Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Big Potato Games | B Corp

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Oversee operations, manage logistics, and ensure efficient order fulfilment for our board games.
  • Company: Join a fun indie board game company in Clerkenwell with a creative vibe.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a £500 holiday bonus, free board games, and Bupa Healthcare.
  • Other info: Casual dress, monthly yoga, and great career development opportunities await!
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that brings joy through games while driving operational excellence.
  • Qualifications: Experience in operations management and strong analytical skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

We’re an indie board game company based in Clerkenwell. From quiz games to drawing games, TV game shows to mobile apps, we like to turn our hands to all sorts. Our golden rule is to make sure our games are easy to understand, fun to play and guaranteed to get the party started.

We’re on the hunt for an Operations Manager to join our Operations team. This role will be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end operational flow of products across key markets, ensuring efficient order fulfilment, inventory accuracy, and strong performance across third-party logistics (3PL) partners. The role acts as a critical link between Operations, Sales, and external logistics providers, driving continuous improvement, cost efficiency, and service excellence.

What will you be doing?

  • Order Fulfilment & Logistics Management
    • Manage day-to-day relationships with 3PL providers across the UK, US, Germany, and Canada
    • Act as the primary liaison between Operations and Sales teams to ensure alignment on priorities and execution
    • Drive operational efficiencies and continuous improvement through contract negotiations, systems integration, and performance management against agreed SLAs and KPIs
    • Oversee the Shipping Manager and ensure effective coordination of all logistics activities
    • Manage all inbound freight from offshore suppliers into the UK, US, and Germany, ensuring cost efficiency, timeliness, and compliance
    • Process and approve monthly 3PL invoices, identifying opportunities for cost savings and optimisation
    • Manage national retailer orders, including releasing orders in SAP, coordinating with warehouses and sales teams, and ensuring compliance with delivery requirements
    • Ensure the timely and cost-effective movement of all global freight, aligned with agreed budgets and delivery timelines, proactively managing any risks or delays
  • Stock Management & Allocation
    • Maintain accurate inventory records across ERP systems and warehouse management systems
    • Identify and flag aged or slow-moving stock to Sales teams to support clearance strategies
    • Manage stock reworks and ensure alignment between SAP and warehouse stock levels
    • Oversee stock takes and cycle counts in collaboration with logistics partners
    • Allocate stock across all channels, including national retailers, independent retailers, ex-works customers, Amazon, and eCommerce, ensuring accurate system allocation
  • Retailer Demand Forecasting
    • Partner closely with Sales teams to manage and track retailer forecasts
    • Monitor changes in demand throughout the year and ensure alignment with allocated stock levels
    • Track order intake against forecast and proactively flag risks or discrepancies
    • Analyse retailer stock levels and sell-through data, comparing performance against forecasts to inform decision-making
  • Compliance & Sustainability
    • Review supplier manuals to ensure all products and shipments meet retailer compliance requirements. Ensure 3PL Orders are compliant to avoid retailer chargebacks
    • Manage packaging waste compliance and ensure adherence to relevant regulations
    • Support B-Corp initiatives by providing emissions and carbon footprint data from all 3PL warehouses
  • Reporting & Systems
    • Utilise SQL, Excel, and Google Sheets to support reporting and data analysis for Operations and Sales teams
    • Provide insights to improve operational efficiency and commercial decision-making
  • Environmental & Social Responsibility
    • Oversee the disposal and rework of damaged products, prioritising reuse and repurposing wherever possible
    • Ensure environmentally responsible recycling and disposal practices where reuse is not viable
    • Manage packaging reduction and plastic-free initiatives in partnership with warehouse operations
  • Team Development
    • Provide leadership and development support to the Retail Operations Executive
    • Manage and support the Shipping Manager to ensure high performance and effective delivery of inbound logistics operations

Requirements

What is Essential

  • Proven record of managing an operations team in a similar environment
  • Experience managing 3PL providers and international freight
  • Strong analytical and problem solving skills
  • Commercial awareness with a focus on cost efficiency
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Experience working with ERPs or other supply chain systems
  • Experience with Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and Google Workspace, including advanced Google Sheets and Excel: basic formulas, XLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables

What Is Desirable

  • Someone who loves board games!

Benefits

  • £500 holiday bonus and lots of free board games
  • Bupa Healthcare plus Employee Assistance Programme - Counseling
  • Discounted gym memberships
  • Monthly yoga
  • Casual dress
  • Company events
  • Cycle to work scheme

Operations Manager employer: Big Potato Games | B Corp

As an indie board game company based in Clerkenwell, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and creative work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. Our Operations Manager role offers not only competitive benefits like a £500 holiday bonus and Bupa Healthcare but also unique opportunities for personal growth and development within a passionate team dedicated to making fun and engaging games. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact our success and the joy we bring to players worldwide.
Big Potato Games | B Corp

Contact Detail:

Big Potato Games | B Corp Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the board game industry, especially those who work in operations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at events or online, be ready to discuss how you've improved operational efficiencies in past roles. Real-life examples make a big impact!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply anywhere—apply through our website! It shows you're genuinely interested in joining our indie board game family and helps us keep track of your application more easily.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of logistics and supply chain management. Be ready to discuss how you can help us streamline operations and keep our games flying off the shelves!

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager

Operations Management
3PL Management
Inventory Management
Logistics Coordination
Contract Negotiation
Performance Management
SAP
Data Analysis
SQL
Excel
Google Sheets
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Board Games: We love board games, and so should you! Make sure to sprinkle in your enthusiasm for gaming throughout your application. Whether it’s a favourite game or a memorable experience, let us know why you’re excited about joining our team.

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. We want to see how your skills and experiences align with the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience with 3PL providers and any relevant operational achievements that showcase your fit for the job.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still showcasing your personality.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on being part of our indie board game family!

How to prepare for a job interview at Big Potato Games | B Corp

✨Know Your Operations Inside Out

Make sure you understand the end-to-end operational flow of products, especially in relation to order fulfilment and logistics management. Brush up on your knowledge of 3PL providers and how they operate across different markets like the UK, US, Germany, and Canada.

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis tools like SQL, Excel, and Google Sheets. Highlight specific examples where you've used these skills to drive operational efficiencies or improve decision-making in previous roles.

✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Abilities

Since this role involves liaising between Operations, Sales, and external partners, practice articulating how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships in the past. Use examples that showcase your ability to align priorities and execute plans effectively.

✨Passion for Board Games is a Plus

While it’s not essential, showing enthusiasm for board games can set you apart from other candidates. Share your favourite games or experiences that relate to the company’s mission of creating fun and engaging products.

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>