Operations Manager (Midlands)

Note for Recruitment Agencies:

We prefer to hire directly and we will be in touch with our PSL Agencies if this role is eligible for release.

We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. If speculative CVs are sent, no fee will be applicable – please direct all queries to the relevant Resourcing Partner.

Title: Operations Manager — Passive Fire Protection

Location: Midlands (field/site & regional office)

We’re seeking a commercially astute Operations Manager to lead delivery and growth of our Passive Fire Protection (PFP) division across the Midlands. You’ll be accountable for safe, compliant, and profitable delivery of fire stopping, fire doors (install/repairs), compartmentation remediation, intumescent coatings, cavity barriers, and associated works—while scaling operational capacity, strengthening client relationships, and driving continuous improvement.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who combines deep PFP delivery know‑how with robust operational controls and a growth mindset.

What You Will Be Doing: 

• Plan, resource, and deliver multiple PFP projects (frameworks and standalone) on time, within budget, and to specification.
• Lead and develop PMs, supervisors, and delivery teams—setting clear objectives, coaching, and upholding best practice.
• Own short and medium-term planning: labour scheduling, supply chain coordination, access/sequencing, and site logistics.
• Ensure robust RAMS, permits, toolbox talks, and site audits; champion safety culture and right‑first‑time quality.
• Implement and maintain business processes, installation records, before/after evidence, manufacturer compliance, and assist members of current team with O&M/closeout documentation.
• Ensure works comply with Building Regulations and relevant legislation/standards (e.g., Building Safety Act 2022, Fire Safety Act 2021, Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, BS 476, BS EN 1366, BS 8214 for doors, and manufacturer guidance).
• Uphold and expand third‑party accreditation schemes (e.g., FIRAS, BM TRADA, IFC), including competence management, audits, and records.
• Drive quality inspections, door surveys, fire-stopping penetrations management, compartmentation remediation, and photographic traceability using approved QA systems.
• Liaise with manufacturers/technical reps; approve materials and system installations.
• Forecasting, cost control, WIP management, margin protection.
• Support estimating/bids with buildable methodologies, programmes, risk registers, and supply chain inputs.
• Manage subcontractors and suppliers selection, onboarding, performance, and commercial compliance.
• Lead variations, valuations, and final accounts in collaboration with commercial team.
• Act as senior point of contact for clients (principal contractors, housing providers, FM, NHS/education, commercial).
• Build pipeline through excellent delivery, proactive account development, and support to business development on bids/tenders and frameworks.
• Present progress, dashboards, and improvement plans at progress meetings and board reviews.
• Embed operational KPIs and weekly reporting: productivity, first‑time pass rate, defects/NCRs, H&S observations, margin, and client satisfaction. 
• Use of digital tools (e.g., evidence capture apps, Power BI, MS Project/Primavera) for planning, traceability, and insight-driven decisions.
• Standardise best practice; lead lessons learned, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.

About You: 

• Proven operations leadership in  Passive Fire Protection or closely related fire compliance disciplines, delivering multi-site programmes.
• Strong working knowledge of PFP systems: fire stopping, cavity barriers, fire doors (install/repair), compartmentation, and intumescent application. 
• Track record of managing direct labour and subcontractors, resource planning, and multi-project delivery.
• Commercial acumen: cost control, forecasting, valuations. 
• Competence in producing and reviewing RAMS, and applying CDM 2015.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and reporting skills.

Desirable/Advantageous

• ASFP Level 2/3 (Passive Fire Protection) or equivalent competency certifications.
• Accreditation experience (e.g., FIRAS/BM TRADA/IFC)—audit prep and evidence management.
• SSSTS/SMSTS, CSCS (Managers/Professionals), IOSH Managing Safely (or NEBOSH).
• Door set expertise per BS 8214 and fire stopping testing standards (e.g., BS 476/EN 1366).
• Experience with social housing, healthcare, education, or live operational environments.
• Proficiency with MS Project, Excel, Power BI, and digital evidence platforms.

What We Can Offer in Return:

With an impressive order book of over £4.1 billion we are one of the industry’s leading principal contractors, affording you the opportunity to work on some of the UK’s most exciting projects offering you stability as well as the chance to stretch your capabilities and realise long held career goals. You will be joining diverse teams working at a high professional level with exceptional levels of commitment. With an ambitious strategy, we’re poised for further growth and success, so if you’re committed, talented and enthusiastic, Galliford Try is the right place for you.  

We are committed to maintaining the physical and mental wellbeing of all our people, through our ‘Be Well’ programme which offers discounts on certain products, advice and support for a range of issues. 

We invest in high-quality training for employees of all levels, from our leadership development framework to our apprenticeship programmes. Through our Career Paths initiative, individuals receive tailored training and support to fulfil their potential.

Our industry is all about creating talented teams that excel in their areas of expertise. As an employer, we know you are most motivated to give your best when you feel valued and engaged. 

Our Agile Working programme empowers you with flexibility in when, where and how you work. Where appropriate, site and office-based employees can take advantage of a wide variety of working practices, offering different amounts of structure, regularity and flexibility to suit your needs as well as those of your wider team.

Our benefits:

We put our people first and our benefits package reflects that by offering a comprehensive range of attractive options to help support your career on top of a competitive salary.

• Generous holiday entitlement, increasing with years of service, plus the opportunity to purchase further holidays
• A wide range of corporate discounts
• Cycle to Work schemes
• Comprehensive pension plan
• Competitive family leave policy 
• Regular Save as You Earn share purchase scheme
• Private medical scheme options are available for all salaried employees, and our employee assistance programme also provides free 24/7 support to those who need it
• Paid for yearly membership to one recognised professional association relevant to your role

About us:

Galliford Try is one of the UK’s leading construction groups with a vision to continuously be a people-orientated, progressive business, driven by our values to deliver lasting change for our stakeholders and the communities we work in.

Our purpose is to improve people’s lives through building the facilities and infrastructure that communities need, providing opportunities for our people to learn, grow and progress, working with our supply chain to promote the very best working practice and caring for the environment in which we work.

We do this by holding true to our values, delivering excellence for our clients and the community, being passionate about our role in providing vital services, putting integrity at the heart of our business by doing the right thing, and collaborating with our clients, supply chain and stakeholders to deliver lasting change and long-term value.

Galliford Try is a leading UK Construction group. The business is split into four distinct divisions, 

Infrastructure, Building, Environment and Specialist Services, covering a range of specialist work in water, highways, telecoms, security, commercial, custodial, education, health, interiors, and leisure, across both public and private sectors. Listed on the London Stock Exchange and a member of the FTSE 250. Our vision is to be leaders in the construction of a sustainable future.

Oak Specialist Services (OSS), a dedicated business unit within the Galliford Try group, is a leading provider of façade remediation solutions across the United Kingdom. Leveraging in-house design, engineering, and specialist installation expertise, OSS delivers high-integrity cladding, curtain walling, and façade system remediation projects for both public and private sector clients.

Our work is driven by technical excellence, stringent compliance with the Building Safety Act, and a commitment to delivering safe, high-performing building envelopes nationwide. As the business continues to scale, OSS is appointing an Operations Director to join its Board and lead all operational delivery activities across the UK.

For more information on this role or to enquire about other positions available within our business please contact Skyemarie Bree – skyemarie.bree@gallifordtry.co.uk

Additional Information:

Galliford Try welcomes applications from candidates who would like to work full-time, reduced hours or flexibly and this will be discussed in more detail as part of the recruitment process.  

We encourage, and would be grateful if, you could confirm any requirements we can reasonably fulfil to make this application a positive experience for you. 

Don’t meet every requirement of the role? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Galliford Try, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement of the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

As a Disability Confident employer, we have committed to offer an interview to any candidate with a long-term health condition or disability that meet the essential criteria for the advertised position. Please contact the Resourcing Partner listed within the job advert if you believe this applies to you. We will also take the opportunity to discuss any adjustments required for your interview.”

A full job description for this role is available upon request.

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