Operations Manager

Our client is an established ground investigation and geotechnical contractor delivering site investigation services across a range of sectors. The business supports clients across infrastructure, construction, residential, commercial and development-led projects, providing practical site investigation solutions from planning and mobilisation through to completion. With experienced operational teams, drilling resources and technical support, the company offers a hands‑on environment where senior managers can influence delivery, improve performance and support regional growth.

As Contracts Manager / Operations Manager, you will be responsible for managing ground investigation contracts and overseeing day‑to‑day operational delivery across Scotland. The role will involve coordinating project teams, drilling crews, plant, subcontractors, laboratories and commercial information to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget. You will demonstrate strong operational judgement, commercial awareness and the ability to manage people, programmes and client expectations across multiple live projects.

Experience wise we are seeking a candidate with a minimum of 7 years in ground investigation.

• Manage ground investigation contracts from mobilisation through to completion
• Oversee the planning, coordination and delivery of multiple projects
• Review project scopes, specifications, programmes and commercial requirements
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to agreed standards
• Coordinate site teams, drilling crews, subcontractors, laboratories and suppliers
• Monitor progress against programme and resolve operational issues
• Ensure project documentation, site records and deliverables are completed accurately
• Liaise with project managers, engineers, clients and internal teams throughout delivery
• Support the successful handover and close‑out of completed projects

• Lead day‑to‑day operational delivery across active ground investigation projects
• Plan and allocate labour, drilling rigs, plant, equipment and materials
• Ensure resources are used effectively across projects
• Support mobilisation, site set‑up and demobilisation activities
• Manage operational risks, delays and site constraints
• Maintain clear communication between site teams and office‑based staff
• Improve consistency, efficiency and quality across operational delivery
• Support wider regional planning and workload management

• Take responsibility for commercial performance across assigned contracts
• Monitor project budgets, costs, WIP, forecasting and profitability
• Review project expenditure and resource utilisation
• Identify variations, additional works and changes in scope
• Support applications for payment, invoicing and commercial reporting
• Maintain accurate commercial records and project financial information
• Work closely with senior management to improve margins and delivery performance
• Contribute to financial planning and operational decision‑making

• Promote strong health, safety, environmental and quality standards across all projects
• Ensure works are delivered in accordance with RAMS, project documentation and company procedures
• Monitor site compliance and safe working practices
• Support site inspections, audits and safety reviews
• Ensure incidents, hazards and near misses are reported and addressed
• Maintain high standards of technical quality and site documentation
• Encourage a positive safety culture across site and operational teams
• Lead, support and develop project managers, engineers, supervisors and site teams
• Provide clear direction and support to operational staff
• Assist with workload planning, performance management and…