Operations Manager
Engineering SME
Newport
Up to £50,000 + Benefits
Role Overview
A specialist engineering services business in South Wales is looking for a new Operations Manager due an impending retirement. Serving a diverse client base ranging from SMEs to Blue Chip organisations—our client provides essential recovery, maintenance and installation services.
The Operations Manager will head up a fast-paced Service Desk, ensuring the seamless delivery of national maintenance contracts and technical support. This is a pivotal leadership role reporting directly to the Managing Director, responsible for the efficiency, quality, and technical excellence of the service department.
Key Responsibilities
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Team Leadership: Lead and manage a regional team of service engineers, overseeing recruitment, training, performance reviews, and holiday/absence management.
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Service Coordination: Oversee the busy Service Desk to ensure customer callouts and service requests are handled with urgency and precision.
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Workflow Management: Master the Joblogic software suite to log calls, issue tasks to engineers, and monitor real-time progress through allocation, attendance, and job completion.
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Resource & Asset Management: Manage vehicle fleet logistics and oversee the procurement of plant equipment, subcontractors, and workshop spares.
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Financial Administration: Direct purchase orders for equipment and spares; accurately price up works for invoicing and maintain a close liaison with the accounts department.
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Operational Reporting: Provide regular status updates and strategic insights directly to the Managing Director and broader management team.
Candidate Requirements
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Proven Experience: Demonstrated success in managing a service department, call desk, or engineering team within a technical or industrial environment.
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Technical Literacy: A strong logical and structured approach to office-based administrative processes and data management.
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Software Proficiency: Highly competent in Microsoft Office (specifically Word and Excel); experience with Joblogic or similar Service Management Software is highly desirable.
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Industry Knowledge: Solid technical understanding to provide credible backup and guidance to both customers and field engineers.
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Leadership Traits: A high-integrity work ethic with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-pressure environment.
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Mobility: Primarily office-based in Newport, but comfortable with occasional travel for site visits or field-based oversight.
This opportunity would suit experienced operations or service desk specialist with experience working in a similar field, for example the engineering or manufacturing sectors.
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