At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in the water industry, ensuring safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Quartzelec, a leading engineering service provider with over 100 years of experience.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits including private healthcare, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a growing business area while enjoying autonomy and career advancement.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing engineering teams and strong knowledge of the UK water industry.
- Other info: Join a company committed to developing talent and fostering a high-performance culture.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Quartzelec is an independent, multi-disciplined service provider, proudly employing over 600 people in the UK and beyond, with a turnover exceeding ÂŁ90 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.
The Opportunity
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.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the operations of the East Anglia Water Industry profit centre, ensuring high standards of safety, quality, and delivery.
- Full accountability for P&L, budgets, forecasting, commercial performance, cash flow, and overall profit centre growth.
- Managing operations, processes, and procedures to ensure “right first time” outcomes and excellent customer satisfaction.
- Reading, interpreting, and applying contract requirements with support from management and the Commercial team.
- Identifying market opportunities, securing new business, and leading tendering activity.
- Setting clear, measurable goals to drive team performance and operational improvements.
- Proactively controlling costs, improving efficiency, and increasing profitability.
- Ensuring compliance with company policies and Safety Rules at all times.
- Leading all HR-related activities including coaching, development, and workforce performance.
- Role modelling professional behaviours, leadership standards, and promoting a high-performance culture.
- Supporting the Business Manager with additional duties as required.
Your skills and experiences:
- Demonstrable experience managing an engineering or utilities-based operational team.
- Proven track record managing P&L, budgets and commercial performance over ÂŁ3 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
- Private Healthcare & Cashback plan
- Life insurance (4x 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
Additionally, you’ll have access to a wide range of supplementary benefits, including:
- 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
Why Quartzelec?
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.
Operations Manager employer: Quartzelec Limited
Contact Detail:
Quartzelec Limited Recruiting Team
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 water industry, especially those who have experience with Anglian Water. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Quartzelec's values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your leadership style aligns with our commitment to operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your P&L management experience and how you've driven profitability in past roles. We want to hear about your successes and how you can replicate them at Quartzelec.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
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 experience in managing P&L and leading teams, especially in the water industry. We want to see how your skills align with what Quartzelec is looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your leadership and customer focus, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for Quartzelec.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your work history, focus on achievements rather than just duties. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you’ve improved efficiency or increased profitability in previous roles. We love seeing concrete results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Quartzelec team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Quartzelec Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Operations Manager, you'll be accountable for P&L and budgets. Brush up on your financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets over ÂŁ3 million in the past. This shows you understand the commercial side of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership skills. Think about times when you've motivated a team or improved performance. Quartzelec values high-performance culture, so demonstrating your ability to lead effectively will set you apart.
✨Understand the Water Industry
Familiarise yourself with the UK water industry, especially if you have experience with Anglian Water. Be prepared to discuss market opportunities and how you've successfully secured new business in the past. This knowledge will show you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Safety First
Safety is paramount in this role. Be ready to talk about your experience with health and safety regulations, such as IOSH or SMSTS. Highlight how you've ensured compliance and maintained high safety standards in previous positions.