Hands-On Operations ManagerAbout the Business
Plaster Coving Ltd is a small, fast-growing business based in North Yorkshire. We supply an extensive range of traditional handmade plaster coving, cornices, ceiling roses and architectural mouldings to customers throughout the UK.
As the business continues to grow, we are looking for a practical, process-driven Operations Manager to take responsibility for the smooth running of our day-to-day warehouse and distribution operations.
The Role
This is a hands-on management position for someone who is equally comfortable organising people, improving processes, speaking with customers and getting directly involved when required.
The successful candidate will oversee the daily flow of work through the warehouse, from receiving and processing orders to picking, packing and delivery. You will work closely with the company’s directors and take responsibility for turning business priorities into clear plans for the warehouse and delivery teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the day-to-day operation of the warehouse and distribution functions.
- Plan and allocate work according to customer orders, stock requirements and delivery deadlines.
- Lead, organise and motivate a small operational team.
- Establish clear responsibilities, targets and standards for employees.
- Ensure orders are picked, checked, packed and prepared for delivery accurately and on time.
- Develop, document and maintain practical operating procedures.
- Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies and recurring problems, and implement workable solutions.
- Work with existing systems to improve stock accuracy, warehouse organisation and product-location management.
- Coordinate delivery schedules and ensure orders are ready for dispatch on time.
- Communicate with customers regarding orders, delivery arrangements and any operational issues.
- Ensure health and safety procedures are understood and followed.
- Work with the directors to support growth, increase operational capacity and improve performance.
- Step into practical warehouse and distribution tasks when necessary to keep orders and deliveries moving.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who is:
- Process-driven, organised and methodical.
- An experienced and confident people manager.
- Practical and willing to take a hands-on approach.
- Comfortable working in a busy, fast-paced environment.
- Able to plan ahead while responding calmly to changing priorities.
- Focused on accuracy, productivity and customer service.
- Capable of introducing structure and accountability without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
- Confident making decisions and taking ownership of problems.
- A clear communicator who can give instructions, set expectations and follow up effectively.
- Commercially aware and conscious of the effects of waste, delays, damage and inefficiency.
- Interested in helping a small business develop into a larger, more structured operation.
Experience
Previous experience in an operations, warehouse, logistics or distribution management role is preferred.
Experience within a small or medium-sized building-products, construction-supplies, wholesale or distribution business may be useful. However, we are more interested in finding someone with the right practical management ability, work ethic and process-focused approach than experience in one specific industry.
What Success Looks Like
The successful candidate will create an operation in which:
- Employees understand their responsibilities and daily priorities.
- Customer orders are processed accurately and prepared on time.
- Stock is well organised, accurately recorded and easy to locate.
- Deliveries are planned efficiently and communicated clearly.
- The warehouse is organised, safe and efficient.
- Problems are identified early and resolved decisively.
- The business has reliable processes that can support continued growth.
What We Offer
- A key management and decision-making role within a growing, family-run business.
- The opportunity to make a visible and lasting improvement to the company.
- Genuine responsibility and the freedom to develop better ways of working.
- A varied role combining people management, planning, customer contact and practical operations.
- The opportunity to grow with the business as its warehouse and distribution activities expand.
- Salary will be based on experience
This role would suit an experienced Operations Manager, Warehouse Manager, Distribution Manager or Logistics Manager who enjoys taking ownership, improving systems and remaining closely involved in the practical running of a business.
Pay: From £30,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
