Operations Manager - Specialist Construction Salary: Circa £80,000 Depending on experience Location: North Somerset with light travel to sites/clients Reporting to: MD Department: Operations /Senior Management Team The Opportunity The client is seeking to appoint an experienced and commercially aware Operations Manager to take responsibility for the leadership, coordination and successful delivery of its construction projects. This is a key management appointment within an established specialist contracting business, requiring an individual who can combine strong operational oversight with excellent people management, commercial awareness and a practical understanding of construction delivery. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing a varied portfolio of projects, typically ranging from £500,000 to £1 million, although individual contracts can range from approximately £150,000 to £10–15 million. The business typically delivers 20–30 projects annually, with approximately 8–10 projects live on site at any one time. The role requires an individual capable of managing multiple priorities, supporting project teams, developing client relationships and ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, profitably and to the required standards. Applications are welcomed from experienced construction professionals working for regional main contractors, Tier 1 contractors or specialist subcontractors who possess the necessary leadership skills and technical understanding. Key Responsibilities 1. Operational Management & Project Delivery Take overall operational responsibility for the successful delivery of multiple construction projects from contract award through to completion and final handover. Oversee the planning, coordination and execution of projects, ensuring delivery in accordance with contractual requirements, agreed programmes, budgets and quality standards. Provide direction and support to Project Managers, ensuring clear accountability for programme, cost, resources and project performance. Monitor progress across the project portfolio, identifying potential delays, operational risks and resource constraints, and implementing appropriate corrective action. Ensure effective coordination between design, detailing, procurement, fabrication, commercial and site installation teams. Maintain visibility of project performance through regular operational meetings, reporting and site visits. Support project teams in resolving complex technical, contractual and operational challenges. Drive consistency in project delivery, promoting effective processes, procedures and operational best practice. Other responsibilites Work closely with the commercial team to ensure projects achieve agreed financial and contractual objectives. Maintain oversight of project budgets, cost reporting, cash flow, variations and commercial risks. Review project performance against forecasts, identifying potential margin erosion and opportunities for improvement. Support Project Managers and commercial colleagues in the management of contractual issues, variations and client negotiations. Ensure appropriate commercial controls are maintained throughout the project lifecycle. Support the pre-construction and estimating teams in reviewing potential projects, programmes, buildability, methodology and resource requirements. Assess project risks, delivery constraints and resource availability prior to contract commitment. Ensure effective handover from estimating and pre-construction into the project delivery team. Work with design, fabrication and site teams to develop realistic programmes and delivery strategies. Health, Safety, Quality & Compliance Client & Stakeholder Management Develop and maintain strong working relationships with existing main contractor clients and other key stakeholders. Attend key client meetings, progress reviews and operational discussions as required. Ensure the business consistently delivers a professional, reliable and solutions-focused service. Identify opportunities for repeat business through successful project delivery and proactive relationship management. Work closely with senior leadership to strengthen the company's reputation and long-term client relationships. Candidate Profile We are seeking an experienced construction professional with a proven record of managing projects, leading teams and delivering successful commercial outcomes. The successful candidate is likely to come from one of the following backgrounds: Regional Main Contractor An experienced Contracts Manager, Senior Project Manager or Operations Manager accustomed to overseeing multiple projects, managing project teams and maintaining strong relationships with clients and subcontractors. Tier 1/2 Main Contractor An established Project Manager or Senior Project Manager with experience delivering complex construction projects, ideally incorporating structural steel frames, who is looking to move into a broader operational leadership role within a specialist contractor. Specialist Contractor An experienced Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, Contracts Manager or Operations Manager with direct knowledge of new buid projects - seeking an opportunity to take greater responsibility for people, operations and business performance. Essential Experience & Capabilities * Strong background in construction project management or operational delivery. * Proven ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities and demanding programmes. * Demonstrable experience leading, motivating and developing project delivery teams. * Sound understanding of construction methodologies, sequencing, procurement and site operations. * Good commercial awareness, including project budgets, contractual obligations, cost control and risk management. * Confidence dealing with main contractors, clients, consultants and internal stakeholders. * Experience working for a specialist subcontractor or managing specialist subcontract packages. * Understanding of design coordination, fabrication processes and site erection methodologies. * Experience overseeing a portfolio of projects simultaneously. * Relevant construction, engineering or project management qualifications. Personal Attributes The successful candidate will be a confident, capable and approachable leader who can command respect while developing positive working relationships throughout the business. In particular, they will demonstrate: * Leadership: The confidence and authority to make decisions, establish expectations and hold teams accountable. * People development: A genuine interest in coaching, supporting and developing colleagues. * Mental agility: The ability to process information quickly, manage competing demands and solve problems effectively. * Commercial judgement: An appreciation of the financial implications of operational decisions. * Communication: The ability to engage effectively with clients, senior management and site teams. * Adaptability: A willingness to learn new technical disciplines and respond constructively to changing project requirements. * Ownership: A proactive attitude and a willingness to take responsibility for results. What the Role Offers This is an opportunity to join an established specialist construction business in a senior operational position with genuine responsibility and influence. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead an experienced team, strengthen operational performance, develop long-term client relationships and contribute to the future development of the business. The appointment may particularly appeal to an ambitious Contracts Manager or Senior Project Manager seeking a broader leadership role, or an existing Operations Manager looking for an opportunity to make a more direct impact within a specialist contractor
Operations Manager - Construction in Weston-super-Mare employer: Avocet recruitment ltd
Join an award-winning developer known for delivering high-quality residential projects across the South and East Midlands. With a strong focus on employee support and development, this role offers a collaborative work culture, opportunities for professional growth, and the flexibility of working from home alongside site visits. Enjoy the benefits of being part of a reputable company that values its employees and is committed to excellence in construction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Construction in Weston-super-Mare
✨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 Avocet recruitment ltd, 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 - Construction at Avocet recruitment ltd.
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 Avocet recruitment ltd
✨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!
