Operations Manager

Description:

Balfour Beatty plc, a prominent player in the UK's infrastructure and construction industry, is currently seeking a committed and experienced Operations Manager to join their Balfour Beatty Living Places team in Northampton. This is a hybrid role offering a blend of on-site visibility and flexible working arrangements, contributing to critical local infrastructure projects.

As the Operations Manager, you will assume comprehensive accountability for the operational performance and safety across multiple worksites and depots. You will lead a team of supervisors and field operatives to deliver seamless, efficient, and high-quality service while embodying Balfour Beatty’s unwavering commitment to Zero Harm and operational excellence.

You’ll be instrumental in managing and optimizing workforce deployment, ensuring competency through training, executing works programming, and driving quality outcomes. This role is central to achieving the contract’s key targets—safety, cost-effectiveness, and timely project delivery—while acting as a visible and proactive leader both in-field and at the base depot.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure full operational responsibility for performance, safety, and workforce productivity

• Serve as a line manager for Operations Supervisors and provide leadership to all operatives

• Promote and enforce the company’s Zero Harm policy across all contract activities

• Resource and manage workforce deployment efficiently to ensure project needs are met

• Ensure all team members are fully trained and certified to perform their duties

• Execute and monitor short interval work programs for optimal scheduling and output

• Support and oversee operational briefings and safety stand-down sessions with teams

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and quality assurance across all project areas

• Manage risk assessments and escalate issues with appropriate, timely solutions

• Achieve contract/project goals in alignment with safety, quality, and financial benchmarks

• Provide hands-on, visible leadership on job sites and depots to build trust and accountability

Candidate Requirements:

• Significant leadership experience in operational roles within infrastructure, maintenance, or construction sectors

• A pragmatic and solutions-oriented mindset, capable of identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies

• Effective multitasking and prioritization abilities in deadline-driven environments

• Demonstrated commitment to health & safety compliance, workforce development, and performance optimization

Benefits:

Balfour Beatty offers a flexible and inclusive work environment with a tailored benefits package that includes:

• Smart working options with up to 40% remote work and staggered hours

• 25 days of paid annual leave (pro rata)

• Family-friendly policies, including:

  • 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave

  • 4 weeks full pay for paternity/partner leave

• Pension scheme, share incentive plan, and employee recognition schemes

• Volunteering leave and meaningful social value contributions

• Career progression in a high-impact, community-centered infrastructure business

About Balfour Beatty Living Places:

Balfour Beatty Living Places forms long-term partnerships with local authorities to create sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive communities. As a leader in innovation and environmental responsibility, the company focuses on delivering value through strategic engagement and cutting-edge engineering solutions that benefit society at large.

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment:

Balfour Beatty champions a culture where everyone is welcomed and valued, regardless of background. Through various partnerships and as a Disability Confident Employer, the company ensures fair hiring practices and support for candidates requiring accommodations. Veterans, underrepresented groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.