Operations Manager / Contracts Manager

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager / Contracts Manager to lead ASEE Groups operations across Europe. This role is responsible for the end-to-end delivery of projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality and safety standards. Acting as the senior point of contact on site, overseeing all site-based teams and subcontractors, driving performance, and maintaining strong client relationships.

Frequent travel across Italy, Germany and Austria - the successful person must be legally authorised to work anywhere in the EU without restrictions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Secure and deliver agreed turnover and margin projections annually
• Oversee the tendering and bid process with operational input, resource planning, and risk assessment. A Project Sponsor to be allocated at tender stage
• Lead and oversee all projects within the region, ensuring successful delivery from inception to handover.
• Take full accountability for project budgets, schedules, quality standards, safety and client satisfaction within their Region.
• Act as the point for the escalation of major issues on site for clients, stakeholders, and subcontractors.
• Provide leadership, direction, and support to project managers, site managers, supervisors, and wider site teams.
• Monitor and report project performance using KPIs, ensuring operational efficiency, compliance, safety and profitability.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, environmental, and quality standards across all projects.
• Oversee resource planning, workforce management, and subcontractor coordination to ensure effective delivery.
• Identify risks, issues, and opportunities from tender to project execution, implementing proactive solutions.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring repeat business and long-term partnerships.
• Drive a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across all regional operations.
• Leadership: Inspires and leads diverse site teams, fostering a culture of accountability and performance.
• Project Delivery: Skilled at supporting the Project Sponsor during the full project lifecycle from tender to handover.
• Commercial Awareness: Strong understanding of budgets, cost control, and financial accountability.
• Client Focus: Builds trust and confidence as the senior client-facing representative on site.
• Health & Safety Mindset: Champions safe working practices and ensures compliance at all times.
• Problem-Solving: Anticipates challenges and implements practical, effective solutions.
• Decision-Making: Confident in making timely decisions that keep projects on track.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with commercial, operations, and engineering colleagues to ensure seamless delivery.
• Resilience: Thrives in fast-paced, high-pressure environments with multiple demands.
• Communication: Clear, confident, and professional communicator across all levels.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Relevant degree or professional qualification in engineering, construction management, or related discipline preferred.
• Proven experience as a Regional Director, Operations Manager, or Senior Project Manager within the M&E, construction, or infrastructure sectors.
• Strong track record of delivering large-scale mechanical and electrical projects end-to-end.
• Excellent leadership skills with experience managing large site-based teams and subcontractors.
• Solid understanding of project budgeting, cost control, and resource management.
• Strong knowledge of health & safety and compliance requirements for construction and engineering projects.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to be the senior client interface.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, managing multiple priorities across projects