At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex projects in critical infrastructure across the UK and Europe.
- Company: Established specialist in critical infrastructure with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and access to senior decision-makers.
- Other info: Flexible travel required; excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Step into a visible leadership position and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in construction operations or project delivery; electrical or MEP experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Operations Manager / Operations Lead
Morson is working exclusively with an established critical infrastructure specialist to appoint a senior Operations Manager / Operations Lead.
This Manchester‑based role entails delivering technically demanding projects across the UK and Europe, where safety, programme control, commercial discipline, quality and handover all matter.
You do not need to have spent your whole career in data centres.
If you have led complex electrical, MEP, CSA, building services or technical infrastructure packages for a specialist contractor, this could be a very strong move.
The role needs someone who understands delivery at subcontractor level: leading teams, managing programme pressure, challenging design, staying close to the commercial position, working with clients, and keeping projects moving through procurement, installation, commissioning and handover.
You will report into the Director of Operations and take ownership of project delivery across critical infrastructure environments, with support from experienced design, commercial, commissioning and delivery teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading delivery across complex electrical, MEP, CSA and critical infrastructure projects
- Managing project teams, site teams, subcontractors, suppliers and specialist work packages
- Keeping control of programme performance, critical path activity, reporting and mitigation plans
- Working with commercial teams on cost control, variations, compensation events and monthly reporting
- Supporting procurement of plant, equipment, materials and subcontract packages
- Overseeing design coordination, drawing control, document management and BIM model updates
- Ensuring the right drawings, models and project information are used on site
- Driving a strong safety culture with a genuine “don’t walk by” approach
- Managing risk registers, Early Warnings, project issues and improvement actions
- Monitoring subcontractor and supplier performance against programme and project requirements
- Supporting commissioning, witnessing, handover and close‑out documentation
- Building strong client relationships and keeping communication clear, factual and professional
- Supporting pre‑construction and work‑winning teams with buildability, programme and delivery input
- What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone with a strong background in construction operations, contracts management, senior project delivery or technical site leadership.
Data centre experience would be valuable, but it is not essential.
The key requirement is experience delivering complex technical packages where programme, safety, quality, commercial control and coordination are critical.
Relevant backgrounds could include
- Electrical contracting
- MEP contracting
- Critical infrastructure
- Building services
- Technical fit‑out
- CSA fit‑out
- Critical power
- HV / LV infrastructure
- Healthcare, pharmaceutical, defence, industrial, aviation or other complex live environments
- Data centres or mission critical facilities
- You Should Bring
- 10+ years’ experience in construction operations, contracts management or senior project delivery
- Strong electrical, MEP, CSA or technical infrastructure delivery experience
- Experience working for a subcontractor, specialist contractor or technical delivery business
- Confidence managing project teams, site teams, suppliers and specialist work packages
- Strong programme control, reporting, critical path and mitigation planning experience
- Commercial awareness, including cost reporting, monthly reviews and P&L understanding
- Experience working with contract environments such as NEC, JCT or FIDIC
- Understanding of Earned Value Management or structured progress reporting
- Experience supporting commissioning, handover and project close‑out
- Strong documentation, meeting, reporting and stakeholder management discipline
- SMSTS, CSCS and a relevant health and safety qualification
- Degree qualification or equivalent industry experience
You will be based in or around Manchester, with flexibility to travel to project locations when required.
Why This Role
This is a proper senior operations role with an established critical infrastructure specialist operating in a growing UK and European market.
It offers the chance to step into a visible leadership position, with direct access to senior decision‑makers and experienced design, commercial, commissioning and delivery support around you.
For someone coming from an electrical, MEP or specialist subcontractor background, it is a chance to move into a broader operations role without losing touch with the detail of delivery.
For a confidential conversation, contact Ryan Dickenson at Morson Edge.
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Contact Details:
Morson Human Resources Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨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 Morson Human Resources Limited, 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 Morson Human Resources Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
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 Morson Human Resources Limited
✨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!
