At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage multiple construction projects, ensuring safe and efficient delivery.
- Company: Dynamic specialist contractor focused on remediation and structural repair.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company vehicle, and employee ownership opportunities.
- Other info: Great career progression and professional development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make a real impact in the construction industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management within civil engineering or related sectors.
Location: Ripley, Derbyshire (National travel as required)
Role Overview
As Operations Manager / Contracts Manager, you will play a key leadership role in the successful delivery of the specialist remediation, geotechnical, and structural repair projects. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will oversee multiple live contracts, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on programme, and within budget.
You will be responsible for leading project delivery teams, managing resources, maintaining client relationships, and ensuring compliance with contractual, quality, environmental, and health & safety requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership & Project Delivery
- Lead and manage the safe, timely, and commercially successful delivery of multiple concurrent contracts.
- Oversee Project Managers, Site Managers, Engineers, and subcontractors across UK-wide projects.
- Ensure projects are delivered in line with agreed programmes, specifications, budgets, and client expectations.
- Coordinate labour, plant, materials, and subcontractor resources to maximise operational efficiency.
- Support project teams in overcoming technical and operational challenges.
- Monitor project performance and implement corrective actions where required.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement across all operational activities.
- Contract Management
- Monitor project budgets, forecasts, cost reporting, and overall commercial performance.
- Review and manage CVRs, variations, compensation events, early warning notices, and claims.
- Ensure contractual obligations are met in accordance with NEC, JCT, and framework requirements.
- Work closely with the Commercial Team to maximise project profitability and minimise risk.
- Support tender handovers and ensure smooth project mobilisation.
- Identify project risks and opportunities and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
- Client & Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, principal contractors, and key stakeholders.
- Act as the senior operational point of contact for allocated projects.
- Attend client meetings, progress reviews, and framework performance meetings.
- Ensure client expectations are met and opportunities for repeat business are maximised.
- Support business development activities through excellent project delivery and customer service.
- Health, Safety, Quality & Environmental Management
- Promote and maintain the highest standards of Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental compliance.
- Ensure compliance with CDM 2015, company procedures, industry standards, and client-specific requirements.
- Drive quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives across all projects.
- Support incident investigations and implementation of corrective actions where required.
- Ensure project documentation, records, and reporting are maintained accurately and efficiently.
- Team Leadership
- Support the Contracts Director with departmental planning, resource management, and operational strategy.
- Mentor and develop Project Managers, Engineers, and Site Managers.
- Assist with succession planning and workforce development.
- Contribute to business growth initiatives and operational improvements.
- Promote company values and employee ownership culture throughout the business.
About You
We are looking for a strong operational leader with a proven track record of managing multiple construction projects and delivery teams within specialist contracting environments. You will have excellent commercial awareness, strong technical knowledge, and the ability to build lasting client relationships while maintaining the highest standards of project delivery.
The successful candidate will be a proactive problem solver, capable of making sound decisions, leading teams effectively, and contributing to the continued growth and success of the business.
Essential Requirements
- Proven experience in an Operations Manager, Contracts Manager, or Senior Project Manager role within civil engineering, ground engineering, remediation, or structural repair sectors.
- Experience managing multiple projects and delivery teams simultaneously.
- Strong understanding of NEC and JCT forms of contract.
- Excellent commercial awareness and contract management skills.
- Experience managing project budgets, forecasting, variations, and claims.
- Strong leadership, communication, and people management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams and prioritise effectively.
- Excellent stakeholder management and client-facing skills.
- Strong reporting, planning, and organisational abilities.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally.
Desirable Requirements
- Experience within ground remediation, geotechnical engineering, structural concrete repair, or specialist contracting sectors.
- Knowledge of resin and chemical grouting, void filling, mini-piling, geopolymer injection, concrete repair, and composite strengthening techniques.
- Understanding of CDM 2015 and construction health and safety legislation.
- SMSTS qualification.
- CSCS Black or Gold Card.
- Temporary Works Coordinator qualification.
- Relevant construction, engineering, or management qualifications.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Company vehicle or car allowance.
- Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) membership after one year of continuous service.
- Opportunity to play a key leadership role within a growing specialist contractor.
- Excellent career progression and professional development opportunities.
Operations Manager in Ripley employer: Big Fish Little Fish
As an Operations Manager at our Ripley, Derbyshire location, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality remediation and structural repair projects. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that encourages continuous improvement and professional growth, offering competitive salaries, a company vehicle or car allowance, and the unique opportunity to become a member of our Employee Ownership Trust after just one year. With a focus on safety, quality, and client satisfaction, we empower our employees to take ownership of their roles and contribute to the success of our projects and the company as a whole.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Ripley
✨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 Big Fish Little Fish, 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 Big Fish Little Fish.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Ripley
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 Big Fish Little Fish
✨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!
