Technical Operations Manager

Our client is looking to recruit an experienced Technical Operations Manager to take responsibility for the delivery of complex Water Treatment projects, technical service activities and the management of its field-based engineering team.

This is a senior, hands-on operational position combining technical leadership, project management and people management with a significant field-based element.

The successful candidate will work closely with Water Treatment and Water Hygiene Engineers, technicians, clients and senior management, ensuring projects and service activities are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest technical standards.

A significant proportion of the role will be spent on customer sites, providing technical guidance to engineers, overseeing complex projects, troubleshooting Water Treatment systems and maintaining strong client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Operational & Technical Leadership

• Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of Water Treatment projects, installations, remedial works and technical service activities
• Provide hands-on technical and operational support to Water Treatment and Water Hygiene Engineers
• Attend customer sites to oversee complex, high-risk or technically challenging works
• Take operational responsibility for projects from initial quotation and mobilisation through to completion
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues involving cooling towers, steam boilers, closed systems, chemical dosing systems, chlorine dioxide plant and associated Water Treatment equipment
• Ensure all work is completed safely and in accordance with company procedures, industry guidance and regulatory requirements
• Take full line-management responsibility for a team of Water Treatment and Water Hygiene Engineers

Field-Based Management

• Maintain a regular presence on customer sites, working alongside engineers and technicians
• Conduct site inspections, technical audits and quality assurance reviews
• Provide coaching, mentoring and technical development to field-based engineers
• Carry out engineer competency assessments and performance reviews
• Ensure competency documentation and training records are completed and maintained
• Lead by example in promoting safe working practices and high professional standards
• Support emergency call-outs, critical incidents and major project activities when required
• Identify technical skills gaps and support the ongoing development of the engineering team

Project Delivery

• Manage complex and high-value Water Treatment projects from initial planning through to completion
• Coordinate labour, materials, subcontractors and specialist resources
• Monitor project budgets, timescales, quality and overall performance
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and within agreed timescales
• Maintain accurate project documentation and technical reports
• Provide regular communication and updates to clients throughout project delivery
• Identify and resolve technical or operational issues that could affect successful project completion

Quality, Health & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with relevant HSE legislation, ACoP L8, HSG274 and Water Treatment industry standards
• Prepare, review and update Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS)
• Ensure appropriate safe systems of work are in place for engineers and customers
• Conduct site risk assessments and Health & Safety inspections
• Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions where necessary
• Ensure operational and technical documentation meets Quality Management System requirements
• Maintain standards in accordance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001

Essential Experience

• Minimum 5–7 years' experience within the Water Treatment industry
• Strong technical and chemical knowledge of cooling tower water treatment, steam boiler water treatment and closed system water treatment
• Experience of pre-commission cleaning, cleaning and disinfection and remedial Water Treatment works
• Knowledge of chemical dosing systems and chlorine dioxide systems
• Previous experience managing and leading field-based Water Treatment and Water Hygiene Engineers
• Proven experience managing technically complex Water Treatment projects
• Strong technical fault-finding and problem-solving capabilities
• Good understanding of Water Hygiene and regulatory compliance requirements
• Experience preparing and reviewing RAMS and technical documentation
• Strong client-facing and communication skills
• Commercial awareness and the ability to manage projects against budgets and timescales
• Full UK Driving Licence

Key Competencies

• Technical leadership
• Operational management
• Project management
• Water Treatment chemistry
• Team leadership and development
• Coaching and mentoring
• Client relationship management
• Commercial awareness
• Health & Safety management
• Technical problem solving
• Decision making

The Ideal Candidate

This position would suit an experienced Technical Manager, Water Treatment Operations Manager, Service Manager, Senior Water Treatment Engineer or Water Treatment Project Manager who has progressed through the industry and retains strong hands-on technical knowledge.

The key requirement is someone who can lead and develop engineers while still being comfortable working on site, solving technical problems and taking responsibility for complex Water Treatment projects.