Operations Manager – Construction (Cardiff)
Salary: £85,(Apply online only) – £95,(Apply online only) + car allowance/company car + comprehensive benefits
Reporting to: Project Director
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and coordinate construction activities across a major regional partnership. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for site delivery, team performance, and pre-construction coordination, ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. This leading UK partnership housing developer is built on collaboration, integrity and long-term relationships, working closely with communities and stakeholders to deliver sustainable regeneration and quality homes. Its ethos centres on a people-first culture, supporting employees to grow, develop skills and reach their potential. The organisation promotes inclusion, wellbeing and flexible working, alongside structured training and career progression opportunities. Employees benefit from competitive rewards, health and safety prioritisation, and engagement initiatives such as share schemes and volunteering, all within a business focused on creating lasting social value and positive community impact.
Key Responsibilities
Achieving Results
Lead the recruitment, structure, and performance of site-based construction teams
Maintain strict control over quality, cost, and safety performance
Oversee pre-start coordination and pre-contract planning activities
Monitor build programmes and production outputs, implementing corrective actions where required
Manage post-completion activities including maintenance, handovers, and statutory adoptions
Managing the Process
Review workforce requirements, arrange training, and manage inter-site resource allocation
Ensure all site expenditure aligns with agreed budgets
Enforce compliance with internal procedures and current health & safety legislation
Coordinate pre-start processes to ensure practical, efficient, and cost-effective delivery strategies
Track progress on maintenance periods, retention recovery, and infrastructure adoptions
Health, Safety & Compliance
Promote a strong safety culture, ensuring all activities meet legal and organisational standards
Take responsibility for personal safety and the wellbeing of others on site
Support a working environment that is inclusive, fair, and free from discrimination
Delivering Quality
Ensure all construction outputs meet both internal benchmarks and industry standards
Managing People
Performance & Development
Conduct regular performance and development reviews
Monitor attendance and manage workforce performance effectively
Leadership & Communication
Provide clear direction, regular updates, and constructive feedback to teams
Foster a collaborative environment with open communication
Learning & Development
Support employee growth through training and development plans
Encourage progression toward professional qualifications where appropriate
Technical Skills & Knowledge
You will demonstrate strong capability across:
Planning and programming of construction projects
Building regulations and warranty standards (e.g. NHBC or equivalent)
Road and sewer construction processes
Best practice in construction trades
Health & safety legislation and site compliance
What We’re Looking For
Proven experience in a senior site or operations management role within residential or mixed-use construction
Strong leadership and organisational skills
Commercial awareness with the ability to manage budgets and programme delivery
Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement
What’s on Offer
Competitive salary package (£85,(Apply online only) – £95,(Apply online only))
Company car or car allowance
Attractive benefits package
Opportunity to play a key leadership role on a high-profile regional programme
Supportive environment with a focus on professional development
If you are an experienced construction leader looking to take ownership of complex operations and drive high-performing teams, this is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
O’Neill and Brennan values diversity and promotes equality, All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation