Operations Manager

UBT; Royston; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-end timber merchant in Royston is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee daily operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in operational leadership, particularly in timber or related fields, and a passion for craftsmanship. Responsibilities include leading the operations team, optimizing delivery processes, and implementing modern planning systems. This role offers the chance to shape the operations of a values-driven business focused on quality and sustainability.

Benefits

Tight-knit team

Opportunity for personal impact

Strong reputation for quality

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an operational or leadership role, preferably in timber or construction.
• Familiarity with IT systems and CRM/ERP implementation experience.
• Strong people management skills in a hands-on environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the yard and operations team.
• Own and optimize weekly planning, deliveries, and workflow.
• Oversee stock control and supplier coordination.

Skills

Proactive

People Management

Organizational Skills

Solutions-Focused

Tools

CRM Systems

ERP Systems

Job description

Location: Royston

Hours: Full-Time

Salary: Depending on experience £45,000 - £55,000

Are you an experienced operations leader with a passion for craftsmanship, heritage materials, and making things run like clockwork? We're a high-end timber merchant, renowned for supplying English oak to restoration projects and bespoke new builds across the UK—and we're looking for an exceptional Operations Manager to help shape our next chapter.

About Us

We're a values-driven, owner-led business with deep roots in quality, sustainability, and traditional craft. Our clients include architects, builders, and private clients who care as much about the story of the timber as the end result. We're small, agile, and proud of what we do—and now we need the right person to take charge of our operations and help the business thrive.

The Role

This is a pivotal position. You'll take the reins of day-to-day operations—leading people, managing process, and creating systems that enable the business to grow while staying true to its values.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and support our yard and operations team with clarity and care
• Own and optimise our weekly planner, deliveries, and workflow
• Oversee stock control, material movement, and supplier coordination
• Manage machinery maintenance, vehicle scheduling, and site upkeep
• Contribute to recruitment, onboarding, and team development
• Balance respect for long-serving staff with the introduction of operational improvements
• Support the implementation of an ERP/CRM system to modernise planning and tracking
• Drive efficiency while staying hands-on and grounded in the day-to-day
  
  

Requirements

Who We're Looking For

We care about how you work as much as what you've done. We're after someone who's:

• Hungry - Proactive, energetic, always seeking ways to improve
• Humble - Team-first, willing to listen, and respected by doing
• Smart - Operationally sharp, with great people instincts
  
  

You'll need:

• Proven experience in a similar operational or leadership role (timber, joinery, construction, or related fields preferred)
• Familiarity with IT systems, and ideally CRM/ERP implementation experience
• Strong people management skills and confidence working in a hands-on, family-business environment
• A genuine interest in heritage building, sustainability, and wood as a craft material
• Excellent organisational skills, calm under pressure, and solutions-focused
• Possibly a background running your own small business or working closely with an owner
  
  

Benefits

What's on Offer

• A role where you can genuinely make your mark
• A tight-knit, respectful team that values your contribution
• A business with a strong reputation for quality and authenticity
• The chance to work with an engaged and passionate owner on building something meaningful
  
  

IND25