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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise payroll operations while ensuring exceptional service delivery.
- Company: A top provider of flexible workforce solutions with a people-first approach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic team environment, and influence on operational strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, customer-focused role with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing operational teams and a strong customer service focus.
- Other info: Hands-on leadership role with excellent career development potential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Company
We are a leading provider of flexible workforce solutions, specialising in umbrella payroll and contractor support services for recruitment agencies and contractor communities across the UK. Our compliant, people-first approach combines industry expertise with smooth, tech-enabled payroll operations that ensure contractors are paid correctly and on time. Our umbrella payroll solution is FCSA-accredited, supports full employment rights, and is trusted by thousands of contractors and agency partners.
Main Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and develop our core operational teams at our Chester headquarters. You will oversee the umbrella payroll operations and play a pivotal role in ensuring outstanding service delivery, operational excellence, and high team performance across the business. You won't need a background specifically in contractor payroll or umbrella provision to succeed; what matters most is exceptional operational leadership, organisation, and a strong focus on customer service. This is a hands-on leadership role that reports to senior management and involves large-scale team leadership and operational oversight.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership: Manage and optimise umbrella payroll delivery and associated operational processes. Ensure accurate, compliant, and timely processing of contractor payroll and related services. Develop and evolve operational procedures to support business growth and regulatory changes.
- Team Management: Lead and line-manage Team Leaders across: Onboarding, Customer Service, Administration. Coach, mentor and develop team leaders and their teams to deliver consistent excellence. Drive performance through clear objectives, feedback and development plans.
- Customer Service Excellence: Embed a strong customer-centric culture across all functions. Act as an escalation point for complex or sensitive customer issues. Monitor service standards and drive improvements based on quality metrics and feedback.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with other departments (Compliance, Technology, HR) to ensure alignment of operational goals. Support change initiatives and help implement best practices across the organisation.
What We're Looking For
- Experience & Skills: Proven experience managing operational teams ideally in a customer service, financial services, payroll, or regulated environment (experience in umbrella payroll is a plus, not essential). Strong organisational, planning, and problem-solving skills. Comfortable working in a fast-paced, compliance-focused business.
- Leadership: Motivational leader with experience coaching and developing managers and their teams. Ability to communicate clearly and build positive working relationships across all levels.
- Customer-First Approach: Highly customer service-oriented able to embed and maintain exceptional service standards. Experience in roles with high customer interaction or service delivery expectations.
- Personal Attributes: Proactive and adaptable with a solutions-driven mindset. Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Able to prioritise multiple tasks and lead a varied workload.
Benefits
Competitive salary up to £45,000 (for the right candidate). On-site role in Chester, working with a dynamic, supportive team. Opportunity to influence operational strategy and team culture.
Operations Manager in Chester employer: CMR Jobs Limited
Contact Detail:
CMR Jobs Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you showcase your customer-first approach and operational leadership skills during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to team management and problem-solving. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant operational achievements to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our customer-first approach. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet and come up with effective solutions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at CMR Jobs Limited
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research the company thoroughly. Understand their services, especially around umbrella payroll and contractor support. This will help you demonstrate your interest and show how your experience aligns with their operational goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, your leadership abilities are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on coaching and developing others. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you drove performance and improved service delivery.
✨Emphasise Customer Service Excellence
Since the role requires a strong customer-first approach, think of instances where you've gone above and beyond for customers. Highlight your ability to handle complex issues and how you’ve embedded a customer-centric culture in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving and organisational skills. Prepare for scenario-based questions where you might need to outline how you'd handle operational challenges or improve processes. This will showcase your proactive and adaptable mindset.
