McLaren

The Operations & Capital Projects Manager is a dual-function leadership role responsible for both the operational management of the Project Management team and the direct delivery of strategically important capital projects.

The role combines the responsibilities of an Operations Manager, Senior Project Manager and deputy departmental leader, ensuring projects are delivered safely, compliantly, on programme, within budget and to stakeholder expectations. The position provides day-to-day leadership of the Project Management function whilst retaining personal accountability for the delivery of major projects across the property and infrastructure portfolio.

Working closely with the Head of Property & Capital Projects, the role ensures that business requirements, capital investment plans, property strategies and project delivery activities remain aligned to support operational and strategic objectives.

Operational Management & Team Leadership

• Lead, manage, mentor and develop a team of Project Managers responsible for delivering facility changes, infrastructure upgrades and capital projects.
• Allocate resources across the project portfolio to ensure optimum utilisation and delivery performance.
• Monitor project performance against cost, programme, quality and stakeholder satisfaction objectives.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching and support to Project Managers throughout the project lifecycle.
• Drive consistency in project governance, documentation, reporting and delivery standards.
• Lead project portfolio reviews and ensure effective prioritization of workload and resources.
• Develop, maintain and manage the departmental multi-year Capital Expenditure (Capex) Plan in conjunction with the Finance Department and key business stakeholders.
• Identify future investment requirements, develop project pipelines, manage expenditure forecasts and cashflow projections, and ensure alignment with long-term business and property strategies.
• Support recruitment, performance management, succession planning and capability development of the project delivery team.
• Drive continuous improvement of departmental processes, systems and delivery methodologies.

Senior Project Management & Project Delivery

In addition to leadership responsibilities, the role is expected to personally manage complex, high-value or strategically significant projects.

• Act as Project Manager for major capital, infrastructure and building projects.
• Lead projects through all stages from feasibility and concept design through procurement, construction, commissioning, handover and closeout.
• Develop project briefs, business cases, scopes of work, programmes, budgets and delivery strategies.
• Coordinate stakeholders, consultants, contractors and specialist suppliers.
• Manage project risks, opportunities, budgets and commercial performance.
• Lead procurement and tendering activities in collaboration with Procurement and Finance functions.
• Chair project meetings and provide regular updates to stakeholders and senior management.
• Ensure project objectives are achieved in terms of safety, quality, cost, programme and operational functionality.
• Maintain ownership of project outcomes from initial stakeholder engagement through to successful handover and operational use.

Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure all projects comply with company procedures, statutory requirements and industry best practice.
• Maintain compliance with CDM Regulations 2015, Building Regulations and relevant health and safety requirements.
• Support fulfilment of Principal Designer and Principal Contractor responsibilities where applicable.
• Review project documentation, approvals and governance records to ensure compliance and quality.
• Monitor risk across the project portfolio and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder, Financial & Business Management

• Act as a senior point of contact for business stakeholders regarding project delivery activities.
• Support the development and prioritisation of project requests and business requirements.
• Manage stakeholder expectations and facilitate effective decision-making.
• Oversee capital budget performance, forecasting and expenditure reporting.
• Work closely with Finance to ensure robust budget planning, cashflow forecasting and capital investment management.
• Escalate significant risks, programme issues and budget concerns to the Head of Property & Capital Projects.
• Deputise for the Head of Property & Capital Projects as required and represent the department at management meetings.

Essential

• Significant experience delivering construction, infrastructure, facilities or capital projects.
• Proven experience managing multiple concurrent projects throughout the full project lifecycle.
• Previous experience leading Project Managers or multidisciplinary delivery teams.
• Strong understanding of project governance, procurement, budgeting and commercial management.
• Working knowledge of CDM 2015 and UK construction legislation.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and detailed technical levels.

Desirable

• Degree, HND or HNC in Construction, Engineering, Building Services or a related discipline.
• Professional qualification such as APM, CIOB, RICS, CIBSE or equivalent.
• Experience within manufacturing, automotive, research, technical or operational facility environments.
• Understanding of building services, infrastructure and property asset management.