Head of Operations - Scaffolding & Painting

Company Description Indian Trade Links is a rapidly growing provider of mechanical and industrial services, specializing in industrial scaffolding, piping, civil, mechanical, and painting solutions. With thousands of completed projects across India, the company is recognized as a trusted construction partner delivering safe and cost-effective services. Its diverse, high-quality product range and strong network of reliable vendors support stringent quality standards and competitive pricing. A focus on expertise, ethical business practices, and continuous improvement has positioned Indian Trade Links as a market leader. Candidates can learn more about the company at www.indiantradelinks.in or by contacting info@indiantradelinks.in.
Head of Operations – Scaffolding & Industrial Services
Company: Indian Trade Links
Position: Head of Operations
Department: Operations
Industry: Scaffolding / Industrial Services / Projects
Location: India, with travel to project sites as required
Employment Type: Full-Time
Level: Senior Management
1. Job Purpose
We are seeking an experienced and commercially aware Head of Operations to lead and control our scaffolding and industrial project operations across multiple sites.
The ideal candidate must possess strong practical knowledge of scaffolding operations, including planning, erection, modification, dismantling, material management, manpower productivity, safety compliance, measurement and billing coordination.
The position will be responsible for ensuring that projects are executed safely, efficiently, on schedule and within approved budgets, while maintaining strong client relationships.
2. Key ResponsibilitiesA. Scaffolding Operations
Lead and monitor scaffolding activities across all project sites.
Have sound knowledge of scaffolding erection, alteration/modification and dismantling.
Understand different scaffolding systems such as:
Tube and coupler scaffolding
Cup-lock/system scaffolding
Ring-lock/system scaffolding
Mobile scaffolds
Birdcage scaffolds
Suspended and cantilever arrangements, where applicable
Review scaffolding requirements based on site conditions, work fronts, access requirements and project schedules.
Ensure proper planning for scaffolding material, manpower and equipment.
Monitor erected quantity versus dismantled quantity and material utilization.
Control excessive material consumption, unnecessary scaffolding retention and material losses.
B. Project & Site Management
Take overall responsibility for operational performance of all active projects.
Prepare and monitor project mobilization and execution plans.
Conduct regular reviews with Project Managers, Site Engineers, Supervisors, Safety personnel and commercial teams.
Monitor:
Daily progress
Planned vs. actual work
Productivity
Manpower deployment
Material availability
Site constraints
Client priorities
Identify potential delays and take corrective action before they affect project commitments.
Coordinate shutdown, maintenance and high-priority activities with site teams and clients.
C. Manpower & Productivity Management
Plan manpower requirements project-wise.
Ensure optimum deployment of scaffolders, helpers, supervisors, engineers and other operational personnel.
Closely monitor manpower productivity against actual work output.
Prevent unnecessary overtime and idle manpower.
Coordinate mobilization and demobilization according to workload.
Develop capable site supervisors and project leadership teams.
D. Safety & Quality
The Head of Operations must establish a strong safety culture, particularly because scaffolding is a safety-critical activity.
Responsibilities include:
Ensure scaffolding work is executed according to approved procedures, drawings and applicable client/site requirements.
Ensure inspection and tagging systems are properly followed.
Ensure use of appropriate fall-protection and personal protective equipment.
Work closely with the safety team on risk assessments, job safety analysis, toolbox talks and corrective actions.
Review accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions and serious safety observations.
Ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented.
Participate in client safety audits and operational reviews.
Ensure defective scaffolding material is identified, segregated and prevented from use.
E. Material & Inventory Control
Monitor scaffolding inventory across stores and project locations.
Review material requirements before approving additional movement or procurement.
Control:
Material shortages
Excess stock
Damage
Loss/theft
Inter-site transfers
Return of dismantled material
Ensure proper reconciliation of scaffolding material at project completion.
Improve material utilization and reduce unnecessary rental or procurement costs.
F. Commercial & Cost Control
The role should have strong commercial awareness, not only technical knowledge.
Monitor project budget versus actual expenditure.
Review manpower, material, equipment and subcontracting costs.
Support measurement and certification of completed work.
Coordinate with Accounts/Commercial teams for timely client billing.
Monitor unbilled work and operational issues delaying certification.
Understand the commercial implications of additional work and scope changes.
Support variation/change-order documentation before additional work becomes a commercial dispute.
Drive improvement in project profitability through productivity and cost control.
G. Client Management
Act as a senior operational contact for key clients.
Attend project review meetings with clients.
Handle operational escalations professionally and promptly.
Ensure client complaints are closed with proper corrective action.
Maintain good relationships with client Operations, Projects, Safety, Maintenance and Commercial teams.
Protect the company's reputation through disciplined and professional site execution.
H. Reporting & Management Review
Prepare/review weekly and monthly operational dashboards covering:
Project-wise progress
Scaffolding quantities
Manpower deployment
Productivity
Safety performance
Material utilization
Billing status
Cost performance
Major site constraints
Client issues
Pending decisions
Recovery/action plans
Escalate critical issues to management with clear facts, financial/operational impact and recommended action.
3. Required Experience
Preferably 10+ years of experience in industrial/project operations, with substantial experience in scaffolding operations.
Strong hands-on knowledge of scaffolding erection and dismantling activities.
Experience managing multiple industrial project sites is highly desirable.
Experience dealing with large industrial clients, EPC contractors, steel plants, power plants, refineries or similar facilities is preferred.
Experience managing large site manpower and supervisory teams.
Good understanding of project costing, productivity and commercial controls.
4. Educational Qualification
Preferred:
B.E./B.Tech/Diploma in Mechanical, Civil, Industrial or a related engineering discipline.
Relevant scaffolding, safety or project-management certifications will be an advantage.
For an exceptionally experienced scaffolding operations professional, strong practical project experience may be considered alongside formal qualifications.
5. Essential Scaffolding Knowledge
The candidate should be able to confidently discuss and review:
Scaffold types and their applications
Erection and dismantling sequence
Working platforms and access
Guardrails and toe boards
Bracing, ties and stability
Base arrangements and foundations
Loading considerations
Inspection and tagging
Work-at-height controls
Material identification
Scaffolding quantity measurement
Material reconciliation
Manpower productivity
Safe modification of existing scaffolds
Planning for shutdown and maintenance scaffolding
6. Key Skills
Strong leadership and decision-making
Excellent scaffolding operational knowledge
Multi-site project management
Manpower planning
Cost and budget control
Client management
Safety leadership
Material management
Problem solving
Negotiation
Commercial awareness
Strong communication and reporting skills
Ability to work under pressure and manage urgent site requirements
7. Key Performance Indicators
Performance of the Head of Operations should be measured using objective business and project metrics such as:
Safety compliance
Project schedule adherence
Scaffolding productivity
Manpower utilization
Material utilization and recovery
Reduction in material loss/damage
Pr

Work arrangement
No