Operations Manager

Operations Manager / Operations Lead

Morson is working exclusively with an established critical infrastructure specialist to appoint a senior Operations Manager / Operations Lead. This Manchester based role entails delivering technically demanding projects across the UK and Europe, where safety, programme control, commercial discipline, quality and handover all matter.

You do not need to have spent your whole career in data centres. If you have led complex electrical, MEP, CSA, building services or technical infrastructure packages for a specialist contractor, this could be a very strong move.

The role needs someone who understands delivery at subcontractor level: leading teams, managing programme pressure, challenging design, staying close to the commercial position, working with clients, and keeping projects moving through procurement, installation, commissioning and handover. You will report into the Director of Operations and take ownership of project delivery across critical infrastructure environments, with support from experienced design, commercial, commissioning and delivery teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading delivery across complex electrical, MEP, CSA and critical infrastructure projects
• Managing project teams, site teams, subcontractors, suppliers and specialist work packages
• Keeping control of programme performance, critical path activity, reporting and mitigation plans
• Working with commercial teams on cost control, variations, compensation events and monthly reporting
• Supporting procurement of plant, equipment, materials and subcontract packages
• Overseeing design coordination, drawing control, document management and BIM model updates
• Ensuring the right drawings, models and project information are used on site
• Driving a strong safety culture with a genuine "don't walk by" approach
• Managing risk registers, Early Warnings, project issues and improvement actions
• Monitoring subcontractor and supplier performance against programme and project requirements
• Supporting commissioning, witnessing, handover and close out documentation
• Building strong client relationships and keeping communication clear, factual and professional
• Supporting pre construction and work winning teams with buildability, programme and delivery input

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone with a strong background in construction operations, contracts management, senior project delivery or technical site leadership. Data centre experience would be valuable, but it is not essential. The key requirement is experience delivering complex technical packages where programme, safety, quality, commercial control and coordination are critical.

Relevant backgrounds could include:

• Electrical contracting
• MEP contracting
• Critical infrastructure
• Building services
• Technical fit out
• CSA fit out
• Critical power
• HV / LV infrastructure
• Healthcare, pharmaceutical, defence, industrial, aviation or other complex live environments
• Data centres or mission critical facilities

You Should Bring

• 10+ years' experience in construction operations, contracts management or senior project delivery
• Strong electrical, MEP, CSA or technical infrastructure delivery experience
• Experience working for a subcontractor, specialist contractor or technical delivery business
• Confidence managing project teams, site teams, suppliers and specialist work packages
• Strong programme control, reporting, critical path and mitigation planning experience
• Commercial awareness, including cost reporting, monthly reviews and P&L understanding
• Experience working with contract environments such as NEC, JCT or FIDIC
• Understanding of Earned Value Management or structured progress reporting
• Experience supporting commissioning, handover and project close out
• Strong documentation, meeting, reporting and stakeholder management discipline
• SMSTS, CSCS and a relevant health and safety qualification
• Degree qualification or equivalent industry experience

You will be based in or around Manchester, with flexibility to travel to project locations when required.

Why This Role

This is a proper senior operations role with an established critical infrastructure specialist operating in a growing UK and European market. It offers the chance to step into a visible leadership position, with direct access to senior decision makers and experienced design, commercial, commissioning and delivery support around you. For someone coming from an electrical, MEP or specialist subcontractor background, it is a chance to move into a broader operations role without losing touch with the detail of delivery.

For a confidential conversation, contact Ryan Dickenson at Morson Edge.