Operations Manager – Heavy Civils / Tunnelling Location: South Yorkshire / Projects are UK Wide Employment: Permanent Salary: Up to £100,000 DOE Package: Company Car / Car Allowance | 25 Days Holiday | Annual Company Bonus Sector: Heavy Civils / Tunnelling / Infrastructure J3A Recruitment are working in partnership with a major specialist civil engineering contractor to recruit an experienced Operations Manager to support and lead their UK-wide project delivery function. Ideally based in or around South Yorkshire, this is a senior operational appointment with responsibility for overseeing project delivery across multiple sites throughout the UK. The business delivers technically challenging works across heavy civil engineering, tunnelling, shaft construction and underground infrastructure, and requires an experienced operational leader capable of maintaining high standards as the company continues to grow. The successful individual will sit above individual project delivery, ensuring teams have the leadership, resources, systems and support required to successfully deliver projects. The Role As Operations Manager, you will have broad responsibility for operational performance across the business's project portfolio, including: * Providing leadership across multiple UK civil engineering projects * Managing, supporting and developing Project Managers and senior site personnel * Ensuring projects are appropriately resourced with labour, plant and management * Ensuring strong health, safety, environmental and quality performance * Supporting teams in resolving complex technical and operational issues * Maintaining visibility of project risks and ensuring early intervention where required * Working closely with commercial teams to maintain strong project performance * Building and maintaining senior client and stakeholder relationships * Supporting recruitment, workforce planning and development of operational teams * Improving operational processes and standards across the business * Supporting senior leadership with business planning and future project requirements * Ensuring lessons learned and best practice are shared across projects About You We're looking for an experienced operational leader who understands heavy civil engineering from the ground up. You may already be operating as an Operations Manager, Contracts Manager or senior construction professional with responsibility across multiple projects. Experience within tunnelling, shaft sinking, underground infrastructure and technically challenging heavy civils would be highly advantageous. You will ideally bring: * Extensive heavy civil engineering experience * Proven leadership across multiple projects and delivery teams * Strong understanding of tunnelling, shafts and underground construction * Experience managing and developing Project Managers * Excellent resource and operational planning ability * Thorough understanding of temporary works and construction risk * Ability to manage senior client relationships * Experience supporting business growth and operational improvement * A hands-on leadership style with the ability to challenge and support teams * Flexibility to travel extensively across UK projects The Package For the right individual, the business is offering: * Salary up to £100,000, dependent on experience * Company car or car allowance * Annual company bonus * 25 days annual leave * Senior permanent position within a specialist civil engineering contractor * UK-wide portfolio of major and technically challenging projects * Opportunity to have genuine influence over operational delivery and future growth This isn't simply about overseeing individual projects. The business is looking for someone who can lead people, improve operational performance and help maintain delivery standards as the company continues to grow. For further information, contact J3A Recruitment for a confidential discussion
Operations Manager in Doncaster employer: J3A Recruitment
Join one of the UK’s largest and most established construction and infrastructure groups, where you will benefit from outstanding stability and structured career development. Based in Warrington, this role offers exposure to major Critical National Infrastructure projects, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for leadership development and long-term progression in a supportive work culture that values safety and client relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Doncaster
✨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 J3A Recruitment, 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 J3A Recruitment.
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 J3A Recruitment
✨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!
