Technical Operations Manager

Technical Operations Manager

Position Summary

The Technical Operations Manager is responsible for leading the delivery of complex water treatment projects and service activities. Working closely with engineers, technicians, clients, and senior management, the role combines operational leadership with a strong field presence, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest technical standards.

The successful candidate will be expected to spend a significant proportion of their time on-site, providing technical guidance, supporting engineers, overseeing complex projects, troubleshooting operational challenges, and maintaining strong client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Operational & Technical Leadership

Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of water treatment projects, installations, remedial works, and technical service activities.

Provide direct operational and technical support to engineers and site teams.

Attend customer sites to oversee complex, high-risk, or technically challenging works.

Act as the operational lead for project mobilisation, execution, and completion.

Support troubleshooting and problem-solving for water treatment systems, dosing equipment, cooling towers, closed systems, steam boilers, and associated plant, including chlorine dioxide plant

Ensure all works are completed in accordance with company procedures, industry guidance, and regulatory requirements.

Field-Based Management

Maintain a regular presence on customer sites alongside engineers and technicians.

Conduct site inspections, audits, and quality assurance reviews.

Provide coaching, mentoring, and technical development for operational staff.

Lead by example in promoting safe working practices and professional standards.

Support emergency callouts, critical incidents, and major project activities where required.

Project Delivery

Manage complex and high-value water treatment projects from planning through to completion.

Coordinate labour, materials, subcontractors, and specialist resources.

Monitor project performance, budgets, timelines, and quality standards.

Ensure accurate documentation, reporting, and client communication throughout project delivery.

Health, Safety

Ensure full compliance with HSE legislation, ACOP L8, HSG
274, and relevant water treatment industry standards.

Conduct risk assessments and site safety inspections.

Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions where necessary.

Essential Experience

Significant experience within the water treatment industry.

Strong technical knowledge of closed systems, cooling towers, boiler water treatment, pre-commission cleaning, disinfection, and remedial works.

Experience managing field-based engineers.

Proven ability to lead complex projects and technical problem-solving activities.

Strong understanding of water hygiene and regulatory compliance requirements.

Key Competencies

Technical leadership

Project management

Client relationship management

Team development and mentoring

Commercial awareness

Problem solving and decision making