_{28th August, 2026}

Contracts Manager / Operations Manager – Ground Investigation Location: Scotland
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Sector: Ground Investigation / Geotechnical Contracting / Site Investigation

The Opportunity An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Contracts Manager / Operations Manager to join a well-established ground investigation contractor covering projects across Scotland.
We are seeking a candidate with strong UK ground investigation, geotechnical contracting or technical contracting experience who can lead operational delivery across multiple projects.
This is a senior role combining contract management, site operations, commercial control, resource planning, HSEQ standards, team leadership and client delivery.
The successful candidate will take ownership of projects from mobilisation through to completion, ensuring works are delivered safely, efficiently, commercially and to the required technical standard.
About the Company The employer is an established ground investigation and geotechnical contractor delivering site investigation services across a range of sectors.
The business supports clients across infrastructure, construction, residential, commercial and development-led projects, providing practical site investigation solutions from planning and mobilisation through to completion.
With experienced operational teams, drilling resources and technical support, the company offers a hands-on environment where senior managers can influence delivery, improve performance and support regional growth.
The Role As Contracts Manager / Operations Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing ground investigation contracts and overseeing day-to-day operational delivery across Scotland.
The role will involve coordinating project teams, drilling crews, plant, subcontractors, laboratories and commercial information to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget.
Applicants should demonstrate strong operational judgement, commercial awareness and the ability to manage people, programmes and client expectations across multiple live projects.
Key Responsibilities Contract and Project Delivery

• Manage ground investigation contracts from mobilisation through to completion
• Oversee the planning, coordination and delivery of multiple projects
• Review project scopes, specifications, programmes and commercial requirements
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to agreed standards
• Coordinate site teams, drilling crews, subcontractors, laboratories and suppliers
• Monitor progress against programme and resolve operational issues
• Ensure project documentation, site records and deliverables are completed accurately
• Liaise with project managers, engineers, clients and internal teams throughout delivery
• Support the successful handover and close-out of completed projects

Operations Management

• Lead day-to-day operational delivery across active ground investigation projects
• Plan and allocate labour, drilling rigs, plant, equipment and materials
• Ensure resources are used effectively across projects
• Support mobilisation, site set-up and demobilisation activities
• Manage operational risks, delays and site constraints
• Maintain clear communication between site teams and office-based staff
• Improve consistency, efficiency and quality across operational delivery
• Support wider regional planning and workload management

Commercial Management

• Take responsibility for commercial performance across assigned contracts
• Monitor project budgets, costs, WIP, forecasting and profitability
• Review project expenditure and resource utilisation
• Identify variations, additional works and changes in scope
• Support applications for payment, invoicing and commercial reporting
• Maintain accurate commercial records and project financial information
• Work closely with senior management to improve margins and delivery performance
• Contribute to financial planning and operational decision-making

HSEQ and Compliance

• Promote strong health, safety, environmental and quality standards across all projects
• Ensure works are delivered in accordance with RAMS, project documentation and company procedures
• Monitor site compliance and safe working practices
• Support site inspections, audits and safety reviews
• Ensure incidents, hazards and near misses are reported and addressed
• Maintain high standards of technical quality and site documentation
• Encourage a positive safety culture across site and operational teams
• Support continuous improvement across HSEQ performance

Team Leadership

• Lead, support and develop project managers, engineers, supervisors and site teams
• Provide clear direction and support to operational staff
• Assist with workload planning, performance management and team development
• Mentor team members and encourage high professional standards
• Support recruitment, onboarding and training where required
• Promote accountability, communication and collaboration across the team
• Help develop a strong regional delivery culture

Client and Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key point of contact for clients on assigned contracts
• Build and maintain strong client relationships
• Attend progress meetings, commercial reviews and project discussions
• Communicate project progress, risks and changes clearly
• Resolve client queries and delivery issues professionally
• Support repeat business through reliable project delivery
• Contribute to client development and regional growth opportunities

Business and Regional Growth

• Support the continued growth of the Scottish region
• Identify opportunities to improve service delivery and project performance
• Assist with tender reviews, proposals and new project opportunities
• Provide operational input into pricing, planning and resource requirements
• Support senior management with regional strategy and development
• Contribute to a commercially focused and growth-minded working environment

About You We are seeking a candidate with strong operational experience within ground investigation, geotechnical contracting, site investigation or a closely related technical contracting environment.
The successful candidate should be confident managing contracts, leading teams, coordinating site resources and overseeing commercial project performance.
Applicants should demonstrate strong organisation, communication, leadership and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities across Scotland.
This role would suit a candidate currently working as a Contracts Manager, Operations Manager, Senior Project Manager, Regional Manager or experienced Project Manager ready to step into a broader operational role.
Essential Requirements

• Strong UK ground investigation, geotechnical contracting or technical contracting experience
• Proven UK project experience is required
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK
• Previous experience managing contracts, operations or multiple site-based projects
• Strong understanding of ground investigation delivery and site operations
• Experience coordinating drilling crews, site teams, subcontractors and suppliers
• Good commercial awareness, including budgets, WIP, forecasting and project profitability
• Experience managing programmes, resources and project delivery standards
• Strong understanding of HSEQ requirements within site-based operations
• Ability to lead and support project teams and operational staff
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder-management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Good organisational and problem-solving ability
• Full UK driving licence
• Willingness to travel across Scotland as required

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience as a Contracts Manager or Operations Manager
• Experience working within ground investigation or geotechnical contracting
• Knowledge of drilling techniques, laboratory scheduling and site investigation processes
• Experience supporting tenders, proposals or commercial submissions
• Experience managing regional operations or multi-project workloads
• Experience leading project managers, engineers or site supervisors
• SMSTS or SSSTS qualification
• CSCS card
• First Aid at Work qualification
• Technical qualification or degree in Geology, Engineering Geology, Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary, depending on experience
• Car allowance/Car
• Company pension contribution
• Annual leave plus bank holidays
• Additional holiday entitlement with length of service
• Mobile phone and laptop
• Flexible Working Pattern/ 3 days office 2 days from home
• Medical Cover/Health
• Varied and challenging ground investigation projects
• Opportunity to support regional growth across Scotland
• Supportive senior leadership team
• Allowances & Expenses

Why Apply?

• Take ownership of ground investigation operations across Scotland
• Lead contracts from mobilisation through to commercial close-out
• Manage project teams, drilling resources, programmes and budgets
• Play a key role in HSEQ, delivery standards and operational performance
• Build strong client relationships and support regional growth
• Step into a senior role with genuine responsibility and influence
• Join a well-established contractor with a varied ground investigation workload

Inclusion and Diversity The employer is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment where individuals from all backgrounds are welcomed and respected.

 

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