Operations Manager - Metal Mines

Our mine water treatment schemes help protect rivers, wildlife and communities from the legacy impacts of historic mining. As Operations Manager - Metal Mines, you will help manage a portfolio of mine water treatment schemes that are improving water quality and delivering lasting environmental benefits across England and Wales.

This is an opportunity to combine operational leadership, environmental protection and stakeholder engagement across some of the most spectacular landscapes in the UK. You will work closely with contractors, regulators, technical specialists and project teams to make sure nationally important assets continue to operate safely, efficiently and effectively, while helping shape the future design and operation of new schemes.

The role is suited to someone who enjoys solving complex challenges, building strong relationships and driving continuous improvement. If you are passionate about making a tangible difference to the environment, enjoy working with a wide range of stakeholders and want to see the direct impact of your work, we would like to hear from you.

In this role you will:

• Manage the operation and maintenance of mine water treatment schemes and associated assets, initially in the Pennines and Lake District, with potential to support other areas in the future.
• Act in the capacity of Service Manager using an NEC4 Term Service Contract.
• Work closely with contractors and partners to support safe, efficient and compliant operations.
• Support improvement projects and identify opportunities to optimise scheme performance.
• Manage budgets, contracts and operational risks.
• Build trusted relationships with organisations including the Environment Agency, Defra and Natural Resources Wales.
• Help deliver lasting environmental improvements that benefit rivers, communities and ecosystems.

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

A recruitment process designed to help you show your potential

We're committed to making our recruitment process clear, fair and accessible for everyone.

• A fair assessment – applications will be reviewed against the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.
• An opportunity to demonstrate your skills – shortlisted candidates may be invited to complete technical assessments and interviews relevant to the role.
• Clear communication throughout – we'll keep candidates informed of progress and next steps at each stage of the process.
• Support when you need it – reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process to help candidates perform at their best.

Key Dates

We aim to keep candidates informed throughout the recruitment process. Our current timeline is:

• Application closing date: 4 October 2026
• Application sift: 6 October 2026
• Interviews: 13 October 2026

Need a different interview date?

If you're unable to attend on the scheduled interview date, please let us know. We'll do our best to accommodate alternative arrangements where possible.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.