Operations Manager in Preston

Operations Manager in Preston

Preston Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Aureos

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage multiple projects in the transportation sector, ensuring quality and safety.
  • Company: Join Aureos, a forward-thinking company focused on sustainable growth and client relationships.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career advancement opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
  • Other info: Aureos values diversity and offers equal opportunities for all applicants.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the transportation industry while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering, chartered status, and experience in highway construction required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

Aureos are recruiting for an Operations Manager to work within our Transportation division working in the North East and North West of England. This role provides leadership across a portfolio of schemes, ensuring successful delivery against safety, programme, commercial, and quality targets, while maintaining strong and collaborative client relationships. A key aspect of the role is pre-construction leadership and work winning, driving pipeline opportunities within frameworks, securing repeat business, and positioning Aureos as a trusted delivery partner. The role requires a balance of operational delivery leadership, client engagement, and strategic development, contributing to sustainable business growth and long-term framework success. The Operations Manager will contribute to wider business growth, capability development, operational excellence, and transformation activities, supporting the company’s 5‑year strategic plan.

Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership and direction across all Local Authority Framework projects.
  • Develop and implement framework delivery strategies aligned to business objectives.
  • Oversee the delivery of multiple concurrent projects within Local Authority Frameworks.
  • Ensure all projects are delivered to agreed programme, cost, quality, and safety standards.
  • Act as the primary relationship owner for Local Authority framework clients.
  • Build long-term, trusted relationships to secure repeat business and framework longevity.
  • Lead engagement at framework boards, performance reviews, and strategic meetings.
  • Lead pipeline development within frameworks, identifying and securing upcoming opportunities.
  • Oversee bid strategy, resource allocation, and governance for framework call-offs.
  • Support and guide pre-construction teams in solution development, pricing, and submissions.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop Project Managers and delivery teams across the framework portfolio.
  • Maintain oversight of portfolio financial performance, including revenue, margin, and cash.
  • Ensure robust commercial governance across projects (change control, forecasting, risk).
  • Provide regular portfolio performance updates to senior leadership.
  • Ensure consistent and accurate reporting across all framework projects.

The ideal candidate will have an ability to create and maintain an efficient system of operation. The Operations Manager is responsible for the strategic oversight, performance, and growth of all projects delivered under Local Authority Frameworks.

Qualifications and Experience required

  • Degree-qualified in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
  • Chartered status from a relevant industry body.
  • Significant experience within the highway construction sector.
  • Strong NEC3/NEC4 knowledge.
  • Experience managing multiple projects or programmes simultaneously.
  • Proven ability to lead large multidisciplinary teams delivering complex, high-value projects.
  • Senior-level client engagement and stakeholder management experience.
  • Strong leadership and people development skills, with the ability to create high-performing teams.
  • Demonstrated excellence in safety leadership, decision-making and problem solving.
  • Strong commercial acumen and understanding of project finance and contractual mechanisms.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.
  • A dynamic and supportive team environment.

Equal opportunities

Aureos are an equal opportunities employer, and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.

Operations Manager in Preston employer: Aureos

Aureos is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive team environment where Operations Managers can thrive. With a strong focus on career advancement and professional growth, employees are encouraged to develop their skills while contributing to meaningful projects within the North East and North West of England. The company values collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring that all team members are treated fairly and have the opportunity to excel in their roles.

Aureos

Contact Details:

Aureos Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Preston

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to potential colleagues or clients. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in managing multiple projects and your strong leadership skills. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully delivered complex projects.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Aureos, and express your interest in working with them. A well-timed email can set you apart from the crowd and show your enthusiasm.

Tip Number 4

Keep learning and adapting! The construction sector is always evolving, so stay updated on the latest trends and technologies. Consider taking courses or attending workshops that can enhance your skills and make you an even more attractive candidate.

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Preston

Leadership
Client Engagement
Strategic Development
Project Management
Framework Delivery Strategies
Bid Strategy
Resource Allocation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing multiple projects and your leadership skills, especially in the highway construction sector. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've built strong client relationships and led successful projects. We love a good story!

Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact on project delivery, safety standards, and client satisfaction. We’re all about results here at StudySmarter!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your journey started!

How to prepare for a job interview at Aureos

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the highway construction sector and NEC3/NEC4 contracts. Being able to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role will show that you're not just familiar with the industry, but that you can bring valuable insights to the table.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As an Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing team members, as this is crucial for building high-performing teams.

Build Rapport with Clients

Since client engagement is key, think about how you can showcase your relationship-building skills. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate how you've successfully managed client relationships and secured repeat business. This will help you stand out as someone who can maintain long-term partnerships.

Be Strategic

Understand Aureos' strategic goals and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their 5-year plan. Think about how you can align your operational delivery strategies with their business objectives. Showing that you have a strategic mindset will demonstrate your potential for contributing to sustainable growth.