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Vp plc; West Bromwich; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Company car

Bonus scheme

Pension

25 days holiday

Life Assurance

Job summary

Vp plc is seeking an Operations Manager (Communications) in West Bromwich to oversee the ESS Communications business day-to-day, including national workshops and Communications Engineers. You will coordinate workflow, prioritise requests, and drive improvements across internal and external teams.

Reporting to the Communications Manager, you will lead a team, build strong relationships with stakeholders, ensure compliance and manage licensing, with travel within the UK as needed.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Hire sector, radio communications, Test and Measurement or equivalent.
• Technical background in Radio Communications / Electro / Mechanical / Process.
• Engineering qualification desirable.
• Management / Leadership experience.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Valid UK driving licence; ability to travel within the UK.

Responsibilities

• Act as first point of contact for equipment and support requests and allocate work.
• Manage daily workload of workshops and Communications Engineers; improve processes.
• Monitor progress and keep customers informed; resolve issues.
• Build relationships with ESS Managed Service Team; support high service levels.
• Improve availability and utilisation of Communications assets.
• Ensure up-to-date training and development pathways for Engineers.
• Coordinate with Procurement to maintain stock and consumables; manage licensing requirements.
• Oversee third-party providers for timely repairs and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Radio communications

Electrical/Mechanical background

Commercial acumen

Relationship building

Driving licence

Education

Engineering qualification

Job description

Operations Manager (Communications)

Company: Vp plc Salary: Competitive Hours: Full-time Location: West Bromwich, N/A Job type: Permanent Posting date: 4 Sept 2026 Closing date: 3 Oct 2026

Reporting to the Communications Manager, this role is responsible for the day‑to‑day management of the ESS Communications business, including the national workshops and Communications Engineers.

The role will coordinate and manage the flow of work from both internal and external customers, ensuring requests are prioritised, allocated and progressed effectively. It will involve close collaboration across the Communications and wider ESS business, including Sales.

The successful candidate will be a confident communicator and strong relationship builder, with the ability to influence and work effectively with colleagues, customers and stakeholders at all levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for equipment and support requests, assessing requirements and allocating work across the Communications team and approved third‑party providers
• Manage the daily workload of workshops and Communications Engineers, allocating work effectively and continuously improving processes through digital tools such as Trello
• Monitor progress, follow up outstanding work and resolve issues, keeping internal and external customers informed throughout
• Build strong working relationships with the ESS Managed Service Team, supporting high service levels and ensuring equipment is available when required
• Proactively improve the availability and utilisation of Communications assets across the ESS business
• Ensure Communications Engineers have up‑to‑date training, with clear development and progression pathways in place
• Work closely with Procurement and the Communications Management Team to maintain appropriate levels of sales stock, spare parts and consumables, both centrally and locally where required
• Manage new and ongoing OFCOM licensing requirements for ESS and its customers where applicable
• Manage relationships with third‑party service providers to ensure timely, cost‑effective repairs of both ESS hire fleet and customer‑owned equipment
• Work with the ESS Product Manager and Communications Engineers to ensure internal compliance requirements on G42 are maintained, including TIGs, OSGs and related documentation, and updated as required

What We’re Looking For

• Demonstrate significant experience in the Hire sector, radio communications, Test and Measurement industry or equivalent
• Manufacturer training desirable
• Technical background: Radio Communications / Electro / Mechanical / Process etc.
• An electronic, mechanical, or engineering qualification is desirable
• Educated to relevant level / equivalent experience
• Management / Leadership experience
• Ability to demonstrate leadership capabilities: encouraging, collaborative and able to inspire team with company strategy and goals
• Outstanding relationship building with influencing skills both internally and externally. A team player, highly motivated with a strong commercial acumen and an outgoing personality
• Excellent organisational and time management skills; a self‑starter with the ability to work independently using their own initiative
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, with the ability to produce engaging communications
• Financially numerate and literate
• Understands and is an advocate of the importance of Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality compliance
• Competent IT Skills
• Valid UK driving licence – ability to travel periodically within the UK

What We Can Offer You

• Competitive salary
• Competitive annual bonus scheme
• Salary sacrifice pension
• Company car
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays
• Additional holiday purchase scheme
• Free Tool Hire
• Life Assurance cover 3x salary
• Share save scheme
• Eye care vouchers
• Recommend a friend scheme
• Learning & Development – commitment to upskilling and developing our people, structured in‑house training available alongside external training where required
• Cycle to work scheme
• Long service recognition
• My Vp discounts – a variety of discounts and rewards on thousands of well‑known brands
• Discounts on HP products
• EE mobile contract discount offers
• Gym discounts
• Health Shield (discounted premiums on health care cash plan)
• Regit Assist 24/7 accident helpline – free joining

A Little Bit About Us

ESS (Equipment, Safety, and Services) is a leading specialist company in the UK, providing safety, survey, communications, and test & measurement equipment. With over 25 years of experience, we offer a comprehensive range of equipment, support services, and training solutions.

As a potential employer, joining ESS means becoming part of a dynamic team in an exciting and rewarding work environment. We have established ourselves as a leader in the industry, delivering efficient solutions, exceptional customer support, and cutting‑edge equipment.

At ESS, we value employee growth and foster collaboration. We offer opportunities for personal and professional development, recognising and celebrating the skills and dedication of our team members.

Experience a fulfilling career with ESS, where your contributions will make a meaningful impact. Join us today and be part of our mission to deliver outstanding equipment solutions and support services.

Vp plc is an equal opportunities employer. We believe passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.