Operations Manager

Universal Business Team; Royston; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-end timber merchant in Royston seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead day-to-day operations, manage a dedicated team, and drive process improvements while upholding the company's values of quality and sustainability. The ideal candidate will possess strong operational leadership skills, familiarity with IT systems, and a genuine interest in heritage building. Competitive salary and opportunity for meaningful impact in a small, agile team.

Benefits

Opportunity to make a mark

Tight-knit respectful team

Strong reputation for quality

Engaged owner to work with

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar operational or leadership role.
• Familiarity with IT systems and CRM/ERP implementation.
• Excellent organisational skills and calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the yard and operations team.
• Oversee stock control and supplier coordination.
• Drive efficiency while managing day-to-day operations.

Skills

Operational leadership

People management

Process improvement

Problem solving

IT system familiarity

Timber or construction experience

Job description

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Operations Manager

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

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