Operations Manager

Job Description

We’re the team behind the UK’s telecom networks—building, upgrading, and keeping the country connected! From fibre installs to 5G rollouts, we make it happen with innovation, speed, and a smile. If you love a challenge and want to be part of something big, [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is the place to be.

We’re looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead the safe, efficient, and commercially successful delivery of telecoms projects across our regional footprint. You’ll oversee multi‑disciplinary delivery teams and subcontractors, ensuring programmes are delivered to the highest standards while driving performance, quality, and continuous improvement.

This role is central to ensuring our fibre and network build activities meet client expectations, regulatory requirements, and business objectives. You’ll act as a senior operational contact for clients, provide strong commercial oversight, and build high‑performing teams capable of meeting current and future demand.

What You’ll Do

• Lead day‑to‑day operational delivery across telecoms build and installation programmes.
• Ensure all projects meet KPIs for safety, quality, timelines, productivity, and budget.
• Maintain strong field presence to monitor progress, resolve issues, and support teams.
• Drive financial performance including forecasting, cost control, margin management, and subcontractor governance.
• Act as a senior operational contact for clients, local authorities, and key stakeholders.
• Ensure full SSHEQ compliance, including RAMS, audits, incident management, and quality assurance.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, customer experience, and delivery performance.
• Lead, develop, and retain multi‑disciplinary teams, ensuring capability aligns with business needs.
• Manage multiple live telecoms projects, ensuring effective planning, prioritisation, and resource allocation.

Requirements

What You’ll Bring

• Proven operational management experience within telecoms, fibre networks, utilities, or comparable field‑based infrastructure environments, with a strong emphasis on civils delivery.
• Demonstrated leadership capability managing multidisciplinary delivery teams and subcontractors across complex build programmes.
• Deep understanding of telecoms build methodologies, SSHEQ requirements, and regulatory compliance frameworks.
• Strong commercial awareness, including experience in budgeting, forecasting, and managing cost and delivery risks.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively.
• Highly organised, capable of coordinating multiple concurrent projects in fast‑paced operational settings.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant operational management systems.

Civils Expertise (Key Requirement)

• Solid understanding of core civils construction techniques, including excavation, duct installation, chamber construction, and reinstatement activities.
• Knowledge of reinstatement standards (HAUC, SROH) and practical experience ensuring compliance with NRSWA requirements.
• Hands‑on experience with traffic management, including safe and compliant signing, lighting, and guarding arrangements.
• Ability to interpret utility drawings, identify underground service risks, and ensure safe excavation practices on site.
• Proven experience assuring reinstatement quality, including compaction, surfacing, and adherence to local authority specifications and expectations.