Operations Manager
An established hydraulics engineering business, South Wales
The Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
- Day-to-day scheduling and coordination of workshop jobs and client bookings.
- Serve as the 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.
- Working closely with the Managing Director on business development and growth initiatives, with genuine input into decision making.
About You
- 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.
- 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.
What We Offer
- A genuinely important role in a well-established, respected local business with more than 30 years of history, entering an exciting new chapter.
- A thorough handover and shadowing period during the first three months, working closely with the outgoing owner and new leadership.
- The opportunity to shape how the business operates and grows under new ownership, with the potential to build and lead a wider team over time.
- A supportive, hands-on working environment with an experienced, loyal technical team.
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience, with the opportunity to benefit directly as the business grows.
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Pay rise
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
