At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and motivate teams to achieve service goals in a dynamic market environment.
- Company: Join a supportive local authority with a focus on community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, generous pension, and flexible family leave options.
- Other info: Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Management experience and strong financial acumen are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week (5 out of 7 days including weekends and evenings, start no later than 8am). Contract Type: Full‑Time, Permanent. Additional Payments: 6.7% Flexibility Payment. Closing Date: 18 June 2026. Closing Time: 11:59pm. Interview Method: Face to Face. Legal Right to Work: Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship not available.
Role Overview: The post holder will report to the Head of Service and is responsible for providing effective day‑to‑day management of front‑line operational teams. The role ensures resources are deployed effectively and that teams focus on achieving service objectives. Work location: New Smithfield Market, Openshaw. The position requires attending Ward Meetings, working evenings and weekends on a rota basis, and commencing work no later than 8am.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and motivate staff to fulfill service specific priorities and ensure processes run effectively.
- Maintain a consistent approach to work activities and support the financial ambitions of the business.
- Ensure fair treatment of tenants and traders.
- Consult with stakeholders and build trust in the communities where markets operate.
Essential Qualifications and Experience:
- Previous management experience in a market environment or a local authority.
- Achieved or willing to complete an IOSH or NEBOSH Health and Safety qualification.
- Detailed knowledge of health and safety legislation and ability to demonstrate required skills.
- Strong financial acumen, including budget management and presenting complex financial information to senior managers.
- Ability to lead, manage and motivate the team to high performance levels.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills.
- Ability to identify industry trends and commercial opportunities.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration with all levels of staff and stakeholders.
- Creative problem‑solving abilities where there is no existing procedural framework.
- Proficiency in generating reports and delivering data promptly, including monitoring and analysing performance metrics.
- Personal commitment to continuous self‑development.
- Driving licence and expectation to complete relevant Council training for the Markets Service electric vehicle.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, SAP approver / cost centre manager, Civica for transactional data, and use of Excel for financial accounting.
Beneficial but not essential experience:
- Multiple site or dispersed workforce management.
- Experience of conflict management.
- Willingness to work towards the National Association of British Market Authorities Diploma qualification.
Benefits:
- Generous holiday allowance – 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years; leave purchase available.
- Bulking pension – enrolment in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme with options to top up and life cover of three times salary.
- Enhanced parental and carers leave – flexible family leave options.
- Perks – discounts on the weekly shop, holidays, phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests.
- Learning and development – wide range of training, workshops, apprenticeships and qualifications.
- Good Employment Charter – secure, flexible work and health & wellbeing support.
- Volunteering leave – up to three days pro‑rate of paid volunteering leave.
Operations Manager in Manchester employer: Firwood Special School
As an Operations Manager at New Smithfield Market, you will join a supportive and dynamic work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With generous holiday allowances, a robust pension scheme, and numerous perks, the company fosters a healthy work-life balance while encouraging continuous learning through various training opportunities. This role not only offers the chance to lead and motivate teams but also to make a meaningful impact in the community, making it an excellent employer for those seeking rewarding and fulfilling careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversation during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those face-to-face interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to operations management. Think about how you can demonstrate your leadership skills and problem-solving abilities with real-life examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows 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 Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your management experience, especially in market environments, and showcase your financial acumen. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage operations effectively.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your proficiency in Microsoft Office and any relevant qualifications like IOSH or NEBOSH. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make those skills pop!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Firwood Special School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of health and safety legislation, as well as the specific responsibilities of an Operations Manager in a market environment. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you motivated staff or resolved conflicts. This will help demonstrate your ability to manage and inspire a team effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, like managing resources during peak times or dealing with tenant complaints. Practising your responses to these scenarios can help you think on your feet during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Financial Acumen
Since strong financial skills are essential for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with budget management and presenting financial information. Bring along examples of reports or metrics you've worked with to illustrate your capabilities.
