At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations at our Oil Fuel Depot, ensuring safe and efficient management of petroleum products.
- Company: Join the Oil & Pipelines Agency, a key player in UK Defence energy delivery.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, life assurance, generous pension, and healthcare schemes.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a strong focus on safety and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vital role supporting the UK's naval operations.
- Qualifications: Degree preferred with 3+ years in senior management, ideally in petroleum storage.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen at OPA, as we seek to appoint a new Operations Manager, to be based at our OFD (Oil Fuel Depot) at Thanckes, Torpoint, Cornwall. This is a hands-on supervisory role ensuring the safe delivery, efficient receipt, storage, and issue of POL (Petroleum Oil and Lubricant) bulk products for HM Navy, RFA (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) and other OPA customers, ensuring at all times activities are compliant with COMAH Regulations, with an exceptionally strong focus on ensuring no harm to people or the environment.
Whilst working as part of the Operations team, this role is directly responsible to the site Depot Manager to support and carry out all aspects of operational tasks. As well as providing general supervision and direction for berthing, and general shipping operations, with particular emphasis to jetty/shipping operations, and close liaison with third parties for the deployment of fenders, line handling and ancillary jetty services. This pivotal operational role also deputises along with the Depot Engineer for the Depot Manager, and the successful post holder must be prepared to take on any necessary responsibilities and make appropriate decisions.
Your interpersonal skills, and ability to build and maintain relationships with all our stakeholders, both internal and external, will need to be second to none. Some occasional travel with overnight stays to other sites may be required, there a full (preferably clean) driving licence is essential.
Responsibilities:
- Operate and maintain an agreed Estate Maintenance Plan, ensure with the Depot Engineer that all PPM and defects are completed in the time scale allowed.
- Through the Depot Team, responsible for maintaining and reporting of fuel stocks, ensuring that the figures are within the 0.2% tolerance for MOD product, operation of the ATG and BFIS systems. This includes manual tank dipping, measurement of water content, recording fuel levels before, during and after issues, receipts and returns.
- The Operations Manager will routinely audit and check stock levels.
- Manage and supervise the sampling of storage tanks and vessels when required, sending samples for analysis as necessary.
- Product samples to be retained and managed, as needed.
- Operate and supervise the operation of vehicles within the Depot. Ensuring that only qualified and certified staff operate such vehicles and that vehicles are regularly maintained and that such maintenance is recorded.
- Fully familiar with ship to shore checklist.
- Supervise contractors on site, where appropriate.
- Conduct and record Site Inductions for Contractors and Visitors. Ensure that Contractors are also working to any Control of Work requirements.
- When Deputising for the Depot Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management, maintenance and operations of the OFD and is to implement and ensure compliance with the systems and procedures that control marine safety as required by the PMSC and DSA02-DMR - Defence Maritime Regulations for Health, Safety and Environmental Protection.
- Understand and comply with the requirement Port Facility Security plan procedures and responsibilities.
- Carry out and comply with Operating Procedures, Safety Critical Tasks and Checklists, SSoW to include, COSHH & (Legionella, Noise) Risk Assessments.
- Ensure that the Depot maintains good standards of housekeeping, tidiness, and safety standards.
- Supervise, and where necessary be part of, confined space operations, ensuring that personnel involved in such activities are trained and assessed as competent to carry out such tasks and that they have been deemed medically fit for such duties.
- Be part of a Rostered “On-Call” Team.
- Oil Spill techniques.
- Waste management/paperwork (returns) and audits.
- Willing to undertake Short Notice overtime.
- Maintain cleanliness/operational efficiency/safe working practices, and manage all fuel movements.
Full details of the responsibilities can be found in the job description for this role, which is available to download at the bottom of this page.
The candidate:
A relevant degree will be desirable, with at least 3 years senior management experience, ideally with a proven track record in the petroleum storage industry in an Engineering or Operations management role. Experience of, or an understanding of the requirements of top tier COMAH installation and the safety culture which must prevail in such establishments is essential.
Required Knowledge/Skills:
- Excellent operations leadership and management skills.
- Strong / Excellent communication skills.
- Knowledge of hazardous area process plant environment, desirable.
- Ideally hold a relevant health and safety management qualification, or able to demonstrate an excellent safety management record.
- Knowledge of legislation relating Process Safety, COMAH, MOC and CDM and their applications.
- Good financial understanding.
- Competent with all Microsoft Office applications is essential.
Stage 1 Interviews: 7 July 2026 (By Teams)
Stage 2 Interviews: 16 July 2026 (Face to face)
The Organisation: The Oil & Pipelines Agency is a Public Corporation formed by the Oil and Pipelines Act 1985. Our current primary purpose is to manage, operate and maintain 6 Naval OFD’s (Oil Fuel Depots) and 1 Petroleum Storage Depot in the UK, as well as overseas, on behalf of the MOD. We currently have around 200 employees in the UK.
The Benefits:
- 30 days Holiday [Plus Bank Holidays]
- 4 x annual salary life assurance [after probation] & Group Income Protection Policy
- Generous Pension Scheme
- Group Healthcare Scheme (permanent staff only)
The Values:
- Innovation: We are creative and fearless in our work.
- Accountability: We take ownership of our work and lead from the front.
- Teamwork: We collaborate widely and build supportive environments.
Our Mission: To deliver and enable optimal energy outcomes, in order to enable resilience, operational capability and advantage for UK Defence.
Our Vision: To be the enduring partner of choice for UK Defence operational energy delivery.
Operations Manager in Cornwall employer: The Oil and Pipeline Agency
At OPA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and environmental responsibility. Our Operations Manager role at the Oil Fuel Depot in Thanckes, Cornwall, not only provides competitive benefits such as 30 days of holiday and a generous pension scheme but also fosters employee growth through hands-on experience in a critical sector. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values innovation, accountability, and teamwork while contributing to the operational capability of UK Defence.
Contact Details:
The Oil and Pipeline Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Cornwall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. 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 values. Understand their mission and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on articulating your experience and how it relates to the Operations Manager role. Confidence is key, so the more you practice, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Cornwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Operations Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in petroleum storage and operations management, and don’t forget to mention your understanding of COMAH regulations!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your excellent operations leadership and management skills shine through. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in high-stakes environments like oil depots.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Oil and Pipeline Agency
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarise yourself with COMAH Regulations and the specific safety protocols related to petroleum storage. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you understand the importance of safety in this role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully led a team or managed operations. Highlight your ability to make decisions under pressure, especially in a hands-on supervisory role like this one.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role requires excellent interpersonal skills, think of instances where you've built strong relationships with stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you handle communication with both internal teams and external contractors.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions that put you in real-life operational scenarios. Practice articulating how you would manage fuel stock levels, oversee safety checks, or handle emergencies. This will demonstrate your readiness for the hands-on nature of the job.
