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Universal Business Team

Operations Manager

Loughborough , United Kingdom
full-time

Operations Manager

Location: Loughborough
Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 (depending on experience)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent

About the Business

Our client is a well-established, family-run SME with over 50 years’ experience supplying a wide range of products to both the education and commercial sectors. Their offering includes office paper and stationery, workwear, PPE, cleaning supplies and a full range of office and educational furniture.

Operating from a 17,000 sq ft warehouse, the business provides a reliable next-day delivery service supported by its own fleet of drivers. Known for exceptional customer service, long-standing client relationships and a commitment to high-quality, sustainable solutions, the company also delivers bespoke furniture projects including site surveys, CAD design and full installation.

The Role

We are seeking a hands-on Operations Manager for this fast-paced, growing SME. This pivotal position oversees all warehouse operations, goods in/out, logistics, the delivery fleet and installation activities — ensuring day-to-day operations run efficiently and effectively.

This role is both practical and strategic. The successful candidate will lead and develop the warehouse and driving teams while also stepping in operationally when needed, whether assisting in the warehouse or supporting deliveries.

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee all daily warehouse, logistics, fleet and installation operations.
  • Manage approximately 2,000 stock lines, ensuring accurate stock rotation, efficient picking/packing and smooth goods in/out processes.
  • Oversee daily cross-dock activity and liaise with Purchasing on inbound deliveries, stock discrepancies and annual stock checks.
  • Maintain a clean, safe and well-organised warehouse and premises.
  • Plan daily delivery routes, allocate work to drivers and ensure timely, cost-effective deliveries.
  • Manage fleet maintenance and compliance, and minimise reliance on external carriers.
  • Support furniture installation planning and execution.
  • Step in operationally during busy periods or staff absences, including warehouse work and delivery support.
  • Lead and develop the warehouse and driver teams, including recruitment, training, appraisals and performance management.
  • Build a positive, motivated team culture and manage absence effectively.
  • Oversee all Health & Safety requirements, including training, licences, risk assessments and compliance.
  • Monitor operational KPIs, manage budgets and drive productivity, accuracy and service improvements.
  • Implement efficient processes and promote LEAN, 5S and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Provide regular reporting to the senior leadership team and contribute to broader management discussions.

Requirements

Essential

  • Strong logistics knowledge and a passion for operational excellence.
  • A practical, proactive, hands-on leadership style.
  • Excellent communication skills with both staff and customers.
  • Experience managing teams and driving strong performance.
  • Strong organisational skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
  • Good attention to detail and commercial awareness.
  • Confident user of Microsoft Office.
  • Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

  • Previous operations or logistics management experience.
  • Forklift or HGV Class 2 licence.
  • Experience using warehouse or inventory management systems.
  • Practical DIY or furniture installation skills.
  • Knowledge of LEAN or continuous improvement methodologies.

Benefits

  • Salary between £50,000 – £60,000, depending on experience.
  • Performance-related bonus scheme.
  • Clear progression pathway, including opportunities to move into senior leadership roles.
  • Company pension scheme.
  • Free on-site parking.
  • Staff discount across the product range.
  • Ongoing training and professional development.

IND25

 Universal Business Team

Universal Business Team (“UBT”) is a global enterprise spanning 19 countries across the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Central America and Australasia. UBT, headquartered in Sydney, Australia, is a diversified business consultancy that supports clients with business-advisory and group-buying services with the objective to help businesses develop a competitive edge. UBT was launched in 2009 in response to the Global Financial Crisis to support client organisations that were either in distress or looking to improve their competitiveness and financial performance. Currently, UBT turns over $500M (AUD) and has aspirations for significant growth over the next three to five years. A recent decision was made to bring four separate global regions together under the one global brand and leadership team. UBT’s business advisory services comprise corporate training, consulting, recruitment, accounting, and group buying services. UBT facilitates leadership and business excellence for our client’s in their respective industries. Through the group buying function, UBT nurtures mutually-beneficial relationships between member businesses and world-leading providers of business goods and services. The outcome to which we strive is a “win-win” for small-to-medium enterprises and big business alike. UBT provides services and products to approximately 3,000 independent, family-owned businesses globally with combined annual revenues exceeding $12B (AUD). The majority are small to medium sized enterprises with typical annual revenue ranges between $5m-$20m. However, there are also some larger businesses with annual revenues in the range of $100m-$250m. The unifying feature of all UBT’s clients is that the owners are parishioners of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC). UBT (which is owned by the PBCC) supports clients by providing products, services and support designed to increase their profitability and growth. The after-tax profits generated by UBT are reinvested into community initiatives, predominantly through schools (established to educate the children of Brethren families) and charities, such as the Rapid Relief Team (“RRT”) and the Red Cross. UBT Recruitment are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We will apply a rigorous, objective selection process using non-discriminatory criteria, as far as possible on behalf of all the businesses we recruit for.To view our policy in full please contact [email protected]

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