Operations Manager

Operations Manager - Scotland

Location: Scotland Central BeltContract: Permanent, Full-timePackage: Competitive salary + Car Allowance + Flexible BenefitsReports to: Regional Director

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead the safe, successful and commercially effective delivery of our electricity network activities across Scotland.

The role will have primary responsibility for our operations supporting SP Energy Networks (SPEN) and will oversee the delivery of projects across electricity distribution and transmission networks from LV through to 400kV.

Our workload is predominantly substation based, covering secondary substations, primary substations and grid sites. The role will also require a sound understanding of overhead line and underground cable activities across distribution and transmission networks.

This is a senior operational leadership position with responsibility for safety, people, programme delivery, customer relationships, commercial performance and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will also be expected to support the wider Scotland operation, provide cover for the SSEN Operations Manager when required and deputise for the Regional Director.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the safe, efficient and commercially successful delivery of operational activities across the region

Take primary operational responsibility for the delivery of projects and programmes for SPEN

Oversee projects ranging from LV distribution works through to 400kV transmission infrastructure

Lead delivery across secondary substations, primary substations and grid sites, including construction, refurbishment, replacement and associated infrastructure works

Provide appropriate operational oversight of overhead line and underground cable activities

Lead and develop Project Managers, Site Managers, Supervisors, Engineers, Planners and operational delivery teams

Ensure projects are appropriately resourced with suitably competent people, subcontractors, plant and materials

Maintain a strong focus on health, safety, environmental and quality performance, positively challenging standards where required

Ensure works comply with Freedom requirements, SPEN procedures, relevant DNO requirements, legislation and project-specific standards

Review operational performance including safety, quality, programme, productivity, cost, margin and customer KPIs

Maintain effective commercial governance across the regional portfolio, including cost control, forecasting, change management and margin performance

Work closely with commercial teams to identify and manage contractual risks and opportunities

Develop and maintain effective relationships with key SPEN stakeholders, acting as a senior operational point of contact

Lead regular operational and project reviews with internal teams and customers

Ensure accidents, incidents, near misses and quality issues are appropriately reported, investigated and closed out

Ensure operational inspections and assurance activities are completed and identified defects or actions are closed within agreed timescales

Support resource planning and succession planning to ensure the operation has the capability required to meet current and future workload

Identify competency and development requirements across the operational team and our supply chain

Drive continuous improvement in safety, productivity, quality, programme delivery and commercial performance

Support tendering, mobilisation and development of new work opportunities where operational input is required

Work collaboratively with the SSEN Operations Manager and provide operational cover when required

Deputise for the Regional Director when required, representing the Scotland business with customers, colleagues and other stakeholders

Essential Experience and Skills

Significant operational management experience within electricity distribution or transmission

Strong experience delivering electrical infrastructure projects within a DNO or transmission environment

Practical knowledge of projects across LV, HV and EHV networks

Strong experience of substation construction, refurbishment or asset replacement projects

Good working knowledge of secondary substations, primary substations and grid sites

Working knowledge of underground cable and overhead line construction and maintenance activities

Demonstrable experience managing multiple projects, programmes and operational teams

Strong understanding of health, safety, environmental and quality requirements within the electricity industry

Strong commercial awareness, including budgets, forecasting, cost management, contract management and project margin

Ability to manage competing operational priorities and make effective decisions in a safety-critical environment

Strong customer and stakeholder management skills

Ability to lead, develop and hold operational teams accountable for delivery

Full UK Driving Licence with willingness to travel throughout Scotland as required

Desirable Experience and Qualifications

Previous operational experience working with SP Energy Networks

Established working relationships with relevant SPEN operational, delivery and commercial stakeholders

Experience of working across both SP Distribution and SP Transmission environments

Experience working with SSEN or another UK DNO or transmission network owner

Current or previous relevant DNO authorisations

HNC, HND, degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline

NEBOSH, IOSH or equivalent health and safety qualification desirable

APM, PRINCE2 or equivalent project management qualification

Formal leadership, business or management qualification

Benefits

We're always evolving our benefits to ensure we're attracting and retaining great people. Some of what you can expect includes:

Company commercial vehicle

Salary sacrifice car scheme (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle)

Pension with a leading provider and up to 8% employer contribution

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Personal Wellbeing and Volunteer Days

Private Medical Insurance

Free 24/7 365 Employee Assistance Program to support mental health and well-being (including counselling sessions and legal advice)

Flexible benefits to suit from Dental Insurance, Gym Memberships, Give As You Earn, Travel Insurance, Tax Free Bikes.

Personal development programme