Operations Manager

Role: Operations Manager
Salary: Up to £56,000 + Annual Bonus
Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday
Location: Hertfordshire (Hybrid, up to 2 days WFH)
Overview
We are working with a leading SPV to support the appointment of an Operations Manager to oversee a major student accommodation PPP project.
This long-term partnership covers the design, build, financing, and operation of over 3,000 student rooms within a university environment in Hertfordshire.
Conveniently located, the site is easily accessible from London, with direct trains from King’s Cross taking approximately 25 minutes, alongside regular shuttle bus services from the station.
The Role
This is a hands-on role focused on managing a single, high-profile accommodation contract within a university environment.
You will take responsibility for the day-to-day operational delivery of the estate, working closely with outsourced FM providers to ensure services are delivered to a high standard. Acting as the key interface with the client, you will attend regular meetings, provide performance insight, and ensure clear communication across all stakeholders.
A key part of the role is the ability to review, challenge, and support FM contractors, interrogating performance, identifying issues, and reporting back with clear, informed recommendations.
Responsibilities include:
* Managing operational performance across hard and soft FM services
* Supporting lifecycle planning, PPM programmes, and defect resolution
* Using CAFM and helpdesk systems to monitor service delivery and performance
* Managing capacity and ensuring effective service delivery across the contract
* Interpreting contractual deliverables and ensuring compliance
* Attending and contributing to client and stakeholder meetings
* Supporting reporting, governance, and continuous improvement initiatives
Key Requirements
* Previous experience in a management role, with the ability to lead and develop within a structured environment
* Experience within PPP/PFI or similar environments is beneficial but not essential
* Strong understanding of service deliverables and operational performance management
* Solid knowledge of facilities management, including hard and/or soft services
* Exposure to asset management principles, including lifecycle planning and maintenance programmes
* Experience working with CAFM systems and FM/helpdesk service delivery
* Ability to challenge and support outsourced FM providers, with strong analytical and reporting skills
* Confident stakeholder engagement skills, including attending and contributing to client meetings
* Commercial awareness and ability to make informed, practical decisions
About You
You are a capable and hands-on manager who is comfortable taking ownership of operational delivery within a complex environment. While experience in PPP/PFI is advantageous, it is not essential, what matters most is your ability to understand service delivery, manage performance, and engage effectively with stakeholders.
You have a solid grounding in facilities and asset management, with a good understanding of both hard and soft services. You are confident using systems and data to monitor performance, identify issues, and drive improvements.
A strong communicator, you are able to challenge constructively, influence outcomes, and build effective working relationships with clients, contractors, and internal teams. You are organised, proactive, and eager to learn, with the capability to grow into the role and develop your expertise further.
Benefits:
25 days annual leave + bank holidays, life insurance, pension scheme (up to 9% employer contribution), private medical cover (including dental and optical), Employee Assistance Programme, salary sacrifice schemes, and gym & retailer discounts