HV Operations Manager

Job Title: HV Operations Manager

Location: UK Based (Travel Required)

Hours of Work: Full Time

Reporting to the Operations Director/Managing Director, the HV Operations Manager is responsible for leading the delivery, growth, and market presence of the High Voltage Operations division. The role will oversee project performance, client relationships, commercial delivery, and operational excellence across a portfolio of HV projects. Acting as the key escalation point for clients and project teams, the successful candidate will ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with contractual and commercial requirements. Key duties include:

• Develop and maintain business opportunities with existing clients while reviewing future project pipelines.
• Support the Business Development team in identifying and securing opportunities with new clients.
• Lead early-stage project discussions with clients from both design and delivery perspectives.
• Act as the primary escalation point for clients, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage contract variations, extensions of time (EOTs), and project escalations in collaboration with clients and project teams.
• Ensure clients are kept informed during tender and validation stages regarding programme changes, lead times, and cost impacts.
• Work closely with clients during LOI/LNTP stages to align project expectations and delivery schedules.
• Lead and manage project teams including Project Managers, Commercial Managers, Lead Engineers, and supporting personnel.
• Monitor project performance through regular reporting and performance reviews.
• Authorise project resource allocation and programme adjustments as required.
• Attend key client meetings, project reviews, and internal project performance meetings.
• Ensure company policies, procedures, and quality standards are maintained throughout project execution.
• Support collaboration between project teams and internal departments including Safety, Procurement, Quality, and Planning.
• Report project performance, risks, and key updates to senior management.
• Manage project risks and support the resolution of operational challenges.
• Escalate significant site issues to the Operations Director or Regional Operations Manager.
• Ensure project commercial controls are maintained and company processes are followed.
• Participate in subcontractor selection and appointment to ensure complete scope coverage.
• Review contractual documentation prior to award, ensuring scope, programme, milestones, and risk registers are accurate.
• Support resource planning to ensure suitable labour and project teams are available throughout project delivery.
• Maintain overall accountability for successful project execution alongside the assigned Project Manager.

Minimum Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours)

• Strong leadership and people management skills with experience leading multidisciplinary project teams.
• Excellent client relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience managing project performance and profitability.
• Proven ability to identify, develop, and secure business opportunities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities within a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of project delivery methodologies, risk management, and contract administration.
• Proactive and solutions-focused approach with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
• Strong organisational and decision-making capabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Business, or a related discipline, or equivalent operational/technical experience.
• Minimum 3 years' experience within High Voltage (HV) Operations.
• Demonstrable experience leading HV operational or project delivery teams.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable Qualifications/Competencies

• Extensive knowledge of HV inspection, monitoring, maintenance, and testing practices.
• Experience in EHV/HV/LV installation, termination, and testing up to 235kV.
• Experience with cable pull-in services and associated project activities.
• Proven track record of leading innovation and operational improvements.
• Strong understanding of client requirements within the power transmission, distribution, or energy sectors.
• Previous experience managing large-scale HV infrastructure projects.