Operations Manager

Job Title: Operations Manager – Civil Engineering

Location: Co. Down

Description: Hunter Savage, a specialist recruitment consultancy with deep expertise across the Built Environment, are hiring for our client — a leading civil engineering and groundworks contractor delivering complex, high-value infrastructure projects across the UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe. This Operations Manager role is a senior leadership opportunity based outside of Newry, offering real authority and accountability. The successful Operations Manager will support the Managing Director in driving operational performance, ensuring projects are planned effectively, resourced appropriately, and delivered safely and on programme.

If you are an experienced Operations Manager / Project Manager / Contract Manager seeking a role where you can influence strategy and shape future growth, this is a career-defining opportunity.

• Take full responsibility for operational delivery across live projects
• Lead and develop Project Managers, Site Managers, Engineers, and site teams
• Ensure projects are correctly set up from pre-start to completion
• Own programme certainty, sequencing, and resource planning
• Identify operational risks early and implement corrective actions
• Drive high standards of safety, quality, and site presentation
• Collaborate with Commercial and Finance teams for aligned delivery
• Act as escalation point for operational issues
• Build strong client and principal contractor relationships
• Recruit, mentor, and develop future leaders

• Senior operational or project leadership experience within civil engineering or groundworks
• Strong knowledge of construction sequencing, logistics, and programme control
• Experience managing multiple projects across locations
• Authoritative, structured leadership style with excellent communication skills
• Commercially aware with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset
• High attention to detail with strong HSEQ awareness

• Negotiable salary
• Car allowance
• Subsidised private medical cover
• Contributory pension
• 30 days annual leave
• Opportunity to shape operational strategy within a growing contractor

Next Steps – Why Hunter Savage: For further information and to apply for this Operations Manager role, please contact Adam Adair at Hunter Savage. Our consultative approach, sector insight, and long-term partnerships help professionals secure opportunities with genuine progression potential. Visit our website to explore additional Built Environment opportunities across the UK & Ireland.