Utility Survey Manager / Operations Manager

Utility Survey Manager / Commercial ManagerLocation: Preston, Lancashire (North West) Job Type: Full-Time Salary: Competitive + Works Vehicle + Benefits Lead. Develop. Grow.Drain Alert is an established and growing surveying and drainage business, and we’re looking for an experienced Utility Survey Manager/Commercial Manager who can provide strong leadership to our survey teams while helping develop and expand our surveying division. This is a senior management position for someone who combines excellent technical surveying knowledge with the ability to motivate people, improve processes, and help drive the future growth of the business. The RoleReporting directly to the Directors, you will be responsible for leading our utility surveying department, managing projects from enquiry through to delivery, mentoring surveyors, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and customer service. You will also play a key role in shaping the future direction of our surveying services, introducing improvements, developing new opportunities, and helping build a high-performing team. Key Responsibilities • Lead, motivate and develop the utility surveying team • Provide strong day-to-day leadership, mentoring and technical support • Manage utility mapping, topographical and drainage survey projects • Oversee PAS 128 compliant utility surveys • Review survey data, CAD drawings and final deliverables • Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget • Maintain high standards of quality, accuracy and customer service • Liaise with clients, contractors, developers and consultants • Improve operational processes and survey workflows • Assist with business development, client relationships and identifying new opportunities • Help recruit, train and develop future survey staff • Work alongside the Directors to support the continued growth of the business Essential Skills & Experience • Significant experience within utility surveying and underground service mapping • Proven leadership and people management experience • Strong project management and organisational skills • Excellent communication and client-facing abilities • Thorough understanding of PAS 128 • AutoCAD experience • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities • Full UK Driving Licence Desirable • Topographical surveying experience • Drainage survey or drainage design knowledge • Civil 3D experience • Leica, Trimble, GPR and EML experience • Relevant surveying qualifications • CSCS and other industry accreditations What We’re Looking ForWe’re looking for someone who enjoys leading people just as much as carrying out surveys. You’ll be proactive, commercially aware, highly organised and passionate about delivering excellent service. You’ll be someone who naturally develops people, drives high standards, solves problems and helps create a positive, professional culture. What We Offer • Competitive salary • Company vehicle • Pension • Ongoing training and professional development • Genuine opportunities to progress into a senior leadership role • A growing, ambitious family-run business where your ideas and leadership will genuinely influence the future direction of the company. If you’re looking for more than just another surveying role and want the opportunity to lead a team, influence the growth of a business and make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV together with a brief covering letter outlining your experience and what you could bring to the role.