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- Tasks: Lead complex lifting and installation projects across the UK, from quote to delivery.
- Company: Established specialist in mechanical lifting and installation with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contributions, life cover, and private medical insurance.
- Why this job: Step into a senior role with real authority and potential for directorship.
- Qualifications: Strong mechanical engineering background and experience in high-risk project management.
- Other info: Join a trusted team known for tackling challenging projects with serious equipment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a senior operational leadership role for someone who understands mechanical lifting. Not in theory. In practice. Been on the ground, done the role. Knows the score.
You’ll take control of complex lifting, moving, and installation projects across the UK, from specialist projects to standard tasks. From the first numbers on a quote through to delivery on site, margin protection, and sign-off, it’s yours to own. You’ll have the authority to make decisions that matter, technically and commercially.
There is site travel. There are problems that don’t appear on spreadsheets. When a lift needs rethinking, access changes, or a job starts drifting, you’re the one who steps in and sorts it. That’s the job.
You’ll lead engineers, supervisors, and technicians, setting standards, sharing experience, and developing capability across the operation. This is not micromanagement. Its leadership is built on credibility.
You’ll work closely with the Managing Director, contributing to operational strategy, process improvement, and long-term planning. With the MD moving towards retirement, this role is designed to grow into a Director position. Not as a title. As a responsibility.
What you’ll be doing:
- Managing large-scale mechanical lifting and installation projects from quotation to completion.
- Taking full operational and commercial responsibility for project delivery and margin control.
- Leading and developing engineers and site teams, mentoring and setting clear expectations.
- Improving systems, planning, and processes to increase efficiency and profitability.
- Acting as the senior technical and operational decision-maker when projects don’t go to plan.
- Working alongside the MD on succession planning and the future direction of the business.
What you’ll need:
- A strong mechanical engineering background within lifting, moving, installation, or heavy engineering environments.
- Experience running complex, high-risk, technically demanding projects.
- Commercial awareness. You know early when a job is drifting and how to pull it back.
- Natural authority with engineers and site teams. You’ve earned respect on the ground.
- A practical, decisive mindset. You don’t hide behind process when action is needed.
About the business:
This is an established specialist mechanical lifting and installation operation working across the UK and Europe. The work ranges from major industrial moves and installations through to smaller, high-precision lifting projects. They operate with serious equipment, deep technical expertise, and a problem-solving mindset. This is a business trusted to handle jobs others won’t touch.
In addition to salary, the package includes pension contributions, life cover, and private medical insurance.
If you’re already operating at this level but without real authority, progression, or a clear future, this role should get your attention.
You can call me, Mark Hopkins. Google Thomas Lee Recruitment. All contact comes directly to me. No CV ready? That’s fine. A straight conversation comes first.
About Us:
At Thomas Lee Recruitment, we specialise in connecting engineers and technical salespeople with leading companies in the engineering sector. We pride ourselves on offering a personalised, professional, and transparent recruitment service. Our focus is on understanding both client and candidate needs to ensure the best possible match.
How to Apply:
All applications will be responded to. Please ensure you have the right to work in the UK before applying. By applying for this role, you accept our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers, which can be found on our website.
Operations Manager - Lifting/Moving/Cranes... employer: Thomas Lee Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Thomas Lee Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Lifting/Moving/Cranes...
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you’ve got experience in mechanical lifting, don’t just talk about it—show it. When you’re chatting with potential employers, share real-life examples of how you’ve tackled challenges on-site. This will help you stand out as someone who knows the score.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. Don’t be shy to reach out to people in similar roles. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet. Plus, we recommend checking out our website for openings that match your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to think on your feet! In this line of work, things can change quickly. Prepare for interviews by thinking about how you’d handle unexpected situations. Employers love candidates who can adapt and make decisions under pressure—so show them you’re that person!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation. If you’re not CV-ready, that’s cool! Just pick up the phone and have a chat with recruiters like us at Thomas Lee Recruitment. We value direct communication and can help guide you through the process without the formalities.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Lifting/Moving/Cranes...
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience in mechanical lifting and installation. We want to see that you've been on the ground, tackling complex projects just like the ones we handle.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and fluff. Just tell us what you’ve done, how you did it, and the impact it had.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading teams, share examples of how you've mentored or developed others in your previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and set clear expectations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thomas Lee Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of mechanical lifting and installation processes. Brush up on your practical experience and be ready to share specific examples from your past projects. This role demands real-world knowledge, so don’t just rely on theory.
✨Show Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about times when you’ve had to mentor engineers or resolve conflicts on site. Highlight your ability to inspire respect and authority without micromanaging.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving
Expect questions about how you handle unexpected challenges on-site. Prepare some scenarios where you had to think on your feet and make quick decisions. Show that you can adapt and find solutions when things don’t go according to plan.
✨Understand the Business Goals
Familiarise yourself with the company’s operational strategy and long-term goals. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to improving efficiency and profitability. Showing that you’re aligned with their vision will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
