Operations Manager
CV-LibraryCA2, Belle Vue, CumbriapermanentPosted: 6 November 2026
Apply NowWe have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Operational leader in the rail or infrastructure sector to join our North West division based in either our Carlisle or Chorley office. We are looking for an individual with the experience and drive to challenge standards and build capability to ensure our projects are delivered safely and efficiently as our work bank and client base grows over the coming years.
The Role:
As Operations Manager, you will lead a team and be accountable for operational planning and assurance across the North West division, ensuring the right resources, access arrangements and operational processes are in place to safely and efficiently deliver our projects. You will drive workforce capability, compliance and continuous improvement, while providing independent oversight of operational performance.
Key Responsibilities:
• Drive operational performance by independently monitoring adherence to processes and procedures, maintaining a visible on-site presence, and holding project teams accountable for operational delivery, health & safety, and quality standards.
• Support continuous improvement and project readiness through audits, deep-dive reviews, and the development, implementation, communication, and post-launch evaluation of new processes and procedures.
• Lead the resource team to ensure suitably competent resource is allocated for all projects.
• Maintain short, medium and long-term workforce demand forecasts, identifying peaks, gaps and applying the appropriate mitigation plans as required.
• Own workforce development by; ensuring performance and competence is managed, identifying talent for progression and developing and leading an early careers route for site teams.
• Lead the track access planning team to secure appropriate access, ensuring applicable standards and procedures are followed.
What We’re Looking For:
• Extensive experience of leading and managing multi-disciplined operational teams.
• Excellent leadership skills, fostering a collaborative approach, with the ability to influence positive outcomes.
• Thorough understanding of standards and regulations across the rail and/or infrastructure civils industry.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to provide innovative, practical solutions.
• Degree qualified in a Construction/Engineering Discipline.
• Site Managers Safety Training Scheme, or equivalent CDM 2015 training.
Why Apply?
At Story Contracting, we invest in our people. You’ll benefit from:
• Training and development opportunities
• Competitive salary, pension, and company car/allowance
• Health cash plan and wellbeing support
• Working from home (1 day per week) and agile working policies.
• Two paid volunteering days each year
Why Story Contracting?
Story Contracting is a privately-owned, award-winning infrastructure company who is financially secure and agile with a wide range of public, private and third sector clients who enjoy working with our talented and committed team. Our track record for delivery on time and to budget, safely and reliably, has meant repeat business from our clients, which is reflected in our motto of ‘Do It Right!’
Our values are at the heart of everything we do - the way we work and the behaviours we display. We believe that this is what makes Story Contracting and our people exceptional.
• GROUNDED - Everyone is equal at Story. We are down to earth and treat each other with respect.
• HARDWORKING - We all pull our weight and work hard for each other.
• PROUD - We are proud of our safety, our projects, our people, our clients and the success we create together.
• FAMILY - We nurture, train, develop and keep our people safe, just like a family. We are inclusive and do the right thing for the business and its people.
• TRUSTED - What we say is what we do. Our clients, our people and our communities trust us to do it right.
• WINNERS - We are hungry for success and want to be the best performing contractor for our clients, our people and our communities.
Think you’d be a good fit?
Apply today and start your story
The Role:
As Operations Manager, you will lead a team and be accountable for operational planning and assurance across the North West division, ensuring the right resources, access arrangements and operational processes are in place to safely and efficiently deliver our projects. You will drive workforce capability, compliance and continuous improvement, while providing independent oversight of operational performance.
Key Responsibilities:
• Drive operational performance by independently monitoring adherence to processes and procedures, maintaining a visible on-site presence, and holding project teams accountable for operational delivery, health & safety, and quality standards.
• Support continuous improvement and project readiness through audits, deep-dive reviews, and the development, implementation, communication, and post-launch evaluation of new processes and procedures.
• Lead the resource team to ensure suitably competent resource is allocated for all projects.
• Maintain short, medium and long-term workforce demand forecasts, identifying peaks, gaps and applying the appropriate mitigation plans as required.
• Own workforce development by; ensuring performance and competence is managed, identifying talent for progression and developing and leading an early careers route for site teams.
• Lead the track access planning team to secure appropriate access, ensuring applicable standards and procedures are followed.
What We’re Looking For:
• Extensive experience of leading and managing multi-disciplined operational teams.
• Excellent leadership skills, fostering a collaborative approach, with the ability to influence positive outcomes.
• Thorough understanding of standards and regulations across the rail and/or infrastructure civils industry.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to provide innovative, practical solutions.
• Degree qualified in a Construction/Engineering Discipline.
• Site Managers Safety Training Scheme, or equivalent CDM 2015 training.
Why Apply?
At Story Contracting, we invest in our people. You’ll benefit from:
• Training and development opportunities
• Competitive salary, pension, and company car/allowance
• Health cash plan and wellbeing support
• Working from home (1 day per week) and agile working policies.
• Two paid volunteering days each year
Why Story Contracting?
Story Contracting is a privately-owned, award-winning infrastructure company who is financially secure and agile with a wide range of public, private and third sector clients who enjoy working with our talented and committed team. Our track record for delivery on time and to budget, safely and reliably, has meant repeat business from our clients, which is reflected in our motto of ‘Do It Right!’
Our values are at the heart of everything we do - the way we work and the behaviours we display. We believe that this is what makes Story Contracting and our people exceptional.
• GROUNDED - Everyone is equal at Story. We are down to earth and treat each other with respect.
• HARDWORKING - We all pull our weight and work hard for each other.
• PROUD - We are proud of our safety, our projects, our people, our clients and the success we create together.
• FAMILY - We nurture, train, develop and keep our people safe, just like a family. We are inclusive and do the right thing for the business and its people.
• TRUSTED - What we say is what we do. Our clients, our people and our communities trust us to do it right.
• WINNERS - We are hungry for success and want to be the best performing contractor for our clients, our people and our communities.
Think you’d be a good fit?
Apply today and start your story