JOB DESCRIPTION:
Founded in 1997, Long O Donnell is an independent engineering and management consultancy specialising in the delivery of critical projects across the energy, utilities, and infrastructure sectors. With a strong reputation for providing both technical and commercial expertise, we support clients from the earliest stages of project development through to delivery, assurance, and close-out.
As our business continues to grow, we are looking for a driven and organised Operations Manager to join our team and play a central role in strengthening our internal operations
ABOUT THE ROLE:
Long O’Donnell is seeking an experienced and commercially aware engineering leader to play a pivotal role in the continued growth and success of our Gas Networks and Mechanical Design Engineering business. This senior position offers the opportunity to lead a highly skilled team, influence strategic direction, strengthen client relationships, and drive the delivery of technically complex engineering solutions across the UK energy sector.
You will be a key member of the leadership team, helping shape the future of Long O’Donnell as we continue to support critical gas network infrastructure while expanding our capabilities within the energy transition, including hydrogen, carbon reduction, and renewable energy projects.
ABOUT YOU:
You will be a respected engineering leader with significant experience delivering mechanical design and engineering projects within regulated utility environments, particularly the gas network sector. You will possess a strong understanding of both technical delivery and commercial performance, enabling you to balance engineering excellence with successful project outcomes.
You will have a proven track record of leading multidisciplinary (preferably gas network) teams, developing client relationships, securing new work, and maintaining high standards of technical governance and safety compliance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Engineering Leadership & Team Development
- Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to engineering teams delivering gas network and mechanical design projects.
- Create an environment that promotes technical excellence, collaboration, professional development, and continuous improvement.
- Support succession planning, recruitment, and the ongoing development of engineering capability across the business.
Commercial & Project Performance
- Work closely with commercial and project management teams to oversee project budgets, resource allocation, programme performance, and profitability.
- Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with client expectations and business objectives.
- Contribute to commercial decision-making and risk management throughout project lifecycles.
Business Growth
- Collaborate with the bid team to develop compelling solutions that demonstrate Long O’Donnell’s expertise in gas network engineering and mechanical design.
- Support strategic business development activities, identifying opportunities for growth within existing and emerging markets.
Client Relationship Management
- Develop and maintain trusted relationships with gas network operators, utility clients, contractors, and key industry stakeholders.
- Act as a senior point of contact for clients, ensuring successful project delivery and identifying opportunities for future collaboration.
- Represent Long O’Donnell at industry events, technical forums, conferences, and professional networks.
Resource & Workload Planning
- Maintain visibility of current and future workload across frameworks, direct awards, design commissions, and strategic opportunities.
- Ensure effective utilisation of engineering resources through proactive planning and pipeline management.
- Support the business in maintaining a balanced portfolio of work across gas network infrastructure and emerging energy transition projects.
Site & Project Engagement
- Attend client and project sites where required to support bidding activities, project mobilisation, stakeholder engagement, design reviews, and key project milestones.
- Provide practical engineering leadership and guidance throughout project delivery phases
SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, with Chartered Engineer status (or working towards chartership) preferred.
- Extensive experience delivering engineering and design projects within the gas transmission, gas distribution, utilities, or wider energy sectors.
- Proven leadership experience managing engineering teams, developing talent, and driving high performance within a consultancy or project delivery environment.
- Demonstrable experience in technical governance, design review, approval, and assurance processes within regulated industries.
- Experience leading technical and commercial bid submissions, framework opportunities, and business development activities.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with clients, contractors, regulators, and industry partners.
- Experience working with gas network operators such as National Gas, Cadent, SGN, Northern Gas Networks, Wales & West Utilities, or similar utility organisations would be highly advantageous.
WHAT’S ON OFFER:
- Dynamic and Collaborative Work Environment: Be part of a motivated and supportive team that values creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
- Professional Development Opportunities: Access training resources, industry certifications, and mentorship programs to advance your skills.
- Cutting-Edge Tools and Technology: Work with industry-leading software, including Power BI and automation tools, to drive efficiency and enhance your workflow.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: We offer flexible working options to support work-life balance and allow you to perform at your best.
- Recognition and Growth Potential: Your contributions are valued, and there are clear pathways for advancement in a growing company where your work makes an impac
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