Operations Manager in Bury St Edmunds

Quartzelec is an independent, multi-disciplined service provider, proudly employing over 600 people in the UK and beyond, with a turnover exceeding £90 million. We specialise in contracting and rotating machine services, and our expertise in repairing and maintaining motors and generators is backed by over 100 years of experience in the field. We take pride in being an engineering authority with a strategic global presence, dedicated to meeting the unique needs of our clients. Join us for a unique experience where we value autonomy, giving our employees responsibility and ownership in their areas of expertise.

Quartzelec is seeking an experienced, commercially focused Operations Manager to lead and develop our East Anglia Water Industry profit centre. In this strategic and hands‐on leadership role, you will be responsible for all operational, financial, customer and people activities within the water industry business unit. You will ensure strong financial performance, drive operational excellence, build client relationships, and maintain a continuous pipeline of high‐quality work through business development and effective team leadership. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated leader with strong water industry experience—ideally with exposure to Anglian Water—to make a significant impact on a growing business area.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operations of the East Anglia Water Industry profit centre, ensuring high standards of safety, quality, and delivery.
• Take full accountability for P&L, budgets, forecasting, commercial performance, cash flow, and overall profit‐centre growth.
• Manage operations, processes, and procedures to ensure "right first time" outcomes and excellent customer satisfaction.
• Read, interpret, and apply contract requirements with support from management and the Commercial team.
• Identify market opportunities, secure new business, and lead tendering activity.
• Set clear, measurable goals to drive team performance and operational improvements.
• Proactively control costs, improve efficiency, and increase profitability.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and safety rules at all times.
• Lead all HR‐related activities including coaching, development, and workforce performance.
• Model professional behaviours, leadership standards, and promote a high‐performance culture.
• Support the Business Manager with additional duties as required.

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable experience managing an engineering or utilities‐based operational team.
• Proven track record managing P&L, budgets and commercial performance over £3 million.
• Strong customer focus with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in business development or successfully increasing revenue and profitability.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and drive a high‐performing workforce.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the UK water industry; experience with Anglian Water is highly desirable.
• Degree or HND in Quantity Surveying, Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• 5+ years' experience managing within an engineering business.
• IOSH or SMSTS (Health & Safety for Managers).

Benefits

• Contributory salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Company Vehicle
• Life insurance (4× your salary)
• Enhanced annual leave entitlement, in addition to bank holidays
• Company‐funded gym subsidy payments
• Annual vision allowance
• Free 24/7 remote GP service
• Employee referral program
• Long‐service recognition awards
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Access to free electric/hybrid vehicle charging points
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Extensive professional development through our in‐house training academy
• Career‐enhancing training events
• Exclusive employee discounts and various concessions via our corporate perks platform

At Quartzelec, we take great pride in our commitment to developing the next generation of talent, as demonstrated by our active engagement with over 100 apprentices. In recognition of our efforts, we were honoured to receive the Employer Recognition Award from two of our training providers in 2025. We are dedicated to fostering growth and supporting our apprentices through guidance and mentorship, enabling them to achieve their full potential.

We offer a distinctive working experience within a company that values autonomy, empowering employees with the responsibility and ownership of their areas of expertise. This approach not only allows you to make a meaningful impact but also creates opportunities for significant career advancement.

Closing Date: TBC

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Strictly no agencies please.

Seniority level: Mid‐Senior level

Employment type: Full‐time

Job function: Management