Operations Manager

Cameron Clarke Associates t/a talent-finder; Sherborne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Cameron Clarke Associates t/a talent-finder in Sherborne seeks an organised Operations Manager to coordinate daily office activities, oversee customer service and respond to enquiries, working closely with directors and the Transport Manager to keep operations running smoothly. The role is hands-on, combining office management with process improvement, delivery planning and staff support.

Initially no direct line management, with potential to take on greater responsibility as you develop an

Qualifications

• Experience in office administration and coordinating day-to-day work.
• Leadership or management experience.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Clear, confident communication with directors, colleagues and customers.
• Practical approach to problem-solving and improving processes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate information, priorities and activities across the office, drivers and yard.
• Work with the Transport Manager to coordinate customer orders, delivery schedules and available vehicle capacity.
• Maintain oversight of the delivery calendar, considering vehicle availability and scheduling requirements.
• Coordinate suitable delivery dates and communicate options to customers and colleagues.
• Refer technical vehicle or delivery-access queries to the Transport Manager.
• Maintain accurate records, reliable processes and consistent customer service.
• Manage competing priorities and ensure important tasks are completed.
• Translate the directors' priorities into clear actions and keep them informed of operational issues.
• Provide continuity when the directors are unavailable or occupied elsewhere.
• Identify practical improvements to office procedures and communication between teams.
• Manage day-to-day office administration and customer enquiries.

Skills

Office administration

Leadership experience

Organisational skills

Communication

Decision making

Problem solving

Relationship building

Ownership of tasks

Integrity / judgement

Job description

Operations Manager | Sherborne | Full Time | £40,000-£45,000 per annum

Looking for an opportunity to take ownership, improve processes and help shape the day-to-day running of a family-run business?

Our client is a family-run business looking for an organised and practical Operations Manager to bring structure to its daily operations, coordinate teams and support the directors in ensuring the business runs efficiently.

The Role

You will coordinate the day-to-day running of the office, including administration, phone sales and customer service, working closely with the directors and Transport Manager to keep operations running smoothly.

This is a hands-on role combining office management, operational coordination and problem-solving. You will help organise customer orders and delivery schedules, manage competing priorities, support colleagues and resolve routine issues within agreed limits.

Initially, the focus will be on coordination, oversight and supporting colleagues rather than direct line management, with the opportunity to take on greater operational responsibility as you develop your understanding of the business.

This is an office-based position in Sherborne, Monday to Friday, with one Saturday per month. Flexibility may be required during busy periods, particularly in spring. Exact daily and weekly hours are to be confirmed. Office opening times are 7:30am - 5:30pm

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate information, priorities and activities across the office, drivers and yard
• Work with the Transport Manager to coordinate customer orders, delivery schedules and available vehicle capacity
• Maintain oversight of the delivery calendar, considering vehicle availability, load limits and scheduling requirements
• Coordinate suitable delivery dates and communicate options to customers and colleagues
• Refer technical vehicle or delivery-access queries to the Transport Manager
• Maintain accurate records, reliable processes and consistent customer service
• Manage competing priorities and ensure important tasks are completed
• Translate the directors' priorities into clear actions and keep them informed of operational issues
• Provide continuity when the directors are unavailable or occupied elsewhere
• Identify practical improvements to office procedures and communication between teams
• Manage day-to-day office administration and customer enquiries
• Provide cover for phone sales and administrative duties while learning the products, customers and systems
• Support colleagues, clarify responsibilities and follow up on agreed actions
• Resolve routine operational and staff queries within agreed authority, escalating more sensitive or significant matters when necessary
• Consider the commercial implications of decisions and recommend improvements to operational processes

Requirements

Essential

• Demonstrable experience in office administration, handling customer enquiries and coordinating day-to-day work
• Leadership or management experience, which may come from another sector or a wider leadership setting
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Clear, confident communication with directors, colleagues, drivers and customers
• Ability to make sensible decisions within agreed authority
• Practical approach to problem-solving and improving processes
• Ability to build working relationships, gain trust and support colleagues while maintaining clear expectations
• Ability to take ownership and follow tasks through without constant supervision
• Sound judgement, integrity and confidence in add