Operations Manager
An established hydraulics engineering business, South Wales
Job Summary
We are a well-established, 35-year-old hydraulics engineering business, specialising in hose assembly, cylinder repair, and hydraulic parts distribution to agricultural, industrial and plant hire clients across West Wales. Following a change in ownership, we are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to join the business from day one, taking responsibility for the day-to-day running of the workshop and office.
This is a genuinely exciting time to join. As part of a new ownership structure, we are investing in the future of the business, and we want the right person in this role to have a real say in how we take things forward. You will shadow the outgoing owner and new leadership during the first three months, giving you a thorough understanding of the business before stepping fully into the role.
This is not a static role. As the business grows, so will the team, and we expect the Operations Manager to play a key part in shaping that growth, including building and leading a wider team over time.
We place real importance on capturing knowledge properly rather than letting it live in one person's head. During the handover period especially, we want the Operations Manager to actively document what they learn, client details, supplier relationships, processes, and procedures, so the business becomes genuinely resilient, not dependent on any single individual, including the outgoing owner or the Operations Manager themselves.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Day-to-day scheduling and coordination of workshop jobs and client bookings
- First point of contact for client enquiries, quotes, and general communication
- Managing supplier relationships and ordering stock and parts as needed
- Overseeing invoicing and working closely with the accounts function
- Supporting the technical team with administrative and operational needs
- Helping to implement new systems and processes as the business grows, including job management software and CRM tools
- Contributing to the smooth induction and onboarding of any new team members as the business grows
- Reporting to the Managing Director on business development and growth initiatives, with genuine input into decision making
- Documenting key processes, procedures and client/supplier information as they're learned during handover and beyond, building a clear, simple set of written playbooks so knowledge stays with the business rather than any one person
Skills Required
- Proven experience in an operations, office management, or workshop coordination role, ideally within an engineering, trades, or technical services environment
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and keep things running smoothly under pressure
- Confident, friendly communicator, comfortable dealing directly with clients, suppliers, and a technical team
- Comfortable using modern business software, or willing to learn new systems quickly
- A genuine team player who takes pride in a well-run, professional operation
- Naturally inclined to document and systemise, someone who instinctively writes things down and builds repeatable processes, rather than keeping knowledge in their head
- Ambitious and keen to grow with the business, this is a great opportunity for someone who wants to build something, not just manage it
- Previous experience in hydraulics, engineering, or a related trade is beneficial but not essential, full training will be provided on the technical side of the business
About the Employer
A genuinely important role in a well-established, respected local business with 35 years of history, entering an exciting new chapter. You will receive a thorough handover and shadowing period during the first three months, working closely with the outgoing owner and new leadership, with the opportunity to shape how the business operates and grows under new ownership, including the potential to build and lead a wider team over time.
Salary and Benefits
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Workplace pension: Auto-enrolment scheme, employer contribution 3%
Sick pay: Statutory Sick Pay
Holiday: 28 days including bank holidays
Salary review: Annual
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
