Operations Manager - Steel Construction & Rigging Projects - Perth based

• Location: Perth Eastern Suburbs (Residential / Office Based)
• Salary: Competitive Base + Vehicle / Allowance + Bonus Structure
• Reporting To: Managing Director
• Direct Team: 2 Project Managers, Project Engineer, 2 Estimators, Scheduler/Recruitment Advisor

About the Business

HSS Recruitment has partnered with an established specialist contractor in Perth’s eastern suburbs providing heavy lifting, rigging, crane hire, and structural installation services. With a strong pipeline of commercial, civil, and industrial projects secured across WA, they are appointing an Operations Manager to take full ownership of daily operations, fleet utilization, commercial performance, and team leadership.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will hold genuine autonomy over project execution, crew allocation, and crane/rigging operations. You will lead an experienced internal team, ensure high safety and compliance standards across complex lifts, and drive profitability across active contracts.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Drive day-to-day operations across multiple concurrent crane, rigging, and heavy lifting projects.
• Rigging & Crane Oversite: Oversee lift planning, rigging methodology, equipment selection, and safety compliance across all sites.
• Commercial Management: Oversee estimating, tendering, and project margins to ensure target profitability is met.
• Team Direction: Lead, mentor, and hold accountable direct reports including Project Managers, Engineers, Estimators, and field crews.
• Resource Allocation: Manage the schedule and allocation of cranes, specialized rigging gear, labor, and transport assets.
• Client & Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary escalation point for tier-one clients, head contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Process & Safety Improvement: Refine operational procedures, lift studies, cost control processes, and chain of responsibility (CoR) standards as the business grows.

What We Are Looking For

• Location: Must currently reside in Perth, WA with established local industry knowledge.
• Essential Industry Experience: Direct hands-on background or strong operational leadership experience in rigging, crane hire, heavy lifting, or steel erection.
• Leadership Track Record: Proven experience as an Operations Manager, Construction Manager, or Senior Project Manager in a project-based environment.
• Commercial Acumen: Solid capability in budgeting, project costing, variation management, and review of tender proposals.
• Resource & Logistics Management: Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex labor and heavy plant schedules across multiple sites simultaneously.
• Local Experience: Strong understanding of the WA resources, civil, and structural construction markets.
• Qualifications & Tickets: High Risk Work Licenses (Advanced Rigging, Dogging, or Crane Operations) or Tertiary qualifications in Mechanical/Civil Engineering or Construction Management are highly regarded.

What’s on Offer

• Attractive Remuneration: Competitive salary package tailored to experience, including a company vehicle/allowance and performance incentives.
• Genuine Autonomy: Direct access to the Managing Director with real influence over operational strategy and fleet growth.
• Stability: Long-term project pipeline with a stable, privately owned WA business.
• Location: Based in Perth’s eastern suburbs with minimal regional travel required.

How to Apply

For a confidential discussion regarding the role, client details, salary expectations, apply directly through SEEK or contact our recruitment team.