In Plan@Job, a main contractor commissions work from an operator. The operator is the contractor business managing that delivery. It coordinates subcontractors or in-house operatives, manages the working records and brings the agreed outcome back to its client.
Clear names make the relationship easier to understand. They also help people choose the correct access route instead of creating an account that serves a different job.
The main contractor commissions the work
The main contractor needs a usable brief, an agreed commercial offer and a way to follow what happens. In the current client workflow, the operator shares the job link. The recipient can follow the access steps and save or request the relevant job using the appropriate email address.
The client portal shows the work that person has saved or requested access to. It should not be assumed to contain every project belonging to a company merely because someone has signed in.
The operator organises delivery
Operator is the name for the existing contractor account that manages clients, project stages, subcontractors and the business's own team. The operator decides how to package the work, obtains prices and makes the relevant award and booking decisions.
It also manages the compliance records and checks needed for its service. Plan@Job supports records and workflows; the operator and responsible people retain the obligation to assess the requirements and work.
The subcontractor delivers an assigned scope
A subcontractor is an external business carrying out the work assigned by the operator. It can respond to an appropriate scope, provide a price and participate in the delivery workflow. The operator manages the relationship with its client.
An operative is different: the term refers to an individual on the delivery team. “Operator” and “operative” should not be used interchangeably.
Where AI fits
Sophie, Daniel and Maya work inside the operator's account. Their roles support job clarification, eligible subcontractor coordination and finance administration. They do not become the trading company responsible for the project.
An operator using an AI Operations Manager still remains responsible for its own decisions and commitments. AI does not turn a software subscription into a staffed managed service or certify compliance on the business's behalf.
A practical example
In a fictional refurbishment, a main contractor agrees an overall scope and price with an operator. The operator organises internal trade stages and uses subcontractors or its own team for delivery. The main contractor follows the shared job information and completion evidence. The operator manages internal costs and subcontractor decisions separately.
The structure describes responsibilities rather than a universal legal classification. A business can commission work in one commercial relationship and organise delivery in another; the access needed should follow the work involved.
Getting the right access
If you commission work, start with the main-contractor guide and the job link from your operator. If you organise subcontractors and serve your own clients, explore the operator account.
Does Plan@Job appoint an operator when I sign up?
No. Agree the service with the operator business. The software supports the working relationship.
Do existing contractor users need another account?
No. Operator describes that existing delivery-management account.
Can I see all of an operator's internal stages?
The client workflow shows the agreed scope, price and shared information. The operator's internal planning and subcontractor costs remain on its side.