Operations Manager
Cawdor Barracks | Permanent | Full-time

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Manager to lead the delivery of maintenance, response works, and small-scale projects across a large, secure estate. The role is fully site-based and requires strong leadership, technical knowledge, and commercial awareness to ensure services are delivered safely, compliantly, and efficiently. The Operations Manager will oversee all aspects of maintenance delivery, ensuring compliance with statutory legislation, MoD requirements, and Health and Safety standards. You will manage the day-to-day performance of engineers, contractors, and suppliers, ensuring that all operatives are qualified, properly resourced, and working safely at all times. This includes coordinating and reviewing risk assessments and method statements, maintaining accurate documentation within the CAFM system, and ensuring that works are logged, tracked, and reported in line with contractual and auditing requirements. The position carries technical accountability for compliance areas such as asbestos and legionella management, and will involve close coordination with Authorised Persons to ensure safe systems of work for confined spaces and working at height. You will also manage a range of small mechanical, electrical, and building projects, taking full responsibility from planning and procurement through to completion, handover, and reporting. You will act as the main operational contact for site users and stakeholders, providing clear technical advice, resolving issues promptly, and ensuring that operational priorities are fully supported. Strong leadership is essential, as you will direct and motivate site teams, oversee subcontractor performance, and promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. The role also requires sound commercial judgement and cost control. You will make informed decisions that balance service delivery with value for money, support forward planning of maintenance activities, and contribute to risk mitigation and performance improvement across the contract.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end delivery of planned and reactive maintenance across the site
• Ensure compliance with statutory, MoD, and Health and Safety requirements
• Oversee and support contractors, engineers, and suppliers to deliver work safely and efficiently
• Review and coordinate risk assessments, method statements, and safety documentation
• Maintain accurate CAFM records and ensure compliance reporting is up to date
• Take technical responsibility for compliance areas such as asbestos and legionella
• Support safe systems of work for confined spaces, working at height, and other high-risk activities
• Lead and motivate on-site teams, providing clear guidance and performance management
• Manage small-scale building and M&E projects from planning through to completion
• Act as the single point of contact for clients and end users, providing technical support and problem resolution
• Monitor financial performance, control costs, and ensure delivery of value for money
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, service quality, and operational efficiency

Requirements

• Proven experience in facilities or maintenance management, ideally within defence or a secure estate environment
• Strong understanding of statutory compliance, building services, and health and safety legislation
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and subcontractors
• Excellent organisational, communication, and decision-making skills
• Confident using CAFM systems and general IT tools
• Level 4 Facilities Management qualification or equivalent technical qualification

Desirable

• HNC or equivalent in Building Services, Engineering, or Facilities Management
• IOSH or NEBOSH certification
• Authorised Person or Responsible Person training (asbestos, legionella, confined spaces, etc.)
• Experience in project or asset management