Operations Manager - Roofing & Construction in Brighton

Location: West Sussex

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

The Opportunity

SearchTech is recruiting an experienced Operations Manager for an established specialist roofing and construction contractor based in West Sussex. This is a senior management appointment with responsibility for overseeing the operational performance of a portfolio of roofing projects while directly supporting the delivery of a small number of high-profile contracts. The successful candidate will take a leading role across project delivery, people management, resource planning, commercial performance, quality, health and safety, supply chain management and continuous improvement. We are looking for a commercially aware and operationally strong construction professional who can provide leadership to project teams while ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, profitably and to a consistently high standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
• Provide senior operational oversight across the company's roofing project portfolio.
• Directly manage a small number of significant or high-profile projects where required.
• Ensure projects are aligned with client expectations, agreed programmes and company standards.
• Support project teams from mobilisation through to completion.
• Develop effective project programmes and delivery schedules.
• Identify operational risks and implement corrective actions at an early stage.
• Ensure projects are appropriately resourced and managed throughout their lifecycle.
• Introduce and maintain effective quality assurance processes.
• Drive consistently high standards across project delivery.
• Resource Management
• Review workforce capabilities and allocate resources according to experience, skills and project requirements.
• Support the identification and recruitment of new installers, subcontractors and operational personnel where required.
• Ensure appropriate levels of labour are available across the project portfolio.
• Oversee effective procurement of high-quality materials in line with the company's supply chain strategy.
• Minimise material waste and operational inefficiency.
• Ensure appropriate systems are in place for managing company tools, plant and machinery.
• Ensure equipment is properly maintained and available when required.
• Team Leadership & Development
• Lead and support operational staff across the business.
• Conduct regular performance and Personal Development Plan reviews.
• Identify areas for improvement and recognise high-performing team members.
• Identify training requirements and coordinate appropriate training and development.
• Develop the capabilities of project managers, site managers and wider operational personnel.
• Support succession planning across the operational team.
• Address workplace issues and conflicts professionally and constructively.
• Promote accountability, teamwork and high professional standards.
• Client Relationships
• Maintain strong relationships with key clients throughout project delivery.
• Ensure clients receive appropriate and timely communication regarding project progress.
• Support the resolution of client issues and concerns.
• Establish effective processes for gathering client feedback.
• Use client feedback to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure projects are completed and handed over professionally.
• Maintain strong post-completion relationships and ensure outstanding matters are resolved promptly.
• Support the development of repeat business through consistently strong project delivery.
• Process & Continuous Improvement
• Regularly review operational workflows to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
• Develop and implement improved working practices where appropriate.
• Maintain awareness of industry developments, technologies and operational best practice.
• Encourage employees to contribute ideas for improving project delivery.
• Ensure key operational and project documentation is accurate and regularly updated.
• Maintain visibility of the project order book, future workload and operational resource requirements.
• Commercial & Financial Management
• Work closely with pre-construction and commercial teams during tendering and project mobilisation.
• Support the preparation and review of project budgets.
• Assist with price certainty and commercial risk assessment prior to project commencement.
• Monitor live project costs against agreed budgets.
• Review monthly job costing and project performance.
• Challenge potential overspends and implement corrective action where necessary.
• Review project profitability and identify opportunities to improve commercial performance.
• Ensure operational teams understand the commercial implications of project decisions.
• Health, Safety & Compliance
• Maintain a strong understanding of relevant building, construction and health and safety legislation.
• Ensure projects operate in accordance with statutory requirements and internal procedures.
• Ensure project documentation is complete, accurate and available for inspections and audits.
• Oversee implementation of appropriate site safety procedures.
• Ensure employees and subcontractors comply with required safety standards.
• Work closely with internal and external health and safety professionals.
• Promote a proactive health and safety culture throughout the operational team.
• Supply Chain Management
• Develop strong working relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors.
• Ensure the supply chain provides the quality, reliability and commercial performance required by the business.
• Support contract and commercial negotiations with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Work collaboratively with pre-construction teams during procurement and tendering.
• Monitor the delivery of goods and services to ensure project programmes are maintained.
• Identify new supply chain partners where required.
• Support the development of a reliable and commercially competitive preferred supply chain.
• Senior Management & Communication
• Provide senior management with clear and accurate information regarding operational performance.
• Escalate significant operational, commercial or project risks promptly.
• Provide visibility of successes, opportunities and potential liabilities.
• Ensure relevant information is communicated effectively throughout operational teams.
• Work collaboratively with directors, commercial teams, pre-construction teams and support functions.
• Contribute to wider business planning and operational strategy.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate is likely to have:

• Significant experience within roofing, construction or a closely related specialist contracting environment.
• Previous experience managing multiple projects and operational teams.
• Strong roofing or building-envelope knowledge would be highly advantageous.
• Experience managing Site Managers, Contracts Managers, subcontractors and direct labour.
• Strong project programming and resource planning skills.
• Good commercial awareness including budgets, project costs and profitability.
• Strong understanding of construction health and safety requirements.
• Experience managing client relationships at a senior level.
• Strong supply chain and subcontractor management experience.
• The ability to identify operational problems and implement practical solutions.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• A hands-on management style combined with the ability to operate strategically.
• Full UK driving licence.

The Package

A competitive senior management package will be offered, dependent upon experience. The position provides the opportunity to join an established specialist contractor in an influential role with genuine responsibility for operational performance, team development and the continued growth of the business.

SearchTech is acting as recruitment partner for this appointment. Applications and enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.