Operations Manager - #2175002

Operations Manager

Location: South Birmingham (Hybrid working)

An established and growing business is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and develop its business services and operational supply chain function.

This is a key leadership role for a commercially minded, proactive individual who can bring together customer service, procurement, inventory, logistics and manufacturing support to deliver an efficient, customer-focused and profitable operation.

Working closely with the Managing Director and colleagues across the business, you will take ownership of end-to-end business services, ensuring that customer commitments are met, supplier performance is managed effectively, stock is controlled and operational processes continually improve.

The Role

You will be responsible for:

• Operational leadership: Leading, coaching and developing the Business Services team, building capability, accountability and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Customer service and fulfilment: Overseeing the complete order-to-delivery process, ensuring accuracy, reliability and proactive communication.
• Procurement and supplier management: Managing purchasing activities, supplier relationships, commercial terms and supply-chain risks.
• Inventory and working capital: Optimising stock availability while controlling excess inventory, obsolescence, costs and cash tied up in stock.
• Logistics and manufacturing coordination: Working cross-functionally to maintain material availability, production continuity and reliable customer delivery.
• Process and systems improvement: Improving workflows, data quality, reporting and operational efficiency through effective use of ERP systems, automation and structured problem-solving.
• Performance management: Establishing meaningful KPIs, addressing service issues and delivering measurable improvements in cost, quality, productivity and customer satisfaction.

About You

You will be an experienced operations, business services, procurement or supply chain professional with a proven ability to manage complex operational activities and lead people effectively.

You will bring:

• Experience in customer service, purchasing, supply chain or business operations management.
• A strong understanding of inventory control, supplier performance, logistics and order fulfilment.
• Commercial awareness, including an understanding of cost, margin, working capital and operational risk.
• Strong analytical skills and confidence using ERP systems and operational data to support decision-making.
• A track record of improving processes, resolving operational challenges and delivering sustainable results.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across different functions.
• A supportive but decisive leadership style, with a commitment to developing people and building high-performing teams.

Experience within a regulated distribution, manufacturing, food, chemical, pharmaceutical or personal-care environment would be advantageous.

Knowledge of procurement best practice, quality management systems, Lean or continuous improvement methodologies would also be beneficial.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a broad and influential business function, working closely with senior leadership and helping shape the future capability, systems and performance of the operation.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to make a tangible difference to customer experience, commercial performance, operational resilience and team development.