Operations Manager

At OCU, we believe in creating opportunities, building lasting relationships and delivering infrastructure that makes a real difference to the communities we serve.

As our business continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced and driven Head of Operations to lead the delivery of our SSEN ED2 substation and underground cable infrastructure portfolio based in Ruislip, West London, Slough.

This is a new pivotal leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape and develop a growing operational business, lead talented multidisciplinary teams and deliver critical infrastructure projects that will help strengthen and future-proof the UK's electricity networks.

You will take strategic and operational responsibility for a portfolio of substation construction, drive the programmes, refurbishment, reinforcement and underground cable schemes across LV to 132kV networks. Balancing operational excellence with commercial performance, you will ensure projects are delivered safely, on programme, to the highest quality standards and in line with client expectations.

Working closely with the Project Director, you will play a key role in delivering the SSEN ED2 growth strategy, developing operational capability, strengthening client relationships and building a sustainable, high-performing delivery organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Leading operational excellence

• Provide strategic leadership across a portfolio of complex substation and underground cable projects.
• Lead and inspire Delivery Managers, Senior Project Managers, Project Managers and site teams, creating a culture of ownership, accountability and collaboration.
• Oversee multidisciplinary delivery teams covering civil engineering, cabling, jointing, electrical installation, testing and commissioning.
• Drive performance across safety, programme, quality, productivity and commercial delivery.
• Establish robust project controls, mobilisation processes, reporting and handover arrangements.
• Proactively identify risks and implement effective recovery plans to maintain delivery commitments.

Driving growth and business development

• Work alongside the Project Director to deliver the SSEN ED2 growth strategy and workforce development plans.
• Build the operational capability, management structure and resource capacity needed to support an expanding framework.
• Support tenders, bids, feasibility reviews and the mobilisation of new projects.
• Develop scalable processes, improve productivity and champion continuous improvement.
• Build a strong succession pipeline, ensuring the business has the skills and leadership capability to support future growth.

Putting safety first

• Provide visible, proactive health, safety, environmental and quality leadership across all operations.
• Ensure compliance with OCU, SSEN, CDM 2015, legislative and industry requirements.
• Champion safe systems of work, including Construction Phase Plans, RAMS, permits, inspections and audits.
• Ensure employees and subcontractors have the necessary competence, certification and authorisations.
• Drive a culture where everyone takes responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others.

Delivering commercial success

• Take ownership of the operational and financial performance of the portfolio, driving revenue, margin and sustainable profitability.
• Work closely with commercial teams to manage budgets, cost forecasts, CVRs, cash flow and cost-to-complete reporting.
• Ensure effective management of NEC3/NEC4 contractual processes, including Early Warnings, Compensation Events and programme submissions.
• Drive productivity, manage supply chain performance and minimise commercial risk.
• Maintain strong financial discipline while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and performance.

Building strong client relationships

• Develop trusted, collaborative relationships with senior SSEN framework, engineering and network operations stakeholders.
• Lead operational performance reviews, strategic planning sessions and client escalations.
• Promote a proactive, solutions-focused approach to resolving challenges.
• Manage interfaces with third parties, including highway authorities, landowners, Network Rail and National Highways.
• Build client confidence through transparency, consistency and a commitment to delivering on our promises.

Developing people and high-performing teams

• Set clear expectations, objectives and accountability across the operational management team.
• Coach, mentor and develop future leaders.
• Support recruitment, succession planning, performance management and workforce development.
• Create an inclusive, positive and collaborative working environment where people feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

We are looking for a commercially astute and operationally strong leader who combines technical understanding with the ability to inspire people, build relationships and deliver results.

• Significant senior operational or project delivery management experience within the electrical utilities, DNO or power infrastructure sectors.
• A proven track record of leading multiple concurrent substation and/or HV/EHV underground cable projects.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex infrastructure delivery programmes.
• Strong commercial acumen, including budget management, forecasting, cost control and NEC3/NEC4 contract experience.
• A thorough understanding of construction health and safety, CDM 2015 and industry compliance requirements.
• The ability to develop client relationships and influence stakeholders at senior level.
• Experience building operational capability, improving performance and supporting business growth.
• A full UK driving licence.

It would also be advantageous to have:

• Experience working on SSEN Distribution or ED2 frameworks.
• Experience delivering 33kV, 66kV and 132kV substation and cable reinforcement schemes.
• An HNC, HND, degree or equivalent qualification in electrical engineering, civil engineering or construction management.
• SMSTS, NEBOSH Construction or an equivalent health and safety qualification.
• Relevant professional membership.
• Experience leading significant annual turnover and complex multi-project portfolios.

Job Benefits

At OCU, we believe that meaningful work should come with meaningful support. That's the principle behind Careers with Purpose, our commitment to ensuring every person at OCU feels supported, developed, and valued, not just in their role today, but throughout their career with us.

Alongside the opportunity to work on some of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects, we offer a benefits package that we are continuing to develop as we grow, and the kind of career acceleration that only comes from being inside a business moving at this pace.

As a rapidly growing organisation, there are genuine opportunities to progress, broaden your experience, and build a long-term career within OCU Group.

For a confidential conversation about this opportunity, please contact Hayley Hufton at [email protected]

Our vacancies are typically advertised for two weeks; however, we reserve the right to close applications early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable candidates. We therefore encourage early applications.