Central Operations Manager

Safestore Holdings PLC; Borehamwood; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading storage solutions provider in Borehamwood is seeking a Central Operations Manager responsible for controlling costs and managing operational activities. The role requires strong purchasing and negotiation skills, excellent communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. Candidates should have proven experience in a commercial environment and be proficient in MS Office. This permanent position is based in the North London Head Office and involves oversight of budgets and supplier management, ensuring efficient operations across the business.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a fast-paced, commercial environment.
• Strong purchasing and negotiation skills with commercial awareness.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Professional, pragmatic approach with flexibility to travel (UK and occasional Europe).

Responsibilities

• Proactively looks for new ways to improve efficiency and value in order to save company costs.
• Takes full responsibility for the Central Operations budget and invoicing processes.
• Manages all renewals and acts as main contact with insurers.
• Leads on environment sustainability reporting and data collection.
• Monitors communication levels to ensure colleagues are informed.
• Manages the fleet of company vehicles.
• Manages Debtor sellers and processes.
• Takes responsibility for stock management and site preparation for new store openings.
• Liaises with customers during store closures.
• Maintains key operations policies and procedures.

Skills

Purchasing and negotiation skills

Commercial awareness

Communication

Stakeholder management

Organizational skills

Detail-oriented

MS Office proficiency

Job description

Central Operations Manager

Department: Support Office

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Borehamwood

Compensation: £45,000 / year

Description

Department: Central Operations

Reporting to: Head of Central Operations

Supervises: Central Operations Assistant

Responsible for controlling and managing costs to deliver efficient operational support to ensure business continuity. The role proactively supports and assists colleagues in head office and in our stores, enabling them to carry out their roles efficiently and thereby ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the business.

The Central Operations Manager is responsible for optimising operational performance and minimising risk and cost to the business. This will be achieved through:

• Communication & Support: Ensuring clear, effective communication across Head Office and stores.
• Operational Purchasing: Managing and controlling all purchasing activities.
• Supplier Management: Negotiating with suppliers and service providers to secure competitive costs and high service standards.
• Project Management: Leading ad hoc projects as directed by the company.

This role is based in our North London Head Office.

Key Responsibilities / Accountabilities

• Cost control - Proactively looks for new ways to improve efficiency and value in order to save company costs
• Budgeting – Takes full responsibility for the Central Operations budget and invoicing processes
• Insurance – Manages all renewals and act as main contact between Safestore and insurers
• Sustainability – Leads on environment sustainability in areas such as sustainability reporting and data collection, decarbonisation and water/waste management as well as GHG and ESOS compliance
• Communications – Monitors levels of communication between head office and operations ensuring they are succinct to ensure colleagues are kept informed of all relevant information
• Fleet management – Manages the fleet of company vehicles, including tax, MOT, insurance, servicing and repairs
• Debtor sales – Manages the Debtor sellers and processes
• New store opening – Takes responsibility for order fulfilment, stock management, product sourcing, and all site preparation tasks following handover from the construction team in order to open the store on schedule
• Store closures – Liaises with customers to manage the customer transfer process. Manages the removal and disposal/redistribution of all items such as fixtures, fittings and inventory
• Policy and procedure - Maintains key operations policies and procedures in order that Safestore operates safely and effectively and in line with relevant legislation

Experience and Skills Required

• Proven experience in a fast-paced, commercial environment.
• Strong purchasing and negotiation skills with commercial awareness.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Professional, pragmatic approach with flexibility to travel (UK and occasional Europe).
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)