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- Tasks: Lead complex mechanical lifting projects from start to finish, ensuring smooth operations.
- Company: Established specialist in mechanical lifting and installation across the UK and Europe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contributions, life cover, and private medical insurance.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role with real authority and potential for growth into a Director position.
- Qualifications: Strong mechanical engineering background and experience managing high-risk projects.
- Other info: Join a trusted team known for tackling challenging jobs with deep technical expertise.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ 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 - Moving/Lifiting employer: Thomas Lee Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Thomas Lee Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Moving/Lifiting
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you’ve been on the ground, share those real-life experiences in conversations. Talk about specific projects where you’ve tackled challenges head-on. This shows you’re not just a suit but someone who knows the score.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. Don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you; reach out and have genuine chats. You never know who might be looking for someone with your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! If you see a company you want to work for, don’t hesitate to drop them a message. Express your interest and ask about potential roles. Sometimes, the best opportunities aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 4
Use our website to apply! We make it easy for you to connect with top companies in the engineering sector. Plus, we’re all about personal connections, so don’t shy away from reaching out directly if you have questions!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Moving/Lifiting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience: When 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. Use clear language to describe your past roles and responsibilities. We appreciate a no-nonsense approach that gets straight to the point, just like the work we do.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading teams, share examples of how you've successfully managed and developed engineers or site teams. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and set clear expectations without micromanaging.
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 proactive, which is exactly what we like to see!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thomas Lee Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid grasp 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 talk theory!
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've led teams in the past. Think about times when you’ve had to mentor engineers or resolve conflicts on site. Highlight your natural authority and how you’ve earned respect from your peers—this will show you’re ready for a senior role.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving
Expect questions about how you handle unexpected challenges. Have a few scenarios in mind where you successfully navigated issues that didn’t appear on spreadsheets. This will demonstrate your practical mindset and ability to think on your feet.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with the commercial aspects of project management. Be prepared to discuss margin control and how you’ve previously identified when a job is drifting. Showing that you can balance technical and commercial responsibilities will set you apart.
