Graduate Trainee Operations Manager

Lord Search & Selection; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in lift installation and maintenance is seeking a proactive graduate for the role of Trainee Operations Manager. This full-time position offers a comprehensive development path towards operational management, providing hands-on experience and the opportunity to work closely with various teams on real projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in relevant disciplines and a keen interest in systems improvement and operational efficiency, supported by structured training and mentorship.

Benefits

Competitive graduate starting salary

Structured onboarding and training

Clear progression path towards management roles

Exposure to live projects

Supportive team-oriented environment

Qualifications

• Graduate with a degree in Business Management, Construction Management, or related areas.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills required.
• Confident in using Excel and management systems.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day operations of lift installation and maintenance projects.
• Assist in planning, scheduling, and resource allocation across teams.
• Monitor project timelines, budgets, and performance metrics.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Self-starter mindset

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Business Management

Degree in Construction Management

Degree in Quantity Surveying

Degree in Engineering Management

Tools

Excel

ERP or project tracking tools

Job description

Location: Redditch

Industry: Lift installation and maintenance

Job Type: Full-time (Permanent)

Development Path: Structured training with progression into senior operations or commercial management roles

The Opportunity

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented graduate to join a growing business as a Trainee Operations Manager. Operating within the lift installation and maintenance sector, this role offers a hands-on introduction to operational management with a strong focus on commercial oversight and system implementation.

This is a development role, ideal for someone looking to build a long-term career in operations and gain exposure to the commercial, logistical, and strategic elements of a technical service business.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day operations of ongoing lift installation and maintenance projects
• Assist in the planning, scheduling, and resource allocation across multiple teams and sites
• Contribute to the implementation and improvement of internal operational systems and processes
• Monitor project timelines, budgets, and performance metrics
• Work closely with the commercial team to ensure accurate cost tracking and reporting
• Help ensure compliance with health & safety regulations and industry standards
• Liaise with engineers, contractors, and suppliers to support smooth project delivery
• Provide reports and operational updates to senior leadership as required

What We're Looking For

• A graduate with a degree in Business Management, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering Management, or a related discipline
• Strong analytical and organisational skills
• Good understanding of commercial principles and operational workflows
• Keen interest in systems improvement and process efficiency
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• A self-starter with the ability to take initiative and adapt in a fast-paced environment
• Confident using Excel and management systems (ERP or project tracking tools)

Desirable (but not essential)

• Experience in an operational, construction, or commercial setting
• Exposure to scheduling, budgeting, or project coordination
• Familiarity with health and safety practices in a technical or site-based environment

What We Offer

• Competitive graduate starting salary
• Structured onboarding and training across operations, commercial, and systems functions
• Clear progression path towards Operational or Commercial Manager roles
• Exposure to live projects and real-world decision-making
• Supportive, team-oriented environment with access to senior mentors

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.