At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major infrastructure project, managing multidisciplinary teams and ensuring successful outcomes.
- Company: Join a leading contractor at the forefront of the UK's infrastructure and rail sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, pension, annual leave, and health benefits.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career progression and making a real impact.
- Why this job: Step into a pivotal leadership role with full ownership of a high-value project.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in operations management and civils projects; strong team leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Rail Operations Manager or Senior Project Manager with a strong background delivering major civils projects? Do you want the opportunity to lead a high-value infrastructure project within a leading contractor? This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a pivotal role where you will lead the delivery of a major infrastructure project, managing multidisciplinary teams and ensuring successful outcomes across safety, programme, and commercial performance.
Location: Birmingham
Salary: £80,000 to £90,000 per annum DOE + £7,500 car allowance + up to 10% bonus scheme
Benefits:
- Car allowance (£7,500)
- Company Pension – 6% employer contribution
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Buy additional annual leave scheme
- Succession planning and annual performance reviews
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Aviva Digital GP
- Flu vaccinations
- Health Cashplan – provides cover for employee and dependent children and offers 100% reimbursement for a wide range of benefits (up to an annual limit)
- Eye care vouchers
- Death in Service – 4 x annual salary
- Annual bonus (up to 10%)
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage a large, multidisciplinary delivery team
- Take full ownership of project delivery from planning through to completion
- Oversee programme, budget, and operational performance
- Drive efficiencies and continuous improvement across the project
- Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards
- Manage subcontractors and maintain strong commercial oversight
- Provide leadership that is 'firm but fair,' fostering a collaborative team environment
Requirements:
- Significant experience as an Operations Manager or Senior Project Manager within a main contractor environment
- Strong background in civils projects (e.g. infrastructure, highways, bridges, tunnels); light rail or rail track experience is advantageous
- Proven experience managing large teams (30+ people)
- Experience delivering projects valued at circa £40 million annually
- HNC/HND or Degree in a relevant engineering or construction discipline
- Valid SMSTS and CSCS cards
- A career background progressing from site-based roles (e.g. Site Manager) is highly desirable
- Professional membership (ICE, APM, etc.) is advantageous
You will be joining a main contractor operating at the forefront of the UK's infrastructure and rail sector, working on complex and high-value major rail project. This role is focused on leading a single major project (circa £40m annual value), rather than overseeing an entire programme, giving you full ownership and accountability for delivery. As the new Operations Manager, you will lead a team of 30-40+ staff, including Project Managers, Site Agents, Engineers, and Construction professionals. You will play a key role in driving project performance, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency standards are met, while maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders and subcontractors. This is an exciting opportunity to step into a leadership role on a major UK infrastructure project, offering long-term stability, career progression, and the chance to make a real impact.
Operations Manager employer: Carrington West
Contact Detail:
Carrington West Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for their work and how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in managing large teams and delivering major civils projects makes you the perfect fit for the Operations Manager role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing large teams and delivering major civils projects, as this is what we’re looking for. Use keywords from the job description to show you’re a perfect fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for infrastructure projects and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention specific achievements that demonstrate your leadership skills and project management expertise.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your relevant experience clearly. We want to see your journey from site-based roles to management positions, especially if you’ve worked on projects valued at around £40 million. This will help us understand your capabilities better.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application directly and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the major civils projects you've worked on. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the outcomes. This will show your depth of experience and ability to lead complex projects.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll need to showcase your leadership style. Prepare examples that highlight how you've managed large teams, fostered collaboration, and maintained a 'firm but fair' approach. This will help the interviewers see you as a strong candidate for leading their multidisciplinary teams.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the importance of safety and compliance in infrastructure projects, be prepared to discuss how you've ensured these standards in your previous roles. Share specific instances where you implemented safety measures or improved compliance, as this will resonate well with the company's values.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their current projects, team dynamics, or future goals. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.