Network Operations Manager - Network Maintenance
Hours: Full-time, permanent (37 hours per week)
Salary: £43,000 - £53,000 per annum
Apple Recruitment is delighted to partner with a well established and highly regarded client within a regulated industry. Our client is known for its commitment to operational excellence, and supportive, inclusive working environment where employees are encouraged to develop and contribute to continuous improvement.
The Role
The Network Operations Manager - Network Maintenance will lead the safe, efficient, and compliant maintenance of a regional gas distribution network, ensuring assets perform reliably and meet regulatory, safety, and quality standards.
This is a senior operational role with responsibility for contractor performance, delivery of Opex and Capex programmes, risk management, continuous improvement, and contributing to asset planning and innovation - including preparation for the transition to green gases.
The post holder will report to the Operations Manager and work closely with engineering, regulatory, and operational stakeholders.
Key Accountabilities
1. Lead and manage network maintenance and repair activities, ensuring asset condition meets safety, efficiency, and reliability objectives
2. Oversee delivery of Opex and Capex programmes, ensuring work is completed on time, within budget, and to required technical and quality standards
3. Manage principal contractors and ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements
4. Provide accurate data and analysis to support regulatory reporting, including annual cost reporting templates
5. Monitor, audit, and improve safety, quality, productivity, and asset maintenance strategies
6. Analyse failure trends and operational risks, implementing corrective actions and improvements where required Provide technical and operational input to support asset planning, prioritisation, and reactive works
7. Contribute to continuous improvement and change initiatives across the organisation
8. Develop and maintain strong internal and external relationships to minimise risk and support business growth
9. Ensure risks associated with maintenance and repair activities are assessed, controlled, and communicated effectively
10. Support quality management systems through audits, reporting, innovation, and management review
11. Assist with the development of policies and technical solutions relating to the distribution of green gases, including biomethane and hydrogen
12. Represent operational interests through relevant industry committees and forums
13. Participate in an engineering standby and call out rota as required
14. Act in accordance with the professional engineers' code, protecting customers, employees, and the wider business
Generic Responsibilities
Build effective working relationships with colleagues, contractors, and partner organisations. Promote and comply with Health & Safety, equality, and customer care policies. Participate in learning and development activities to enhance performance Undertake any other reasonable duties in line with the seniority of the role.
Criteria
Essential
* Engineering Degree, HND, HNC, or equivalent qualification
* Minimum of 5 years' engineering experience
* Extensive experience delivering operational work programmes
* Full, valid UK driving licence
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with the public, contractors, and external bodies
* Strong leadership skills during planned and emergency operations
* Ability to work independently and within multi disciplinary teams
* Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and internal systems
* Experience leading, training, and assessing engineering and operational personnel
* Detailed knowledge of industry standards and asset management systems (ISO 55001)
* Ability to interpret technical drawings and records
* Please note: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the country of employment on a permanent basis. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Desirable
* Membership of a relevant professional engineering institution
* 10+ years' relevant engineering experience
* Experience as a Competent Person / Authorising Engineer within a Safe Control of Operations environment
* Knowledge of gas distribution networks, maintenance strategies, and failure trends
* Experience working in an emergency response environment Strong knowledge of industry standards, street works requirements, and utility infrastructure
Working Arrangements
No home or hybrid working - this is an on site operational role Working hours: Monday-Thursday: 8.30am - 5.00pm Friday: 8.30am - 4.30pm
Benefits
Enhanced contributory pension scheme
Free life assurance
"Give As You Earn" charity scheme
Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
Enhanced sick pay (subject to eligibility)
20 days annual leave + 11 bank holidays + up to 5 additional long service days
Free onsite parking
Dedicated health and wellbeing support
Cycle to Work scheme
Annual salary reviews
Interested?
If this role sounds like the right next step for you, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now or contact Apple Recruitment for a confidential discussion.
If this role is not quite right, we are still happy to discuss alternative opportunities.
Apple Recruitment Services is acting on behalf of its client as an Employment Agency and is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer