At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn and lead in a dynamic environment, preparing for future branch management.
- Company: Oadby Plastics, a leading provider of engineering plastic solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit share, 30 days holiday, and structured training.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on your growth and development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with a clear path to branch management in just 4–5 years.
- Qualifications: Experience in sales or operations; leadership potential is key.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
- Oadby Plastics
- Commercial & Operations Manager - Development Role
- Commercial & Operations Manager – Future Branch Manager
- Swindon | £45,000–£55,000 depending on experience
- Monday–Friday | Permanent, full-time
A structured development opportunity to progress towards Branch Manager within 4–5 years.
Could you run a successful business operation in the future?
You may not be a Branch Manager today, and we're not expecting you to be.
We're looking for an ambitious, commercially minded individual with the potential, attitude and drive to develop into the future Branch Manager of our Swindon operation.
You could currently be working in sales, operations, distribution, manufacturing, account management or junior management.
What's more important to us is your potential: your ability to lead people, understand customers, make sound commercial decisions, take ownership and learn how a successful branch operates.
You'll work closely with our existing Branch Manager and wider management team, gradually building your experience across sales, people, operations, customer service and commercial performance.
For the right person, our aim is to develop you towards taking responsibility for the Swindon branch within approximately 4–5 years.
The opportunity
This isn't simply a sales role.
- Required
- Commercial performance – understanding sales, margin, costs and profitability.
- Customers – developing relationships and understanding what drives excellent service.
- People leadership – learning to lead, coach, develop and hold people accountable.
- Operations – understanding stock, warehouse, logistics, planning and branch efficiency.
- Sales development – identifying opportunities within existing and new customers.
- Decision-making – learning how to balance customer, commercial and operational priorities.
- Continuous improvement – identifying where things can be done better and taking ownership of change.
As your capability develops, so will your level of responsibility.
Who We're Looking For
We're deliberately not looking for the finished article.
We're interested in someone who has already demonstrated commercial or operational responsibility and now wants the opportunity to progress significantly.
- You Are Likely To
- Have experience within a distribution or commercially focused environment.
- Have some experience in leading, supervising, coaching or influencing other people.
- Be commercially curious and comfortable working with numbers and performance information.
- Communicate confidently with customers and colleagues.
- Take ownership rather than waiting to be told what to do.
- Be prepared to challenge constructively and make decisions.
- Want to understand the whole business rather than remain within one function.
- Have the ambition and commitment to develop into senior management.
Previous Branch Manager Experience Is Not Required.
A pure sales background is not required.
What matters is that you can demonstrate the potential to become a strong commercial and people leader.
Your development
This is a genuine succession and development position, not simply a job with the possibility of promotion.
Responsibilities
Over the next 4–5 years, we would expect your responsibilities to broaden as your capability develops, including greater involvement in:
Stage 1 – Learn & Contribute
Understand our customers, people, products, systems, commercial model and branch operation while taking ownership within your existing areas of strength.
Stage 2 – Lead & Improve
Take increasing responsibility for people, commercial performance and operational improvement, deputising for the Branch Manager where appropriate.
Stage 3 – Prepare to Lead the Branch
Develop the breadth of commercial, operational and leadership capability required to take overall responsibility for the Swindon business.
Progression will depend on individual performance and development, but we're looking specifically for someone with the ambition and potential to make that journey.
What We Offer
- £45,000–£55,000 depending on experience.
- Company profit share scheme.
- Monday–Friday working, 8.30 am–5.00 pm.
- 30 days' holiday, including bank holidays, increasing with service.
- Pension and life assurance.
- Structured training and management development.
- Direct exposure to experienced branch and senior business leaders.
- Free parking.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits.
- Long-service awards.
- Employee Assistance Programme and 24-hour GP access.
- About Oadby Plastics
Oadby Plastics, established in 1969, operates a network of branches that supply and manufacture engineering plastic solutions for customers across the UK.
Our Swindon branch (currently employing 9 staff) is an established and important part of the business, and we're investing now in developing the leadership capability it will need for the future.
If you're ambitious, commercially minded and believe you have the potential to run a significant branch operation in the future, we'd like to hear from you, even if you don't currently have "Manager" in your job title.
We are committed to applying our Equal Opportunities Policy at all stages of the recruitment and selection process and encourage applicants from different diverse groups in the community to apply.
We can make reasonable adjustments at any stages if required.
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Commercial & Operations Manager - Development Role in Swindon employer: Anglia Plastics Ltd
Oadby Plastics is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a structured pathway to advance into a Branch Manager role within 4–5 years. With a supportive work culture, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits including profit sharing, enhanced leave, and direct mentorship from experienced leaders, we foster an environment where ambition and potential are recognised and nurtured. Located in Swindon, our branch is integral to our operations, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to a thriving business while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial & Operations Manager - Development Role in Swindon
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We think you need these skills to ace Commercial & Operations Manager - Development Role in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
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How to prepare for a job interview at Anglia Plastics Ltd
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
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As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
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We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Anglia Plastics Ltd. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
