Operations Manager

Dowds is an established multidisciplinary engineering and construction Building Services Engineering company headquartered in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Founded in 1978, our expertise spans the full lifecycle of complex‑built environments from initial design and systems integration through to installation, commissioning, and handover across specific sectors: life science, commercial, education and healthcare. Operating at a gold standard for best managed company and investors in people, our vision is to set the standard for excellence, driving progress, responsibility, and lasting impact while keeping our clients and our people at the heart of what we do.

We are seeking an Operations Manager to join our delivery team, to oversee multiple projects, overseeing the efficiency, quality and financial performance of the MEP throughout the full life cycle of a project. The role requires strong leadership, analytical skills and the ability to manage resources effectively. This is a senior, business critical leadership role for an Operations Manager who wants real ownership, influence, and scale.

What you’ll be responsible for:

• Provide senior operational leadership across multiple MEP projects, ensuring design coordination, installation, commissioning, and handover activities are delivered safely, to programme, and to the required quality standards.
• Drive consistent project delivery through the implementation and continuous improvement of operational standards, systems, and ways of working across the delivery portfolio.
• Champion Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), including off‑site fabrication, modularisation, and digital delivery, embedding innovative approaches that improve safety, quality, productivity, and programme certainty.
• Maintain overall accountability for project delivery and compliance, ensuring all works meet statutory requirements, quality benchmarks, and client specifications, with robust reporting against agreed company and project KPIs.
• Oversee financial and resource performance across allocated projects.
• Lead and embed a strong health, safety, and environmental culture, ensuring full compliance with regulatory and company standards, while proactively driving operational improvements and lessons learned across projects.
• Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship within the operational function.
• Act as a senior point of coordination between clients, consultants, architects, and supply chain partners, ensuring effective integration of MEP systems and timely resolution of delivery or interface issues.
• Contribute to and support the pre‑construction process, working closely with internal teams to influence buildability, programme strategy, procurement, and supply chain appointment from enquiry stage through to completion, defects, and liability close‑out.

What we are looking for:

Essential:

• Construction and / or Engineering Qualification (ONC, HND or Degree Level in Mechanical, Electrical, Building Services or Construction or equivalent experience).
• Appropriate CSCS card or ability to obtain.
• Proven experience overseeing operational delivery, including cost control, programme, quality, and resource allocation across projects.
• Experience managing budgets, cost forecasts, and commercial risk, with accountability for operational performance.
• Strong leadership capability, with the ability to drive performance, manage conflict, and influence at multiple levels (site teams through to senior leadership).
• Demonstrable experience leading and managing teams, including Project Managers, Site Managers, Supervisors, or Engineering teams.
• Significant MEP package values, typically in excess of £20m or equivalent complexity.
• Knowledge of the construction and engineering industry’s statutory requirements, methods, and processes.

Desirable:

• Chartered status or progress toward membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIOB, CEng, IET, ICE).
• Project Management Qualification or Chartership.
• Experience contributing to business improvement initiatives, process optimisation, or operational change programmes.
• Exposure to strategic planning, growth, or scaling operations across regions or business units.

Why Join Dowds:

• 41 Days Holiday
• Early Finish Fridays
• Private Medical
• Bonus
• Wellbeing Initiatives
• Pension
• Work from home
• Plus, many more

Dowds is an Equal Opportunities Employer.