Operations Manager
The Role & Team
The Operations team is core to the branch's success. It is split into an Operational and a Commercial side.
At first, the Operations Manager will work closely with the Commercial Director. This will help them get to know the market, and the unique elements of the industry, customers and suppliers.
After around 3 to 6 months, the Operations Manager will act with a great degree of autonomy. They will fully own the Operational requirements of the team. Commercial responsibilities mostly sit separately. Even so, they will need a good appreciation of commercial matters to keep the team working well together.
From there, the focus moves to process improvement and efficiency, with a continual improvement mindset. A stronger Operational side will let the Commercial team grow the customer base and move into new niches. That growth will create further opportunities for the Operations Manager role to evolve.
The ideal candidate will have enough Operational forwarding experience to take ownership of the team quickly. They will also thrive on driving change and improvement.
Responsibilities & Key Tasks
Ownership of the Operation
- Ensure the smooth day to day running of the operation
- Support the team with guidance when operational challenges arise
- Act as the first point of escalation for customer and client queries
- Work with Commercial colleagues to improve file profitability
Process Improvement
- Drive and facilitate process improvement within the team
Team Management
- Lead a team of 5
- Upskill and train the team
- Approve holidays and maintain staff morale
Admin
- Support Credit Control to keep customer accounts up to date
- Monitor supplier and customer queries and make sure they are answered promptly