New Build Operations Manager (South-East)

Location: South-East with regular travel (around 50% of your time)

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

Salary: £60,000 - £65,000 (dependent on experience) + Benefits

Join Kensa and help drive the UK’s transition to net zero.About The Role

We are searching for a highly capable New Build Operations Manager to act as the key operational lead across our South-East region. This role is central to ensuring our new build projects - delivered in partnership with our primary client GTC - run smoothly, professionally, and to a consistently high standard from planning through to completion.

Spanning the full project lifecycle, you will work closely with sales teams, main contractors, large housing developers, and internal departments to ensure successful, safe and efficient project delivery. This position will suit a strong communicator with excellent technical knowledge, robust health & safety understanding, and a proactive, relationship-focused approach to problem solving.

The role is hands‑on, with significant time spent on key sites across the South East - spotting risks early, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring exceptional project delivery.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Act as the main operational lead for our new build client, providing clear communication, managing expectations, and building strong working relationships.
• Carry out site visits and surveys to confirm scope, assess constraints, verify health & safety requirements, and identify risks early.
• Coordinate and manage subcontractors, ensuring work is delivered safely, on time, and to required standards, with regular progress check‑ins and action tracking.
• Review designs and technical details for buildability, escalating issues early and supporting practical solutions on site.
• Oversee RAMS and compliance, ensuring all activities align with regulations, site rules, and company SHEQ standards.
• Manage project costs and logistics, including delivery sequencing, storage, plant access, and resolving delivery or programme issues quickly.
• Monitor installation quality, manage snagging effectively, and ensure accurate documentation for smooth project close‑out and handover.
• Provide updates and reporting to internal teams and leadership, highlighting progress, risks, and performance trends.

What You’ll Bring

• Hands‑on construction delivery experience across the full project lifecycle.
• Strong client and stakeholder management skills with confidence working on site.
• Solid technical and operational knowledge, including RAMS, SHEQ and installation processes.
• Experience coordinating subcontractors and managing programmes, risks, and logistics.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to track budgets, variations, and labour/material use.
• Practical problem‑solver with strong communication skills and site leadership capability.
• Awareness of challenges associated with drilling and varying ground conditions.

What’s in it for you?

At Kensa, You’ll Join a Mission-driven Team Working On Solutions That Directly Impact People, Communities, And The Planet. Join a Supportive, Forward-thinking Team Where Innovation And Sustainability Drive Everything We Do. We Support Our Colleagues With

• Flexible Working: Hybrid and office-based options to suit your lifestyle.
• Growth & Development: Opportunities to stretch your skills through meaningful, collaborative work.
• Wellbeing Support: Free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family.
• Time Off: 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days with service.
• Health & Security: Private Health Insurance (after one year) and company pension.
• Community Impact: Paid volunteering days and regular team events.
• Dog-Friendly Offices: Some of our spaces, including HQ, welcome four-legged friends.

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real impact in a purpose-driven organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. If you need any adjustments during the application process, please let us know, we’re happy to support you.

You’re welcome to include a short cover note (a few paragraphs is plenty) telling us what draws you to Kensa and how your experience aligns with this role but it’s optional, so please apply in the way that suits you best.

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