Operations Manager | Sherborne | Full Time | £40,000–£45,000 per annum

Looking for an opportunity to take ownership, improve processes and help shape the day-to-day running of a family-run business?

Our client is a family-run business looking for an organised and practical Operations Manager to bring structure to its daily operations, coordinate teams and support the directors in ensuring the business runs efficiently.

The Role

You will coordinate the day-to-day running of the office, including administration, phone sales and customer service, working closely with the directors and Transport Manager to keep operations running smoothly.

This is a hands-on role combining office management, operational coordination and problem-solving. You will help organise customer orders and delivery schedules, manage competing priorities, support colleagues and resolve routine issues within agreed limits.

Initially, the focus will be on coordination, oversight and supporting colleagues rather than direct line management, with the opportunity to take on greater operational responsibility as you develop your understanding of the business.

This is an office-based position in Sherborne, Monday to Friday, with one Saturday per month. Flexibility may be required during busy periods, particularly in spring. Exact daily and weekly hours are to be confirmed. Office opening times are 7:30am – 5:30pm

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate information, priorities and activities across the office, drivers and yard
• Work with the Transport Manager to coordinate customer orders, delivery schedules and available vehicle capacity
• Maintain oversight of the delivery calendar, considering vehicle availability, load limits and scheduling requirements
• Coordinate suitable delivery dates and communicate options to customers and colleagues
• Refer technical vehicle or delivery-access queries to the Transport Manager
• Maintain accurate records, reliable processes and consistent customer service
• Manage competing priorities and ensure important tasks are completed
• Translate the directors’ priorities into clear actions and keep them informed of operational issues
• Provide continuity when the directors are unavailable or occupied elsewhere
• Identify practical improvements to office procedures and communication between teams
• Manage day-to-day office administration and customer enquiries
• Provide cover for phone sales and administrative duties while learning the products, customers and systems
• Support colleagues, clarify responsibilities and follow up on agreed actions
• Resolve routine operational and staff queries within agreed authority, escalating more sensitive or significant matters when necessary
• Consider the commercial implications of decisions and recommend improvements to operational processes

Requirements

Essential

• Demonstrable experience in office administration, handling customer enquiries and coordinating day-to-day work
• Leadership or management experience, which may come from another sector or a wider leadership setting
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Clear, confident communication with directors, colleagues, drivers and customers
• Ability to make sensible decisions within agreed authority
• Practical approach to problem-solving and improving processes
• Ability to build working relationships, gain trust and support colleagues while maintaining clear expectations
• Ability to take ownership and follow tasks through without constant supervision
• Sound judgement, integrity and confidence in addressing issues constructively
• Ability to recognise when to act independently and when to escalate
• Willingness to learn the products, systems and wider operations of the business
• Willingness to get involved in daily tasks as well as coordinate activities across the team

Desirable

• Experience using digital systems to coordinate deliveries, fleet activities or route planning
• Experience improving administrative or operational processes
• Experience helping a business introduce more digital ways of working

What’s In It For You

• £40,000–£45,000 per annum
• 31 days annual leave, including bank holidays
• Supportive, family-run working environment
• Varied and engaging role with the opportunity to take on greater responsibility
• Employee discount
• Free on-site parking
• Sick pay

Interested in taking the next step in your career? Apply now to help shape the day-to-day operations of a growing business.

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