Operations Lead

Are you ready to take the next step in your career and join a thriving, forward-thinking company? We’re seeking an Operations Lead to manage worker onboarding and mobilisation across CarmichaelUK projects, contributing to some of the UK’s most exciting civil engineering projects, and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.

Full-time hybrid role working Tuesday–Thursday in our Thame office, with Monday and Friday working from home.

About Us

CarmichaelUK is the leading civil engineering recruitment agency, trusted to supply top talent to projects such as HS2, Crossrail, and Thames Tideway. Our dedication to excellence has earned us numerous industry awards, including “Best Construction & Civil Engineering Agency.”

We’re known for our innovative approach, technical expertise, and commitment to nurturing our team. As an owner-managed agency, we take pride in doing things differently. Join us and be part of a team that values integrity, collaboration, and career growth.

In this role, you’ll coordinate the end-to-end onboarding of workers, ensuring they meet client, compliance, medical, competency and security clearance requirements before starting on site. You’ll act as the central point of contact for candidates, recruiters, labour managers, clients and third-party providers, supporting projects across airports, rail infrastructure, highways, utilities, defence, nuclear, major infrastructure and secure environments.

Duties to Include

• Coordinating worker onboarding and mobilisation from offer acceptance through to the first day on site

• Managing BPSS, DBS, Right to Work, identity verification and project-specific security clearance processes

• Verifying references, employment history, qualifications and compliance documentation

• Issuing contracts, onboarding packs and project documentation

• Coordinating medicals, inductions, training and site access requirements

• Monitoring onboarding progress, chasing outstanding information and tracking workforce readiness against project start dates

• Liaising with candidates, recruiters, labour managers, clients and vetting providers to keep mobilisation on track

• Maintaining accurate, complete and audit-ready records within onboarding and compliance systems

• Providing progress updates and reports, escalating delays, clearance issues and compliance risks

• Supporting audits, compliance reviews and improvements to onboarding processes

Candidate attributes

• Experience coordinating onboarding, mobilisation or compliance within a regulated or project-based environment

• Understanding of pre-employment screening, Right to Work checks and security vetting processes

• Excellent attention to detail and a thorough approach to checking documentation

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple onboarding cases and deadlines

• Confident communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and follow up outstanding information

• Confidence using onboarding systems, maintaining records and producing progress updates

• Ability to handle sensitive personal information with discretion and confidentiality

• A proactive approach to resolving issues, escalating risks and adapting to changing project requirements

• Eager to learn and committed to delivering a positive candidate experience

What We Offer

We are committed to rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. As part of the CarmichaelUK family, you’ll receive:

• A competitive salary with a performance-based bonus structure.

• Comprehensive benefits, including pension, private health insurance, and life assurance.

• Flexibility, including hybrid working and flexitime options.

• A vibrant social culture with regular team events and networking opportunities.

• 25 days of annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell additional days*.

• Opportunities to give back through volunteering initiatives with our partner charities.

Why Join Us?

At CarmichaelUK, we don’t just offer a job – we provide a platform for your career to thrive. We’re proud to be an inclusive employer, holding Level 2 Disability Confident accreditation and championing diversity through our Celebrate initiatives
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed