At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations in materials testing, ensuring efficiency and quality standards.
- Company: Join MSS, a trusted leader in materials testing with nearly 30 years of expertise.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values professionalism and integrity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving operational excellence in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and knowledge of testing standards required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
About Us
MSS (Materials Site Services) has been providing specialist materials testing services since 1995, offering expert UKAS accredited laboratory and on-site testing of concrete, bituminous materials and soils, as well as comprehensive on-site sampling services. We operate across Scotland, the North and the Midlands, working with a diverse range of sectors including construction, infrastructure, and development projects. Our high quality and responsive services have been trusted by contractors, consultants, designers and local councils, Transport Scotland and National Highways, GE technical engineering companies and structural developers for nearly three decades. We maintain a supportive and professional working environment where everyone can thrive, with a strong reputation for technical excellence, reliability, and exceptional client service.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and driven Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day running of our materials testing operation from our Inverness base. This is a hands-on leadership role at the heart of our delivery capability – ensuring our laboratory and field testing teams operate safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards. As Operations Manager, you will take ownership of everything from resource planning and scheduling to accreditation compliance and continuous improvement. You will lead supervisors and technicians, drive operational performance, and work closely with our commercial team to ensure we consistently exceed client expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead daily operations across laboratory and field-testing teams, ensuring work is planned, assigned and executed efficiently.
- Own resource planning including staffing, shift patterns, vehicle and equipment allocation, and capacity management.
- Ensure all testing is performed in accordance with relevant standards and client specifications, with technically valid and traceable results.
- Maintain and improve the Quality Management System (QMS), including document control, internal audits, corrective actions and continuous improvement.
- Support and maintain UKAS/ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements and coordinate external audits and assessor visits.
- Drive Health, Safety and Environmental compliance including risk assessments, method statements, incident investigation and behavioural safety.
- Manage equipment calibration and maintenance programmes, ensuring instruments are fit for purpose and records are current.
- Oversee sample logistics and chain-of-custody processes including receipt, labelling, storage and disposal.
- Monitor operational KPIs such as turnaround time, right-first-time rates, utilisation and non-conformances, and implement improvement actions.
- Develop, coach and appraise team members; manage recruitment, onboarding, training and competence assessments.
- Coordinate with commercial and client-facing teams to plan workloads, prioritise urgent requests and communicate schedules and any issues.
- Ensure accurate job costing inputs and operational reporting; identify efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities while protecting quality and safety.
- Manage supplier relationships for equipment, calibration services, PPE and consumables.
- Support technical problem-solving including out-of-spec investigations, root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.
Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
Essential Requirements:
- Proven operations management experience within a materials testing, construction materials, geotechnical, civil engineering laboratory, or similar technical services environment.
- Strong working knowledge of laboratory and field testing operations, sampling practices and relevant test standards.
- Demonstrable experience operating within a formal quality system such as ISO 9001, and ideally ISO/IEC 17025 or UKAS-accredited environments.
- Experience leading teams of supervisors, technicians and support staff, including performance management and competency development.
- Sound understanding of HSE requirements for laboratory and site activities including RAMS, COSHH, PPE and incident reporting.
- Good commercial awareness including planning, utilisation, cost control and service delivery.
- Educated to HNC/HND/Degree level in a relevant discipline such as Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Geology or Construction, or equivalent practical experience.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable:
- Experience within a UKAS-accredited testing environment.
- Familiarity with Lean or continuous improvement methodologies.
- Knowledge of the Highlands region and its construction or infrastructure market.
- Established network within the construction, civil engineering or infrastructure sectors in Scotland.
Join Us
You’ll be joining a business where your contribution matters and where professionalism, integrity and teamwork are genuinely valued. As part of the wider Celnor Group, you’ll benefit from group-wide investment, shared expertise and opportunities to develop your career as the organisation continues to grow.
Salary and Benefits
- Competitive salary dependent on experience.
- A key leadership role within MSS Highlands operations.
- Supportive team environment with backing from the wider Celnor Group.
- Opportunity to shape and drive operational excellence within a business with ambitious growth plans.
- Work within a company with nearly three decades of industry expertise and UKAS accreditation.
This is an excellent opportunity for a technically credible, quality-focused operations professional who thrives on leading teams and delivering results. If you have the experience, drive and commitment to uphold the standards MSS is known for, we want to hear from you.
MSS is committed to providing equal opportunities and values diversity in the workplace. To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter explaining why you’re the right fit for this role.
Important Information
Celnor Group and its businesses manage recruitment directly. We do not require agency support for this role and will only engage with recruitment partners from our preferred supplier list where necessary. We may use technology, including AI-enabled tools, to support parts of the recruitment process. AI is not used for candidate screening, scoring or hiring decisions. All hiring decisions are made by people, for people. Our recruitment systems are ISO 42001 accredited, reflecting our commitment to ethical, transparent and responsible use of technology.
Operations Manager employer: MSS
MSS (Materials Site Services) is an exceptional employer located in Inverness, offering a supportive and professional work environment where employees can thrive. With nearly three decades of industry expertise, competitive salaries, and a commitment to employee development, MSS provides unique opportunities for growth within the Celnor Group, ensuring that your contributions are valued and recognised in a company dedicated to operational excellence and client satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. 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 operations. Understand their values and recent projects, so you can tailor your answers to show how you fit into their culture and can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your experience and skills confidently when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at MSS.
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 relevant experience in materials testing and operations management, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you’re the perfect fit for MSS and how your background aligns with our values and goals. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your operational excellence. Use metrics where possible to show how you’ve driven performance and improved processes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MSS
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of materials testing and the relevant standards. Familiarise yourself with ISO/IEC 17025 and UKAS accreditation requirements, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll be leading teams, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed and developed staff in the past. Think about specific situations where you improved team performance or resolved conflicts, and be ready to discuss them during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
The role involves technical problem-solving, so come equipped with examples of challenges you've faced in previous positions. Highlight your approach to root cause analysis and how you implemented corrective actions. This will illustrate your ability to think critically and drive operational excellence.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research MSS and the Celnor Group to understand their values and work environment. Be ready to explain why you want to join their team and how you align with their commitment to quality and client service. Showing that you fit into their culture can set you apart from other candidates.
