, delivery standards and operational performance
Build strong client relationships and support regional growth
Step into a senior role with genuine responsibility and influence
Join a well-established contractor with a varied ground investigation workload
Inclusion and Diversity The employer is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment where individuals from all backgrounds are welcomed and respected.
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