Operations Manager

The Work Shop are delighted to be recruiting for an Operations Manager (Branch Manager) for a growing global organisation based in Southampton in the import export market. The Branch Manager leads the branch as a complete business – its people, customers, operations and results – and is accountable for a safe and engaged team, profitable growth, managing inventory, an efficient operation, compliance with the regional strategy and the service our customers depend on.

How results are achieved matters as much as the results themselves: the role requires visible, approachable, hands-on leadership, open communication and personal standard-setting on safety, quality, integrity and customer-centric approach. As the successful Operations Manager (Branch Manager) Salary up to £90,000 Monthly car allowance £800 Southampton office Office based - 5 days per week. 8:30am – 5pm 23 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays) rising to 28 with service Pension – 5% employee contribution, 3% employer (rises with service – max 8%) Flexi time – system allows you to accumulate hours to be taken in that month or following month(subject to approval) ( 8 hours Max in any month) Free car parking Life assurance and income protection after 3 months Employee Assistance Programme Duties for the Operations Manager (Branch Manager) Leading and developing the team Lead, motivate, train and develop personnel, and create an environment where people feel safe, respected, listened to and able to do their best work.

Set clear expectations and objectives for every role; hold regular one-to-ones and honest, timely performance conversations, recognising good work and addressing underperformance, early and fairly. Communicate openly and regularly. Recruit, induct and retain the right people, and build the skills mix, cross-training and succession the branch needs. Coach and develop people. Agree development plans, support internal progression, and provide consultation, counselling and guidance to employees.

Handle employee relations matters promptly and consistently with HR; act as a role model for our values and challenge behaviour that falls below our standards, whoever it comes from. Customers and commercial growth Collaborate with the senior management team to develop and implement business strategies, goals and objectives to improve sales, profit, performance and productivity levels. Ensure sales targets are met, monitor budgets and motivate the team to attain objectives.

Develop and maintain relationships with customers, identify their needs and consistently deliver excellent customer service and value-added proposals; visit customers regularly with the sales team. Evaluate local market conditions, competitor activity and pricing, and pursue new business – new customers, industries and products. Operations, warehouse and inventory Ensure orders are processed and despatched accurately, safely and on time, to the lead times promised to the customer.

Improve workflow and operational performance. Ensure material traceability and certification is maintained without exception, and that quality accreditations are held and audits passed. Prepare appropriate Capex requirements and justification for new/additional equipment, and manage approved projects. Manage inventory – availability, stock turn, accuracy, stock takes, ageing and excess. Maintain relationship with key suppliers, visit suppliers with the supply chain team where required.

Financial and business management Develop a growing and profitable business which provides a return on capital consistent with company objectives. Manage the branch profit and loss account – sales, margin, costs, headcount and overheads – within budget, and manage working capital including…