Network Operations Manager – Network Maintenance
Hours: Full-time, permanent (37 hours per week)
Salary: £43,000 – £53,000 per annum
Apple Recruitment is delighted to partner with a well‑established and highly regarded client within a regulated industry. Our client is known for its commitment to operational excellence, and supportive, inclusive working environment where employees are encouraged to develop and contribute to continuous improvement.
The Role
The Network Operations Manager – Network Maintenance will lead the safe, efficient, and compliant maintenance of a regional gas distribution network, ensuring assets perform reliably and meet regulatory, safety, and quality standards.
This is a senior operational role with responsibility for contractor performance, delivery of Opex and Capex programmes, risk management, continuous improvement, and contributing to asset planning and innovation — including preparation for the transition to green gases.
The post holder will report to the Operations Manager and work closely with engineering, regulatory, and operational stakeholders.
Key Accountabilities
Lead and manage network maintenance and repair activities, ensuring asset condition meets safety, efficiency, and reliability objectives
Oversee delivery of Opex and Capex programmes, ensuring work is completed on time, within budget, and to required technical and quality standards
Manage principal contractors and ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements
Provide accurate data and analysis to support regulatory reporting, including annual cost reporting templates
Monitor, audit, and improve safety, quality, productivity, and asset maintenance strategies
Analyse failure trends and operational risks, implementing corrective actions and improvements where required Provide technical and operational input to support asset planning, prioritisation, and reactive works
Contribute to continuous improvement and change initiatives across the organisation
Develop and maintain strong internal and external relationships to minimise risk and support business growth
Ensure risks associated with maintenance and repair activities are assessed, controlled, and communicated effectively
Support quality management systems through audits, reporting, innovation, and management review
Assist with the development of policies and technical solutions relating to the distribution of green gases, including biomethane and hydrogen
Represent operational interests through relevant industry committees and forums
Participate in an engineering standby and call‑out rota as required
Act in accordance with the professional engineers’ code, protecting customers, employees, and the wider business
Generic Responsibilities
Build effective working relationships with colleagues, contractors, and partner organisations. Promote and comply with Health & Safety, equality, and customer care policies. Participate in learning and development activities to enhance performance Undertake any other reasonable duties in line with the seniority of the role.
Criteria
Essential
Engineering Degree, HND, HNC, or equivalent qualification
Minimum of 5 years’ engineering experience
Extensive experience delivering operational work programmes
Full, valid UK driving licence
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with the public, contractors, and external bodies
Strong leadership skills during planned and emergency operations
Ability to work independently and within multi‑disciplinary teams
Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and internal systems
Experience leading, training, and assessing engineering and operational personnel
Detailed knowledge of industry standards and asset management systems (ISO 55001)
Ability to interpret technical drawings and records
Please note: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the country of employment on a permanent basis. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Desirable
Membership of a relevant professional engineering institution
10+ years’ relevant engineering experience
Experience as a Competent Person / Authorising Engineer within a Safe Control of Operations environment
Knowledge of gas distribution networks, maintenance strategies, and failure trends
Experience working in an emergency response environment Strong knowledge of industry standards, street works requirements, and utility infrastructure
Working Arrangements
No home or hybrid working – this is an on‑site operational role Working hours: Monday–Thursday: 8.30am – 5.00pm Friday: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Benefits
Enhanced contributory pension scheme
Free life assurance
“Give As You Earn” charity scheme
Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
Enhanced sick pay (subject to eligibility)
20 days annual leave + 11 bank holidays + up to 5 additional long‑service days
Free onsite parking
Dedicated health and wellbeing support
Cycle to Work scheme
Annual salary reviews
Interested?
If this role sounds like the right next step for you, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now or contact Apple Recruitment for a confidential discussion.
If this role is not quite right, we are still happy to discuss alternative opportunities.
Apple Recruitment Services is acting on behalf of its client as an Employment Agency and is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer