Operations Manager

Wates Property Services is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the delivery of large-scale planned maintenance, refurbishment and retrofit programmes within the social housing sector.

This is an exciting opportunity for a driven operational leader to join a growing business delivering essential improvement works to homes and communities. The successful candidate will ideally bring a strong background in social housing planned works and retrofit delivery, with experience leading multiple contracts, operational teams and client relationships.

Reporting into the senior leadership team, you will be responsible for ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on programme and within budget, whilst maintaining exceptional customer satisfaction and commercial performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the operational delivery of planned maintenance and retrofit projects across multiple contracts.
• Manage Project Managers, Site Managers and operational teams to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Drive performance across health & safety, quality, programme, customer satisfaction and profitability.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and key stakeholders.
• Ensure projects are compliant with legislative, contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Support pre-construction activities, mobilisation and contract growth opportunities.
• Oversee resource planning, workforce management and supply chain performance.
• Monitor and review project performance, implementing improvement plans where required.
• Lead contract reviews and operational meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and accountability.
• Ensure residents remain at the heart of project delivery through excellent customer engagement and service standards.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Proven experience in an Operations Manager, Senior Contracts Manager or Contract Manager position.
• Strong background delivering planned social housing works.
• Experience managing multiple projects, teams and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, forecasts and operational performance.
• Excellent leadership, coaching and people management skills.
• Strong client-facing experience and the ability to build long-term partnerships.
• Comprehensive understanding of construction health and safety requirements.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Highly Desirable

• Experience delivering retrofit, decarbonisation, energy efficiency or SHDF-funded projects.
• Knowledge of PAS 2035 principles and retrofit best practice.
• Experience managing programmes involving external envelope improvements, insulation, windows, roofing, heating upgrades and other energy improvement measures.
• Previous experience within a social housing contractor environment.

What You'll Bring

• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on operational leadership.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to inspire and motivate high-performing teams.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach.
• Strong commercial and contractual awareness.
• A passion for delivering high-quality projects that improve homes and communities.

Why Join Wates?

At Wates Property Services, we're committed to creating better places to live, work and thrive. You'll be joining a business at the forefront of social housing improvement and retrofit delivery, with significant opportunities for career development and progression.

In return, we offer:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Car allowance
• Annual bonus scheme.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• The opportunity to work on meaningful projects that make a lasting difference to residents and communities.