Location: Kilkenny / Hybrid
Employer: Leading Civil Engineering Contractor 

Overview

Optimize Recruitment is partnering with a high-growth civil engineering contractor to appoint an experienced Operations Manager to their expanding Water Delivery team.

This is a senior leadership role with real impact—overseeing multiple water & wastewater infrastructure projects across the Southeast and Midlands. If you’re driven by delivery, quality, and leading high-performing teams, this is your move.

The Role

You’ll take ownership of operations across a portfolio of water & wastewater projects, driving performance from planning through to completion while ensuring quality, safety, and client satisfaction at every stage.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery & Operations

• Lead and coordinate multiple live projects across water & wastewater infrastructure
• Drive programme delivery, resource planning, and site coordination
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, environmental, and quality standards

Team Leadership

• Manage site teams, supervisors, and subcontractors
• Lead pre-construction planning and ensure workforce capability across projects
• Drive performance, accountability, and continuous improvement

Commercial & Client Focus

• Monitor budgets, KPIs, and project performance
• Maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships
• Provide clear reporting and ensure successful project outcomes

What You Need

• Proven experience in an Operations Manager or similar role within water & wastewater (essential)
• Strong knowledge of Irish/UK water standards and infrastructure delivery
• Excellent leadership, organisational, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects in fast-paced environments
• Relevant qualification (engineering/construction)
• Full driving licence

Why Apply?

• Join a growing contractor with a strong project pipeline
• Take on a high-impact leadership role in critical infrastructure delivery
• Work on key national water & wastewater projects
• Real career progression in a dynamic, ambitious environment