Senior Contracts Manager or Project Director delivering DfE schools? Ready to stop being judged on one project and start leading an entire portfolio? Mandala Group has been exclusively retained to appoint a Senior Operations Manager into a Senior Career Position for a progressive UK main contractor with an established Department for Education portfolio. This is a senior post-contract delivery role. The work has been won. The pipeline is established. The Project Leads are delivering. The business now wants an Operations Manager with strong Education Construction experience capable of sitting above those projects and driving performance across the portfolio. What does that actually mean? As Senior Operations Manager you'll have visibility across multiple DfE school projects rather than becoming consumed by the day-to-day running of one scheme. You'll lead through Project Leads and bring together programme, commercial, design, construction, risk, quality, H&S and client performance. It's a genuine operational leadership position and internally sits at Associate Director Delivery level. The Senior Operations Manager will also work across an unusually integrated delivery model incorporating design, off-site manufacturing, MMC and on-site construction. This is a contractor with an established DfE history through CF21, a position on CF25, live Education workload and ambitious plans for what comes next. And what comes next matters.. The business isn't recruiting an Operations Manager – Education Construction simply to fill today's organisational chart. The longer-term intention is to develop this appointment towards Regional Director and Board-level operational responsibility as the business grows. For a strong Senior Contracts Manager, Operations Manager or Project Director, that's a very different proposition from moving companies to run another school. We need Significant main contractor Education construction experience. Ideally that includes DfE / Department for Education, CF21, CF25, ESFA or previous schools frameworks. You should already have delivered major Education projects and be capable of leading through Project Managers or Project Leads across multiple schemes. Relevant current titles could include Senior Contracts Manager, Operations Manager, Project Director, Construction Director or Education Sector Lead. The Operations Manager role is permanent and focused on major main contractor delivery. Package £105,000–£130,000 including car allowance + discretionary annual bonus with potential profit-share upside and comprehensive benefits. All enquiries treated confidentially. Don't move for a bigger project. Move for a bigger role
Senior Operations Manager – Education Construction employer: Mandala Group Ltd
Join a reputable and growing specialist contractor that prioritises quality workmanship and invests in its people. As a Lead Damp & Waterproofing Technician, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture with opportunities for ongoing training and career progression, all while working on meaningful projects across NW London and Greater London. With a stable pipeline of work, competitive benefits including a company vehicle, bonuses, and generous holiday leave, this is an excellent opportunity for those seeking a rewarding and long-term career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Operations Manager – Education Construction
✨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 Mandala Group 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 Senior Operations Manager – Education Construction at Mandala Group 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 Mandala Group 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!
