Operations Manager 44853

Exciting opportunity to take a pivotal role in the growth and development of the operational divisions within this small but well-established high-end landscaping company.

You will be accountable for all Construction, Maintenance & Soft Landscaping operations and hold a central role in the ongoing success of the company.  

Reporting to the MD, the role holder is a core part of the Senior Management Team and will be expected to be self-motivated and understand the autonomy and responsibility which is commensurate with the position.

You will use your professional and proactive approach to maintain a good understanding of all the pending and active construction projects, ensuring these projects are run efficiently through effective communication with all company departments and completed safely, on time and on budget, creating and maintaining award-winning gardens.

Our clients construction projects range from £15K to £50 million and typically include site clearance, prep groundwork, high-spec hard landscape installations such as paths, walls, fencing, irrigation systems, green walls, barbeques, fireplaces, water features and other structures, as well as soft landscaping.

We provide mobile and static maintenance services to a selected portfolio of luxury domestic gardens and small, prestigious commercial contracts across London, including managing the seasonal requirements for replanting, planning future works and further rejuvenating areas of gardens for clients, all of whom our client has retained for many years.

Essential Criteria 5 years plus experience of the following:

• Solid operational management background in landscaping construction
• Project budgeting, planning & delivery
• Preparing tenders and quotations for new business
• Maintaining control of all resource scheduling and procurement
• Contract negotiation and liaison with Clients, Principal Contractors, Cost Consultants, suppliers, subcontractors
• Leading multiple teams in multiple locations
• Dealing with demanding clients

Responsible for:

• Contracts Manager
• Site Managers
• Project Managers
• Quantity Surveyor
• Site personnel (through Site Managers)
• Maintenance Manager
• Maintenance personnel (through Maintenance Manager)

Main duties and responsibilities:

(illustrative duties only - the role holder will be expected to be involved in a range of work to enable the divisions to respond effectively to the requirements of the Company):

• Working effectively as part of the senior management team and taking a whole company perspective to managing issues including the general running of the company, setting budgets, minimising risks, maximising opportunities, achieving the companys targets and seeking to positively influence the progression and growth of the company.
• Actively promoting best practice throughout the company.
• Acting as the Appropriately Qualified Person for the Construction and Maintenance Divisions.
• Protecting the companys position at all times.
• Responsibility for the overall financial performance of all projects.
• Working closely with the Design Director to set best construction practices and design from project inception and throughout construction.
• Working closely with the Contracts Manager to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget and to the contract specification.
• Overseeing and handling the negotiation of terms of contract agreements, whether with Principal Contractors or subcontractors, drafting of construction contracts, and the acquisition of permits and licenses as required.
• Working closely with the Quantity Surveyor and approving estimates for time, cost, materials and labour.
• Working closely with the Maintenance Manager to ensure client satisfaction and optimisation of resources.
• Ensuring adherence to Health & Safety policies and procedures and working closely with the companys H&S provider.
• Ensuring that the company quality standards are maintained.
• Attending site inspections, client meetings, negotiations with Principal Contractors, etc.
• Overall responsibility for the operational teams, working closely with Human Resources on the whole employee lifecycle (recruitment, time & attendance, performance reviews, training & development, compensation, employee relations, etc.).
• Maintaining good relationships with Principal Contractors, Suppliers, Purchasers, Building Control Inspectors, Auditors, Clients, H&S Authorities.

Requirements:

• Significant experience working in the high-end residential or/and commercial sector
• People skills
  • Team leading confidence to provide clear direction and inspire those around you, promptly and efficiently addressing personnel issues and training and development needs  
  • Experience managing multiple teams in multiple locations
  • Excellent and effective communication skills at all levels
  • Relationship building, effective stakeholder management, both internally and external to the organisation, and ability to liaise comfortably with clients, sub-contractors and suppliers
  • Influencing skills
• Bachelors degree in Landscape Architecture, Engineering, or other construction related field
• Problem solver ability to identify and resolve issues with speed
• Results focused focused on proactively delivering value that will directly lead to achievement of business results
• Resilience comfortable working in a fast-paced environment whilst maintaining a positive and flexible attitude with an ability to motivate others
• Ability to work independently and also as part of a team
• Track record of successful improvements in KPI and operational performance
• Business & budget management; financially literate and commercially astute with experience of managing projects and resources in line with budgets
• IT literate with a good knowledge of MS Office applications and ability to learn and optimise new systems
• Excellent organisation and time management skills
• High attention to detail
• An understanding of the practical, technical, financial, & qualitative requirements of a project
• Detailed knowledge of Health & Safety regulations and comfortable producing RAMS, operating procedures, checklists and other working documents
• Determination to deliver the highest quality with a right first time approach
• Dynamic and able to operate within a fast-paced environment
• Innovative and forward thinking
• Risk analysis and mitigation
• Committed and keen to take ownership
• Experience in soft landscaping
• Desirable: horticulture qualification and working knowledge of plants and various horticultural operations
• Experience in the Construction world in a project management capacity essential
• CSCS Card
• SMSTS / SSSTS
• Full, clean driving licence.