Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Location: Dartford

Salary: Competitive

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 40 hours per week Monday-Friday

Looking for a leadership role where you can combine operational excellence technical expertise and commercial responsibility

Were seeking an Operations Manager Site Investigation & Geotechnical Drilling to lead the successful delivery of ground investigation and drilling projects across the UK. Youll oversee the full project lifecycle from supporting tender development and mobilisation through to delivery client management commercial performance and team leadership.

This is a pivotal role within our Geotechnical division offering the opportunity to influence operational strategy drive business growth and lead high-performing teams delivering critical infrastructure projects.

What youll do;

• Lead the delivery of multiple site investigation and geotechnical drilling projects from mobilisation through to completion

• Manage project programmes resources budgets and operational performance across a portfolio of contracts

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients maintaining strong relationships and ensuring excellent service delivery

• Produce and review project documentation including RAMS Construction Phase Plans COSHH assessments and site packs

• Lead and support Drilling Supervisors drill crews and technical teams to ensure safe efficient project delivery

• Monitor commercial performance identifying risks and opportunities to protect profitability

• Champion Health Safety Quality and Environmental standards across all operations

• Work closely with commercial estimating procurement laboratory and HSQE teams to deliver projects successfully

• Support tender preparation pricing reviews site walkovers and technical scoping activities

• Drive continuous improvement across operational processes safety performance and client satisfaction

• Identify opportunities for repeat business cross-selling and revenue growth within existing client accounts

• Contribute to operational reporting forecasting resource planning and strategic business objectives

What youll get;

• Opportunity to lead complex geotechnical and site investigation projects across a diverse range of sectors

• Significant autonomy and influence over operational and commercial decision-making

• Exposure to major infrastructure utilities environmental and development projects

• The chance to shape and grow a developing geotechnical business within Ground Control

• Ongoing professional development and support for further qualifications and technical training

• A leadership role where youll directly influence project success team performance and business growth

• Collaboration with experienced technical commercial and operational professionals

• A supportive culture focused on safety innovation and continuous improvement

What were looking for;

• Proven experience within site investigation geotechnical drilling or ground engineering environments

• Experience managing multiple projects contracts or operational teams simultaneously

• Strong leadership skills with experience developing and managing field-based teams

• Excellent client-facing communication and stakeholder management skills

• Commercial awareness including budget management forecasting risk management and contract performance

• Sound knowledge of geotechnical investigation techniques and ground characterisation

• Understanding of industry standards including BS5930 BS EN ISO 22475 and AGS data requirements

• Strong organisational and project management skills

• Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable:

• Degree HNC or HND in Civil Engineering Geology Environmental Science or a related discipline

• Experience working within major infrastructure or framework environments

• SMSTS or SSSTS

• Relevant CSCS Card

• BOHS P901 or contaminated land experience

• Experience supporting estimating tendering or business development activities

What to expect from our recruitment process at Ground Control

We aim to make our process clear supportive and straightforward - so you always know whats coming next.

• Application review: Once you apply our Talent team will carefully review your application against the key skills for the role

• Optional video: Youll have the chance to submit a short video to showcase your skills and personality - this is completely optional

• Intro call: If youre a good match well invite you to book a short (up to 30 minutes) telephone interview at a time that suits you

• First interview: If selected youll then take part in an interview either on Teams or in person depending on the role

• Next steps: For some roles there may be a technical assessment and a second-stage interview either on teams or in person.

Well keep you updated throughout and make sure you feel supported at every stage.

Benefits;

• Competitive salary aligned with your skills and experience

• Performancelinked bonus: Bonus opportunities aligned to your level and contribution.

• Pension scheme helping you plan for the future

• Recognition schemes celebrating and rewarding great work

• Private GP service fast convenient access to medical support

• Life insurance providing added peace of mind

• Subsidised gym membership supporting your health and wellbeing

• Holiday buy scheme purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave

#INDHP

Equal Opportunities Statement

At Ground Control we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued respected and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds experiences and perspectives.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age disability gender reassignment marriage or civil partnership pregnancy or maternity race (including colour nationality ethnic or national origin) religion or belief sex sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic as defined in the Equality Act 2010.

We actively support and promote an inclusive culture ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and across all stages of employment including training development promotion pay and termination. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants and employees and to creating a working environment free from discrimination harassment bullying or victimisation.

We expect all colleagues to uphold our values of dignity respect and inclusion. We take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discriminatory behaviour and are committed to continuous improvement through training inclusive policies and accountability at all levels.