Operations Manager; Construction

Position: Operations Manager (Construction)
AWC is working with an established contractor in the power and utilities sector to identify an experienced Operations/Construction Manager to oversee the delivery of high-voltage substation projects across the UK.

This is an excellent opportunity for a construction professional with a strong background in high-voltage infrastructure, site management and project delivery. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating multiple live projects, managing resources, maintaining safety and quality standards, and ensuring projects are delivered efficiently from pre-construction through to completion.

Experience across 11kV, 66kV, 132kV, 275kV and 400kV substations is highly desirable, alongside a thorough understanding of National Grid, DNO and IDNO requirements.

Key Responsibilities

* Oversee multiple high-voltage substation projects, potentially managing up to 26 live projects simultaneously.

* Manage project delivery from pre-construction planning through to completion and handover.

* Coordinate labour, subcontractors, site teams, equipment and project resources.

* Monitor project programmes, manage critical paths and resolve operational and technical challenges.

* Review existing processes and procedures, implementing improvements where required.

* Ensure compliance with CDM regulations, health and safety requirements, environmental standards and quality procedures.

* Oversee RAMS, Construction Phase Plans, Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) and site documentation.

* Conduct site inspections, audits and safety monitoring, particularly for high-risk activities.

* Work closely with Project Managers, Site Managers, engineers, clients and subcontractors to maintain project progress.

* Manage equipment procurement, supplier relationships and resource forecasting.

* Identify project variations, issue Early Warning Notices and highlight potential commercial or programme risks.

* Support the development of construction teams, operational processes and long-term resource strategies.

* Promote sustainability, continuous improvement and best practice across all projects.

Essential Experience and Skills

* Proven experience in Construction Management, ideally within high-voltage substations or electrical infrastructure.

* Knowledge of substation installations, including AIS and GIS environments.

* Experience working across multiple project sites and managing competing resource requirements.

* Strong understanding of CDM, health and safety, SHEQ and quality assurance.

* Experience reviewing RAMS, Construction Phase Plans and Inspection and Test Plans.

* Strong leadership, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.

* Ability to manage contractors, monitor project performance and resolve site-based challenges.

* Commercial awareness, including scope management, variations and Early Warning Notices.

* Excellent organisational, planning and communication skills.

Desirable Project Experience

Experience working on National Grid and DNO projects, including transformer and circuit breaker replacements, protection upgrades, GIS installations and Black start projects, would be advantageous.

Apply Now

If you are an experienced Construction Manager with a background in high-voltage substations and are looking for your next opportunity within the power and utilities sector, we would welcome a confidential discussion.

Contact Alan at AWC Staff Services to discuss the opportunity and find out more