Operations Manager

• Operations Manager / Operations Lead
• Electrical, MEP & Critical Infrastructure Delivery
• Manchester based | £90,000+Morson is working exclusively with an established critical infrastructure specialist to appoint a senior Operations Manager / Operations Lead.This is a Manchester-based role with a business operating across the UK and Europe, delivering technically demanding projects 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.
• Someone who can lead teams, manage programme pressure, challenge design, stay close to the commercial position, work with clients and keep 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.What you’ll be doing
• You will be responsible for the safe, commercial and technical delivery of complex electrical, MEP and CSA packages.This is a senior operations role, but it is still close to the work.
• You will be expected to support project teams, manage package performance, control risk and maintain proper project discipline from design coordination through to close-out.Key responsibilities include:

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

Making sure the right drawings, models and project information are being 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 forWe 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.