Operations Manager in Exeter

This is a rare opportunity to take full ownership of operations in a well-established, award-winning construction business.

As Operations Manager, you will translate strategy into delivery — leading multiple projects, setting operational standards, and driving performance across the business. You will have the autonomy to shape systems, challenge inefficiencies, and build an operation that performs safely, consistently, and profitably. This role suits a hands-on, strategic leader motivated by leaving a lasting mark and helping shape the next phase of a forward-thinking contractor undergoing evolution and long-term succession planning.

You will oversee multiple live projects, ensuring excellence in safety, quality, programme, and commercial control. Beyond project delivery, your focus will be on strengthening teams, embedding robust systems, and creating a scalable, high-performing operation built for sustainable growth. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced Operations Manager seeking broader influence, genuine accountability, and potential progression into the senior management team.

This award-winning contractor delivers high-quality construction projects up to £20 million. With a long and established trading history, the business combines modern construction thinking with traditional values, consistently delivering projects safely, on programme, and to exceptional standards. They work closely with local clients, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers, building long-term relationships and creating lasting value for both customers and the communities in which they operate.

• You will take full accountability for operational performance across multiple projects, ensuring excellence in safety, quality, programme, and commercial outcomes.
• You will set operational standards, ensure projects are planned and controlled effectively, and embed a right-first-time, zero-defects culture.
• With oversight of programme strategy and commercial performance, you will proactively manage risk, challenge underperformance, recover delays, and maintain control of cost, cash flow, profit, and change management.
• A key part of your role will be improving systems and ways of working, strengthening planning, reporting, and operational efficiency to support sustainable growth.
• You will lead and develop project and site teams, building capability, accountability, and succession strength, while maintaining strong client relationships and ensuring supply chain and design processes drive buildability, compliance, and long-term value.

• An experienced construction leader with a proven track record delivering operational excellence across multiple projects or regions.
• Commercially astute and programme-focused, you are confident making autonomous decisions while remaining fully accountable for outcomes.
• You have a strong understanding of health & safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, and can oversee cost, cash flow, and profitability with confidence.
• A hands-on, strategic leader, you thrive on building teams, improving performance, and driving growth.
• Calm, structured, and decisive under pressure, you are motivated to strengthen systems, raise standards, and deliver consistent results.

This is a long-term leadership role offering the opportunity to shape operations, influence outcomes, and progress your career.

Take ownership of operations in a respected, award-winning construction business. You'll lead multiple projects, shape systems, and influence the business at a strategic level, all while building high-performing teams and driving sustainable growth. The role offers a competitive salary, car allowance, full benefits package, and potential progression into the senior management team, offering real long-term career impact.

For a confidential discussion, contact Nicky Harris at RGB Recruitment, Exeter.