Senior Associate Operations Manager – Energy & Infrastructure
ESS – Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland
Location: Westhill, Aberdeenshire (Office-based with travel, including offshore)
Salary: Competitive + Excellent Company Benefits
About Us
ESS, the specialist Energy & Infrastructure sector of Compass Group, delivers market-leading catering, hospitality, and support services to clients across the UK. As our portfolio continues to expand, we are strengthening our senior operational leadership team and are seeking a Senior Associate Operations Manager to lead performance across a portfolio of contracts and sites.
The Role
The Senior Associate Operations Manager is responsible for the effective operational and commercial delivery of multiple client units/contracts, ensuring safe, compliant, and high-performing operations across a complex portfolio.
Working closely with Operations Managers, unit leaders, and key stakeholders, the role provides senior operational leadership, drives consistency and best practice, and ensures contractual, financial, and service commitments are met. The postholder plays a key role in client engagement, people development, mobilisation activity, and continuous improvement initiatives across their area of responsibility.
This role carries accountability for operational performance, cost control, service quality, and team capability, while contributing to broader regional and sector objectives.
Key Responsibilities
*Lead and oversee the delivery of services across multiple units/contracts, ensuring consistent standards and safe, compliant operations.
*Provide coaching, direction, and performance management to Operations Managers and site-based leadership teams.
*Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.
*Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance service quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
*Maintain budgetary oversight, supporting P&L performance, cost control, and commercial decision-making.
*Support and, where required, lead complex mobilisations, demobilisations, and change programmes.
*Ensure full compliance with Compass Group policies, contractual requirements, and industry standards, including offshore safety regulations.
Essential Experience & Skills
*Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role, managing multiple sites, units, or contracts.
*Experience operating within complex, safety-critical, or regulated environments.
*Demonstrated ability to lead and develop operational management teams.
*Strong stakeholder management skills with a customer-focused mindset.
*Experience delivering business objectives, driving improvement, and managing change at scale.
*Commercial awareness with experience supporting budgets and operational financial performance.
*Excellent communication, influencing, and presentation skills.
*Results-focused, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities.
*Full, valid UK driving licence.
*Holds, or is willing to obtain, required offshore certifications: OEUK Medical and Food Handlers Medical (including shoulder measurements), BOSIET/FOET, and MIST.
*Due to offshore safety requirements, this role is subject to OEUK Safe Weight Limit guidelines, effective from 1 November 2026.
Desirable Experience & Skills
*Experience within the Energy and/or Infrastructure sector.
*Experience delivering catering, facilities management, or integrated support services.
*Strong P&L management experience across multiple contracts.
*Experience leading transformation or large-scale change programmes.
*Qualification in Management & Leadership (or equivalent professional experience).
What We Offer
*Competitive salary
*Comprehensive company benefits
*Career development and progression opportunities across Compass Group
*A collaborative, supportive, and safety-first culture
*The opportunity to shape and lead performance in a growing sector
How to Apply
If you are an experienced operational leader with a track record of managing multiple contracts and delivering service excellence, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a brief cover note outlining your suitability for the role.