Trainee Operations Manager

Osborne Appointments; Waltham Cross; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20+ days annual leave

Company car available

Hands-on training and development

Leadership skills development

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

OA Group is seeking a motivated Trainee Operations Manager in Waltham Cross to join our established removals business. Work with experienced managers across day-to-day operations, customer service, transport coordination and financial performance, gaining hands-on experience to progress into a leadership role.

You will learn domestic, overseas and commercial removals, scheduling, resource allocation and KPIs, while developing leadership and management capabilities in a hands-on training

Qualifications

• Interest in developing a career in management within removals/logistics/operations.
• Experience in a customer-facing, administrative, sales, logistics or operational role is essential.
• Willingness to learn all aspects of the business from operations to finance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the removals branch alongside experienced managers.
• Assist with planning and coordinating removal schedules, transport arrangements and staffing.
• Learn to allocate resources, monitor KPIs and ensure safety and efficiency in operations.
• Develop leadership and team coordination skills through hands-on training and practice.
• Support local sales and customer service to deliver a positive customer experience.

Skills

Management interest

Customer-facing

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

CPC desirable

Job description

Trainee Operations Manager

OA are recruiting for a Trainee Operations Manager to join our client’s established removals business. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and motivated individual looking to develop a career in management, with an interest in removals, logistics, transport or operations.

Working alongside experienced management, you will gain hands‑on experience across all areas of the business, including day‑to‑day operations, customer service, sales, transport coordination, team management and financial performance. You will learn how to coordinate domestic, overseas and commercial removals while developing the skills and knowledge needed to progress into a management role within the business.

Location: Waltham Cross

Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:30pm. Flexibility is required, as start and finish times may vary depending on day‑to‑day operational requirements. This may occasionally involve earlier starts or later finishes.

Salary: £35,000pa starting salary

Trainee Operations Manager Benefits

• 20+ days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays
• Company car available for candidates with a full UK driving licence
• Hands‑on training and development across all areas of the business
• Opportunity to develop leadership and management skills
• Career progression opportunities within an established business

Trainee Operations Manager Key Responsibilities

• Work alongside experienced managers to learn how to oversee the day‑to‑day running of a removals branch.
• Gain an understanding of domestic, overseas and commercial removals, including the processes involved from initial enquiry through to job completion.
• Assist with planning and coordinating removal schedules, transport arrangements and staffing requirements.
• Learn how to allocate resources effectively, ensuring vehicles, equipment and personnel are available to meet operational requirements.
• Support the monitoring of daily operations to ensure jobs are completed safely, efficiently and on time.
• Develop an understanding of fleet management, vehicle maintenance and transport compliance.
• Work with drivers, removal operatives and office staff to understand their roles and responsibilities within the business.
• Assist with team coordination, staff training and performance monitoring, developing leadership skills along the way.
• Learn how to handle customer enquiries, prepare quotations and respond to customer queries or complaints professionally.
• Support the delivery of excellent customer service, ensuring customers receive a positive experience throughout their move.
• Develop and maintain relationships with customers, corporate accounts and business contacts.
• Assist with local sales and marketing activities to help generate new business and increase branch revenue.
• Learn how to prepare, issue and follow up on quotations to maximise opportunities and secure new business.
• Identify potential business opportunities and support the development of new customer relationships and partnerships.
• Gain an understanding of branch budgets, expenditure, profit margins and overall financial performance.
• Learn how to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), including revenue, costs, job completion rates and customer service levels.
• Support initiatives to improve operational efficiency, customer satisfaction and business performance.
• Develop an understanding of relevant transport regulations, company procedures and industry requirements.
• Learn how to maintain Health & Safety standards, including risk assessments, manual handling procedures and the safe transportation of goods.
• Gain knowledge of industry standards and compliance requirements, including FIDI and British Association of Removers (BAR) standards.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the business, demonstrating a flexible and proactive approach.
• Take on increasing levels of responsibility as knowledge, experience and confidence develop.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties to support the wider business and contribute to ongoing learning and development.

Trainee Operations Manager Skills and Experience

• An interest in developing a career in management, ideally within removals, logistics, transport or operations.
• Previous experience in a customer‑facing, administrative, sales, logistics or operational role essential.
• A willingness to learn all aspects of the business, from operational coordination and customer service through to sales and financial management.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to build relationships with customers and colleagues.
• A customer‑focused approach and a commitment to delivering a high standard of service.
• Good problem‑solving skills, with the ability to use initiative and develop practical solutions.
• Commercial awareness and an interest in understanding business performance, costs and profitability.
• A positive attitude towards learning, personal development and taking on new responsibilities.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team while developing the confidence to work independently.
• A flexible and hands‑on approach, with a willingness to get involved in different areas of the business.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing operational requirements.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office, with the ability to learn scheduling systems and CRM platforms.
• An understanding of Health & Safety would be beneficial, although training can be developed as part of the role.
• A management or logistics‑related qualification would be advantageous but is not essential.
• A Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) would be desirable.
• A full UK driving licence would be advantageous.

BARNPERM

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