At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in renewable heating, ensuring quality and compliance across projects.
- Company: Join Heatforce, a top player in renewable energy with a strong social purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and 33 days holiday.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving sustainable energy solutions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the transition to Net Zero while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in operational management with technical expertise in heating systems.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Valoris Group is recruiting for an experienced Operations Manager to join Heatforce, one of the UK's leading renewable energy and energy services providers, based in Cardiff, Wales. With over 40 years of industry experience, Heatforce has built a strong reputation for quality, innovation and large-scale delivery within renewable heating, gas, solar and energy efficiency services. As demand for sustainable heating solutions continues to grow, this is an exciting opportunity for a strong operational leader to play a key role in the next phase of business growth.
The company is an established £50m turnover organisation with ambitious expansion plans and a clear focus on supporting the UK's transition to Net Zero. Its work helps households reduce energy costs, improve home comfort and tackle fuel poverty within local communities. This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone who can combine operational management, technical compliance, people leadership and commercial awareness within a fast-paced, regulated service environment.
The Role
Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Operations Manager will lead the day-to-day delivery of installation, service, repair and project operations, ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently, compliantly and to the highest quality standards. The successful candidate will provide both operational and technical leadership across gas and air source heat pump activities, while also supporting commercial growth through tendering, pricing and programme delivery. A key part of the role will be acting as the company's Nominated Technical Person and Gas Safe Representative, providing technical oversight, compliance leadership and support across engineer competency, audits, quality assurance and operational standards. You will also be responsible for developing high-performing teams, driving continuous improvement and ensuring the operational structure can support the company's ambitious growth plans.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead operational delivery across installation, service, repair and project teams.
- Ensure all works are delivered safely, compliantly, on time and to the highest standards.
- Drive operational performance through effective planning, resource management and continuous improvement.
- Act as the company's Nominated Technical Person and Gas Safe Representative.
- Provide technical leadership across gas and air source heat pump installation, service and repair activities.
- Maintain compliance with relevant legislation, Gas Safe requirements, accreditation standards and industry regulations.
- Oversee engineer competency, technical standards, audit preparation and quality assurance processes.
- Support Gas Safe inspections, audits and any corrective actions arising from compliance reviews.
- Provide technical guidance across heating systems, pipework, radiators, controls, gas systems and ASHP installations.
- Support site teams, department leads and operational managers with complex technical queries and delivery challenges.
- Coach, develop and support operational leaders, supervisors and field-based teams.
- Promote clear communication and collaboration between field teams, office teams, commercial teams and senior leadership.
- Support pricing, tendering and bid submissions, particularly across social housing, local authority and energy efficiency contracts.
- Provide technical and operational input into bid opportunities, ensuring proposed works are deliverable, compliant and commercially viable.
- Support the costing of heating, gas, plumbing and ASHP works, including labour, materials, pipework, radiators and wider system requirements.
- Manage operational budgets, forecasting, resource planning and cost control.
- Monitor financial performance against targets and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity and margin.
- Work closely with senior leadership to support business growth, operational scalability and service excellence.
About You
We are looking for a hands-on operational leader who combines strong technical knowledge with proven people management, commercial awareness and compliance experience. You will need to be confident operating within a fast-paced, high-volume service and project environment, with the ability to balance safety, quality, compliance, productivity and profitability. The ideal candidate will have progressed from a technical heating, gas, plumbing or renewables background into a senior operational, contracts, service or technical management role.
Essential Experience
- Minimum 5 years' experience in a senior operational management role.
- Significant field service management experience within a service, repair, installation or project delivery environment.
- Current Gas Safe registration and relevant ACS domestic qualifications.
- Strong technical expertise across gas and air source heat pump systems.
- Strong understanding of domestic heating systems, pipework, radiators, controls and wider system requirements.
- Experience acting as a Nominated Technical Person or operating within a senior technical compliance role.
- Capability and experience to act as the company's Gas Safe Representative.
- Proven installation and project management experience within a medium-to-large organisation.
- Experience leading operational teams and delivering against performance targets.
- Strong knowledge of industry regulations, compliance requirements and accreditation frameworks.
- Budget management and financial accountability experience.
- Experience supporting pricing, tendering and bid submissions.
- Experience working with social housing, local authority, energy efficiency or public sector contracts would be highly beneficial.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable Experience
- Delivery of large-scale retrofit, energy efficiency or renewable energy programmes.
- Experience working within social housing, local authority or public sector frameworks.
- Knowledge of government-funded energy efficiency schemes and regulated installation programmes.
- Experience managing multi-discipline teams across gas, heating, plumbing, renewables and energy services.
- Experience supporting operational growth within a medium-to-large organisation.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will be a strong operational leader with excellent people management skills. They will be technically strong, commercially aware and confident making decisions in a fast-paced environment. They will be hands-on when needed, solutions-focused and able to support both field-based teams and senior leadership with clear, practical and commercially sound input. They will be comfortable leading teams through periods of growth, change and continuous improvement.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to join Heatforce in Cardiff, Wales, a growing renewable heating and energy services business with a strong heritage, ambitious growth plans and a genuine social purpose. You will play a key leadership role in shaping operational capability, improving delivery performance and supporting the wider growth of the business. The role offers a senior salary package, bonus opportunities, 33 days holiday, an Employee Assistance Programme and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a business supporting the UK's transition to Net Zero.
Locations
Operations Manager in Cardiff, Wales employer: Valoris Group Limited
Valoris Group, through its subsidiary Heatforce, is an exceptional employer located in Cardiff, Wales, offering a dynamic work environment focused on renewable energy solutions. With a commitment to employee growth and well-being, the company provides a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and an Employee Assistance Programme, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Joining Heatforce means being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a positive impact on communities while supporting the UK's transition to Net Zero.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Cardiff, Wales
✨Get Involved with Industry Events
The energy and utilities sector is always buzzing with events, trade shows, and networking opportunities. We should hit up conferences and exhibitions like Energy UK or Utility Week Live—these are prime spots to mingle with industry professionals and even snag some insider info on job openings!
✨Join Energy-focused Online Communities
Let's tap into online platforms and forums like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities specifically for energy and utilities. Not only can we showcase our knowledge, but we can also stay updated on company announcements or job leads from people already in the know.
✨Consider Industry Certifications
Pushing ahead with certifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (if you’re into safety) can give us a leg up in this competitive field. It not only builds our credibility but also shows employers that we’re serious about our career in energy and utilities.
✨Apply ThroughValoris Group Limited's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through Valoris Group Limited's website for the full-time Operations Manager role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Cardiff, Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.
Quantify Your Achievements:In our field, numbers speak volumes! Don’t just tell us about your previous roles; quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention how you improved energy efficiency by a percentage or contributed to cost savings. This makes your application more compelling and shows us just how impactful you can be.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Valoris Group Limited. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Valoris Group Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy
In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of Valoris Group Limited.
✨Brush Up on Industry Regulations
Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills
Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to Valoris Group Limited.
✨Prepare for Technical Assessments
Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.
