Principal Operations Manager

Cardiff, South Glamorgan
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited

Your new companyAmey is a leading infrastructure and public services provider, delivering essential services across transport, justice, utilities, and the built environment. Join a forward-thinking organisation committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement across multi-site public sector and PFI-style contracts. With a strong focus on sustainability, compliance, and service delivery, this company offers a dynamic environment where innovation and collaboration are key. Your new roleAs Principal Operations Manager, you will lead the operational and strategic management of multiple prison sites within the FM Prisons Contract. You’ll shape business plans, drive service excellence, and lead high-performing teams to deliver safe, compliant, and customer-focused facilities’ management. Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement business plans to meet revenue, margin, and cash flow targets.
• Lead and support Site Managers across 5-6 establishments, ensuring delivery against KPIs and SLAs.
• Drive continuous improvement and share best practices to enhance efficiency and profitability.
• Ensure statutory compliance and manage supply chain relationships.
• Support customer relationship management with local and regional clients.
• Conduct regular site visits, performance reviews, and team briefings to maintain operational excellence.

Covering five key establishments in Wales:

• HMP Berwyn
• HMP Cardiff
• HMP Swansea
• HMP Usk
• HMP Prescoed

39hrs per week, Monday to Friday. Paying up to £61 per annum.What you’ll need to succeed

• Proven leadership experience in managing, developing, and motivating teams.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in P&L, budgeting, and business planning.
• Relevant technical or FM qualification (e.g., IOSH Managing Safely, IWFM) – required or desirable.
• Demonstrable experience in multi-site facilities management, ideally within hard FM or custodial environments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage complex client requirements and deliver operational improvements.
• Must be eligible for Prison Security Clearance (Amey will support this process).

What you’ll get in return

• Competitive Salary: Annual salary with potential for yearly reviews.
• Career Progression: Opportunities to advance to Account Manager or Account Director roles.
• Training & Development: Fully funded leadership programmes and tailored growth opportunities.
• Holidays: Minimum 25 days plus bank holidays, with an option to buy more.
• Pension Scheme: Generous contributions from Amey.
• Flexible Benefits: Insurance options, Cycle2Work scheme, discounted gym membership.
• Exclusive Discounts: Retail, healthcare, and lifestyle savings via online portal.
• Social Impact Days: Two paid days annually for volunteering and fundraising.
• Family-Friendly Policies: Support for new parents and carers.
• Affinity Networks: Connect and engage with diverse communities within Amey.

What you need to do nowIf you’re interested in this role, click ‘apply now’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn’t quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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