Operations Manager - Cambridgeshire

Operations Manager - Cambridgeshire

We are working in partnership with a leading civil engineering organisation at the forefront of a major infrastructure alliance delivering capital maintenance and enhancement works for the water sector. As part of a strategic alliance supporting the AMP8 investment programme, this is a high-impact opportunity for a proven leader to join as an Operations Manager. You will be responsible for the direction and performance of Direct Delivery teams across civil, mechanical, and electrical disciplines-driving operational excellence, compliance, and team development across a diverse project portfolio in the utilities sector.

A little bit about my client

They are a well-established civil engineering and infrastructure specialist delivering major projects across the water, energy, transport, and built environment sectors. With a values-driven culture centred on safety, integrity, and collaboration, they offer a supportive environment where people are genuinely valued. Their project portfolio is diverse and technically interesting, spanning civil, tunnelling, and MEICA works, with long-term contracts that provide both stability and variety. The business is also committed to personal and professional development, offering structured training, apprenticeships, and clear progression pathways-making it an excellent place for ambitious professionals to grow their careers.

The Role
As Operations Manager, your focus will be on ensuring smooth, safe and effective operational delivery.
You will:

• Oversee the day-to-day execution of civil and MEICA construction activities across multiple sites.
• Ensure all work complies with health, safety, environmental and quality (HSEQ) standards and legislation.
• Support the planning and coordination of works to meet delivery programmes, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Monitor and drive productivity and efficiency across active sites, ensuring best-for-task methodologies are applied.
• Carry out regular site inspections and audits, ensuring safe systems of work and adherence to risk assessments and method statements.
• Challenge and improve plant, equipment, and material usage to control costs and increase operational effectiveness.
• Coordinate with stakeholders and supply chain partners to ensure smooth material logistics and subcontractor integration.
• Contribute to construction planning and scheduling, identifying and mitigating risks to progress and delivery milestones.
• Attend senior operational and HSEQ meetings to report on progress, raise concerns, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

What We're Looking For

• Significant operational management experience within the construction or infrastructure sector, preferably in water/utilities.
• Strong understanding of delivering Civil and MEICA works in a highly regulated environment.
• Excellent knowledge of construction health and safety standards and compliance requirements (CDM).
• Demonstrated experience in planning, site coordination, and operational delivery on multi-site projects.
• Qualifications including: CSCS Black Card, SMSTS, NRSWA Supervisor, Lift Supervisor, First Aid.
• Proficient in MS Office applications and construction reporting tools.

This is a senior opportunity to shape the operational success of a major infrastructure programme.

If you're an experienced construction professional with a passion for delivering operational excellence, we encourage your application.