Operations Manager / Director of Operations

Smiley & Co, Ltd.; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist engineering consultancy in the UK is seeking an Operations Manager / Director of Operations to drive strategic vision and oversee project delivery. This pivotal role involves collaborating with senior leadership, leading engineering teams, and ensuring operational effectiveness. Candidates should have proven experience in strategic operations, project governance, and a degree in engineering. This position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to shape a growing business.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an operations manager or director with strong strategic vision.
• Significant project management experience within electrical consulting environments.
• Ability to lead and inspire engineering project teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic vision and operational plans aligned with company goals.
• Lead engineering teams to ensure project consistency and performance.
• Oversee governance frameworks ensuring compliance with regulations.

Skills

Strategic vision formulation

Project management

Leadership

Financial awareness

Continuous improvement mentality

Education

Degree in electrical engineering or related field

Project management qualification or equivalent

Job description

Operations Manager / Director of Operations

Join to apply for the Operations Manager / Director of Operations role at Smiley & Co, Ltd.

Location: Middlesbrough
Salary: £100,000 – £120,000
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time

Our client is seeking a strategic and dynamic Operations Director / Operations Manager to join a growing specialist engineering consultancy. Reporting into the Managing Director, this pivotal role will involve working closely with the leadership team to translate strategic objectives into actionable plans and ensure the efficient delivery of projects while maintaining a high-quality standard.

Our client has a strong values-based culture which is at the heart of everything they do. They are dedicated to creating an environment where trust, results, unity, and excellence shape their actions and decisions. They encourage team members to flourish, collaborate, and innovate, ensuring that every voice is valued and heard.

The Role

• Working with the Managing Director and collaborating closely with senior leadership to develop a comprehensive strategic vision, alongside operational delivery plans that are closely aligned with organisational goals.
• Lead and provide support to their engineering teams, ensuring consistency and high performance across all projects to meet and exceed expectations.
• Take the lead on transformation initiatives which create efficiencies and enhance operational effectiveness.
• Work collaboratively with HR, Finance, and Sales/Marketing teams to ensure that all operational activities are aligned with their commercial objectives and overall business strategy.
• Proactively address any challenges that arise within projects or with clients, maintaining trust and effectively supporting their project management teams in navigating complex situations.
• Oversee the governance frameworks in place, ensuring that the company remains compliant with regulations and effectively manages risks.
• Enhance their project delivery systems and workflows to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and overall quality of output.
• Implement and utilise tools designed to track resource utilisation and performance metrics, providing valuable insights for improvement.
• Balance workloads and allocate resources effectively among senior engineers and project leads to optimise team performance.
• Monitor P&L's, operational costs and budgets closely in collaboration with the finance team, ensuring financial accountability and sustainability.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement across all functions, encouraging teams to seek innovative solutions and best practices.
• Lead through influence, empowering teams to take ownership of their work and achieve outstanding results.
• Foster strong partnerships across various departments, promoting open communication and collaboration to drive collective success.
• Represent the company in client discussions with professionalism and integrity, maintaining trust and confidence in their capabilities.

Experience Required

• Proven experience of working as an operations manager or operations director, formulating strategic vision and balancing with operational execution.
• Significant experience senior project management roles within electrical consulting or technical environments.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire engineering project teams.
• Proven track record of enhancing performance and project governance.
• Strong understanding of project lifecycles, resource planning and delivery assurance.
• Strong financial awareness, P&L's, connecting operational performance with business outcomes.
• Analytical and solutions-focused, with the ability to navigate complex situations.
• Calm under pressure, motivated by continuous improvement.
• Experience working within a senior leadership team in a start-up or scaling business is advantageous.
• A degree in electrical engineering or a related technical field.
• A project management qualification or equivalent.

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a growing business while fostering a culture of value and excellence. If you are interested and feel you have the skills and experience, we encourage you to apply.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable company, please do not hesitate to apply.