Principal Operations Manager

We are seeking a high-calibre Principal Operations Manager to work with and report to the Account Director within Highways Technology Services, supporting the development of a winning bid and operational solution for a major Transport for London (TfL) technology contract. This is a senior, influential role focused on shaping a robust technical and operational solution, taking it through bid, transition, and into live contract delivery.

This opportunity is ideally suited to an individual who combines strong operational leadership, commercial awareness, and technology-enabled service delivery experience, with the credibility and drive to work alongside senior leadership to develop and deliver a complex TfL solution.

The role will initially be bid and solution-development led, evolving into full Principal Operations Manager responsibility during mobilisation and contract delivery.

This position offers a competitive salary, plus a Company Car/Car Allowance

What You’ll Do:

Bid & Solution Development (Pre-Contract)

• Work closely with the Account Director (Highways Technology Services) to develop the operational and delivery solution for a TfL technology contract, ensuring it is deliverable, compliant, innovative, and commercially robust
• Collaborate with bid managers, technical specialists, and partners to develop a compelling, differentiated bid submission
• Define the operating model, mobilisation strategy, governance, resourcing model, and cost base to support a winning solution
• Lead development of transition and mobilisation plans, Organisational design and TUPE considerations, Asset, technology, and systems integration approaches
• Support client engagement, clarifications, and presentations, demonstrating credibility with TfL stakeholders and internal governance

Mobilisation & Transition

• Support and then take ownership of the mobilisation phase following contract award, ensuring a safe, controlled, and on-time transition into service
• Establish operational readiness across people, processes, systems, supply chain, and assurance
• Embed governance, reporting, and performance management aligned to contract requirements and TfL expectations

Contract Delivery (Post-Mobilisation)

• Provide senior operational leadership for the contract, ensuring delivery against safety, performance, financial, and customer outcomes
• Own and manage the operational delivery plan, aligning day-to-day delivery with contractual, commercial, and strategic objectives
• Lead and develop the management team, fostering a high-performance, safety-first, and customer-focused culture
• Manage client and key stakeholder relationships, acting as a trusted delivery partner to TfL
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and value creation across the contract lifecycle

Why Join Us?

At Amey, we don’t just offer jobs, we offer opportunities to build fulfilling careers. As one of the top 1% of employers recognised by Investors in People, we are committed to your professional growth and wellbeing. Here’s what you can expect when you join our team:

Competitive Salary: Enjoy a competitive annual salary with the potential for yearly reviews to ensure you’re rewarded for your contributions.

Career Growth: Propel your career with clear, dynamic advancement opportunities

Training Opportunities: Unlock your potential with comprehensive training, including fully funded CPC qualification, tailored to your growth.

Personal Development Opportunities: Advance your personal growth through mentorship and access to our award-winning programs like our Leadership Development, Women@Amey, and Multicultural Leadership programs.

Pension: Benefit from a generous pension scheme with company contributions for your future peace of mind.

Holidays: Enjoy at least 24 days of holiday plus bank holidays, and the opportunity to buy further 5 days! Giving you plenty of time to relax and recharge.

Flexible Benefits: Customise your benefits package with options like additional leave, cycle-to-work schemes, charitable giving, and gym memberships.

Exclusive Discounts: Access our online portal filled with discounts from leading retailers, healthcare services, and more, helping you save on the things that matter.

Social Impact: Take part in our community initiatives with 2x paid volunteering days a year, plus other opportunities to support fundraising and local projects.

What You’ll Bring:

• Proven experience leading or shaping complex operational services within infrastructure, highways, or technology-enabled environments
• Demonstrable experience contributing to or leading bid and solution development, ideally for large public-sector or TfL-style contracts
• Strong understanding of mobilisation, transition, and contract start-up activities
• Commercially astute, with experience of cost modelling, risk management, and contract performance management
• Credible operator able to work effectively with senior leaders, clients, and partners
• Comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast-paced bid environments, with the ability to translate concepts into executable delivery models
• Strong analytical capability, including use of data, performance metrics, and technology to drive operational outcomes
• Understanding of technology-enabled operations (e.g. enforcement systems, detection technology, data platforms, or intelligent infrastructure)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including supporting client-facing bid and solution discussions
• Structured, pragmatic, and delivery-focused
• Collaborative and inclusive, able to bring together multi-disciplinary teams
• Values-led, with a strong commitment to safety, compliance, and ethical delivery