Operations Manager (Midlands)

About the Role

We are looking for a commercially astute Operations Manager to lead delivery and growth of our Passive Fire Protection (PFP) division across the Midlands. The successful candidate will be accountable for safe, compliant and profitable delivery of fire stopping, fire doors, compartmentation remediation, intumescent coatings, cavity barriers and related works, while scaling operational capacity, strengthening client relationships and driving continuous improvement. In this hands‑on leadership role you will plan, resource and deliver multiple PFP projects on time, within budget and to specification; lead and develop project managers, supervisors and delivery teams; own labour scheduling, supply‑chain coordination and site logistics; ensure robust RAMS, permits, toolbox talks and site audits; maintain business processes, installation records and compliance documentation; and champion safety and quality throughout. • Plan, resource and deliver multiple PFP projects (frameworks and standalone) on schedule, within budget and to specification. • Lead, coach and develop project managers, supervisors and delivery teams, setting clear objectives and best‑practice standards. • Ensure robust RAMS, permits, toolbox talks and conduct regular site audits to uphold safety and right‑first‑time quality. • Implement and maintain business processes, installation records, before/after evidence and manufacturer compliance documentation. • Guarantee works comply with Building Regulations, the Building Safety Act 2022, Fire Safety Act 2021, BS 476, BS EN 1366, BS 8214 and relevant manufacturer guidance. • Manage third‑party accreditation schemes (e.g., FIRAS, BM TRADA, IFC), including competence management, audits and record‑keeping. • Drive quality inspections, door surveys, fire‑stopping penetration management, compartmentation remediation and photographic traceability via approved QA systems. • Liaise with manufacturers and technical representatives to approve materials and system installations. • Oversee forecasting, cost control, work‑in‑progress management and margin protection. • Support estimating and bids with buildable methodologies, programmes, risk registers and supply‑chain input. • Select, onboard, monitor performance and ensure commercial compliance of subcontractors and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸project planning
• ▸site audits
• ▸compliance docs
• ▸quality inspections
• ▸cost control
• ▸subcontractor management

What You Bring

The ideal candidate has proven operations leadership in passive fire protection or closely related fire‑compliance disciplines, with deep knowledge of fire‑stopping systems, cavity barriers, fire‑door installation and repair, compartmentation and intumescent applications. You should have a track record of managing direct labour and subcontractors, strong commercial acumen, competence in producing and reviewing RAMS and applying CDM 2015, and excellent stakeholder management and reporting skills. • Own short‑ and medium‑term labour scheduling, supply‑chain coordination, site access sequencing and logistics. • Proven operations leadership in Passive Fire Protection or related fire‑compliance disciplines, delivering multi‑site programmes. • Strong working knowledge of fire‑stopping, cavity barriers, fire‑door installation/repair, compartmentation and intumescent applications. • Demonstrated experience managing direct labour and subcontractors, resource planning and multi‑project delivery. • Commercial acumen in cost control, forecasting and valuations. • Competence in producing and reviewing RAMS and applying CDM 2015. • Excellent stakeholder management, communication and reporting abilities. • ASFP Level 2/3 or equivalent passive fire protection certification. • Experience with FIRAS, BM TRADA or IFC accreditation audit preparation and evidence management. • SSSTS/SMSTS, CSCS (Managers/Professionals) and IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH qualification. • Expertise in door sets per BS 8214 and fire‑stopping testing standards (BS 476/EN 1366). • Experience in social housing, healthcare, education or live operational environments. • Proficiency with MS Project, Excel, Power BI and digital evidence platforms.

Requirements

• ▸passive fire
• ▸asfp level2
• ▸ms project
• ▸power bi
• ▸rams
• ▸cdm 2015

Benefits

We offer the opportunity to work on a £4.1 billion order book with one of the UK’s leading principal contractors, providing stability, career growth and the chance to stretch your capabilities. Our ‘Be Well’ programme supports physical and mental wellbeing, we invest heavily in training and development, and our Agile Working programme gives flexibility in how, when and where you work. A competitive salary is complemented by a comprehensive benefits package. • Competitive salary with generous holiday entitlement that increases with service and the option to purchase additional leave. • Wide range of corporate discounts, Cycle‑to‑Work scheme and comprehensive pension plan. • Competitive family leave policy and regular Save‑as‑You‑Earn share purchase scheme. • Private medical scheme options and 24/7 employee assistance programme. • Paid membership to a recognised professional association relevant to the role. • Flexible Agile Working arrangements and support for physical and mental wellbeing through the ‘Be Well’ programme.

Work Environment

Field