At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations, manage fleet, and optimise processes for a growing van subscription service.
- Company: Dynamic startup revolutionising vehicle leasing with flexible subscriptions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and remote-first work culture.
- Other info: Join a small, agile team where your decisions drive immediate results.
- Why this job: Shape the future of operations in a fast-growing startup and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in operations or finance, with experience in vehicle rental or logistics.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Role Description
Drive Simple helps growing businesses and tradespeople get vans without the financial risk and long lock-ins of traditional leasing.
Until now, the choice was an expensive short-term rental or a restrictive four-year lease.
We built a third option: flexible van subscription.
Contracts start at six months, with no deposit and easy cancellation.
One fixed monthly cost covers servicing, maintenance, tax and tyres.
Our mission is to help businesses and sole traders get the vans they need to grow, on their terms.
The demand exists.
You design the playbook and run your own experiments.
You report to the CEO, who backs you to change whatever slows a deal down.
You start with a product customers love, a working funnel with mapped leaks, a Hub Spot CRM in mid-redesign and an experienced sales lead beside you.
function scaling fast alongside you.
What will you do
- Own the fleet from the moment we buy it to the moment we sell it, and the numbers that go with it.
- Run delivery and collection, so a customer who signs this week is working the next.
- Build and manage the supplier network, negotiating on price and on turnaround.
- Own fleet compliance and keep us on the right side of it.
- Make approvals fast. Work with sales, finance and compliance so no customer waits for the next step.
- Set the standard for how a van leaves us and how it comes back.
- Rebuild the operating processes and put them in one system rather than four spreadsheets.
- Lead the operations team and raise what it can handle as we scale.
- Bring the CEO the numbers each month, with your read on what to do about them.
Qualifications
- 5+ years in operations, strategy, or finance in a high-demand, growing environment.
- A background in vehicle rental, leasing, subscription, logistics or asset finance. You know what a van costs to run and what it is worth when it comes back. O
- Hands-on with a fleet or rental management system and with Hub Spot. You run operations from the data, not from memory.
- Full proficiency with AI tools. You use them daily to research, draft, analyse and automate, and you can build a workflow around them.
- A supplier negotiator. You have signed garages, transporters or dealers to terms and held them to an SLA.
- A process builder: you have introduced automation, playbooks or SLAs where none existed, and you can show what changed.
- Comfortable being measured on utilisation, lead times and cost per vehicle, month after month.
- At ease with tradespeople, couriers and small business owners, including on the day something has gone wrong.
- Hands-on: in a company our size, the Senior Operations Manager fixes the problem as well as reports it.
What we offer
- EU-based, remote-first.
- Competitive base with a performance bonus
- A small, fast-moving team. Decisions get made in days; what you ship this month shows in next month's numbers.
- A freshly funded startup at the point of scale. You build the operations function while the company grows around it, with a direct line to the CEO.
Locations
Senior Operations Manager in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: DriveSimple
DriveSimple is an exceptional employer for those seeking a dynamic and rewarding role in sales. As a remote-first startup, we foster a flexible work culture that empowers our team to thrive while providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration, all while making a meaningful impact in the SME sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Operations Manager in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like DriveSimple and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at DriveSimple!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like DriveSimple keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operations Manager in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to DriveSimple:This is your chance to really connect with the team at DriveSimple. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at DriveSimple
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with DriveSimple.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show DriveSimple that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at DriveSimple. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
