National Operations Manager

The Vacancy

National Operations Manager

Location: UK-wide
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Contract: Full-time, Permanent

We’re looking for an experienced National Operations Manager to lead the delivery of a £20m+ engineering reactive and maintenance service across multiple contracts. This is a high‑impact role responsible for operational performance, commercial success, and building strong, motivated teams that deliver excellent customer outcomes.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading day‑to‑day service operations to meet contractual KPIs and deliver exceptional performance
• Managing resources, implementing robust processes, and ensuring full compliance with Health & Safety and quality standards
• Driving commercial performance in partnership with the commercial team
• Developing and coaching a high-performing team, including Contract Managers, Supervisors and Operatives
• Building strong client relationships and identifying new business opportunities
• Overseeing budgets, reporting, and performance reviews
• Deputising for the Technical Services Director when required

What we’re looking for

• Minimum HNC in Construction (or equivalent)
• Proven leadership experience in construction, building maintenance, or social housing
• Strong financial, commercial and operational management capability
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects, teams and priorities effectively
• High level of SHEQ awareness and commitment to continuous improvement
• IT‑proficient (Microsoft Office)

Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant’s criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks.

To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting

Work for Wates

Wates is one of the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies.  Founded over 125 years ago, we have a proud legacy in the built environment.

We are driven by our purpose, ‘reimagining places for people to thrive’ and our three promises:

• Thriving places – working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
• Thriving planet – protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.
• Thriving people – creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in and treated with care.

We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and as a Disability Confident employer.  We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background.