Operations Manager

Operations ManagerOundleFull-time, office-based with occasional site visitsSalary: £40,000 - £45,000 + performance-related payAre you the person who keeps everything moving in a busy technical or engineering service environment?This is a newly created opportunity with a specialist engineering services SME that designs, installs, commissions and services high-value equipment used across a range of technical sectors. The business is busy, growing and now needs someone who can take ownership of day-to-day operations, bring structure to the moving parts and help free up the directors to focus on growth.This is not a role for someone who wants to sit at a distance and purely “strategise”. It is hands-on, varied and central to the smooth running of the business. You will be involved in everything from customer enquiries, engineer scheduling and parts coordination through to project delivery, invoicing, credit control and customer issue resolution.What you’ll be doing:You will sit at the heart of the business, working closely with the Managing Director and acting as a key operational link between customers, engineers, suppliers and the internal team.Your responsibilities will include:Coordinating day-to-day operations across service work, installations and projectsScheduling field engineers and subcontractorsSupporting the delivery of customer contracts and ensuring agreed work is completed properlyManaging customer enquiries, qualifying leads and supporting follow-on opportunitiesHandling customer issues and escalations in a professional and timely wayCoordinating parts, stock, purchasing and supplier activitySupporting invoicing, debtors, credit control and basic financial administrationMonitoring operational information and flagging issues to the directorsHelping improve processes, systems and reporting as the business growsSupervising and supporting a small internal teamWhat we’re looking for:You do not need to be an engineer or degree qualified, but you do need to be comfortable working in a technical, engineering, service or project-based environment.You’ll need experience in areas such as:Operations managementService coordination or service managementContract administration or contract managementProject coordination or project managementScheduling field-based engineers or technical teamsCustomer service within a technical environmentLogistics, parts, stock or supplier coordinationWorking closely with directors, owner-managers or senior stakeholders in an SMEJust as importantly, you’ll be organised, commercially aware and confident juggling multiple priorities. This role needs someone who can get close to the detail, solve problems, communicate clearly and make sure things are followed through properly.You’ll probably suit this role if you are:Practical, hands-on and calm under pressureComfortable working in a small business where everyone gets involvedStrong with customers, engineers and suppliersAble to understand technical language without needing to be hands-on technical yourselfGood with detail, numbers, systems and follow-upConfident managing priorities across service, projects, customers and adminLooking for a role where you can develop and make a visible impactWhy this role?This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys variety and wants to be genuinely central to how a business runs.You’ll be joining a specialist SME where your input will matter, your work will be visible and there is real scope to grow with the company. You’ll work closely with senior leadership, support interesting technical projects and help shape the way the business operates as it continues to develop.Practical detailsThe role is full-time and office-based near Oundle so a realistic daily commute is important. There may be occasional site visits, and some flexibility will be expected when needed to ensure key work is delivered.Interested?Please apply with your CV, or get in touch for a confidential conversation to find out more.