At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations and ensure top-notch support across our branch network.
- Company: Join GSF Car Parts, the UK's fastest-growing automotive parts distributor.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a thriving industry while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40950 - 50050 £ per year.
About The Role
Central Operations Manager Department - Central Operations Location - 3 days in the office (Wolverhampton) 2 days at home
Our Values
GSF Car Parts is built on strong relationships, teamwork and a genuine commitment to customer service. As one of the UK's leading automotive parts distributors, we expect every team member to put customers and colleagues first, work collaboratively across branches and support functions, and take pride in supporting the business's continued growth. The Central Operations Manager will be expected to embody these values by championing service excellence, building trusted relationships across the network, and fostering a collaborative, growth-focused team culture.
About You
Role Purpose
The Central Operations Manager is responsible for leading the day to day delivery of Central Operations, ensuring consistent support across the branch network and wider business. The role acts as the operational hub between branches, support functions and senior leadership, driving service excellence, process compliance, communication effectiveness and operational efficiency. The Central Operations Manager provides leadership to the Central Operations team, owns operational governance and performance, and ensures that service requests, escalations, projects and communications are managed effectively. The role is critical in maintaining business continuity, improving processes and delivering a high quality internal customer experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Lead the day to day operation of the Central Operations function.
- Ensure all operational activities are delivered in line with agreed service levels and business priorities.
- Act as the primary escalation point for operational issues and branch support requirements.
- Drive operational consistency across the branch network through standard processes and governance.
- Monitor service performance and take corrective action where required.
- Ensure operational risks are identified, managed and escalated appropriately.
- Team Management
- Recruit, develop, coach and performance manage the Central Operations team.
- Create a high performing culture focused on service, productivity and accuracy.
- Conduct regular one to ones, development reviews and team meetings.
- Ensure team workload is managed effectively and resources are aligned to business demand.
- Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Branch and Stakeholder Support
- Build strong working relationships with Branch Managers, Regional Sales Managers, Divisional Directors and support functions.
- Ensure branches receive timely, accurate and consistent support.
- Act as a central point of coordination for operational issues, incidents and business critical communications.
- Support the implementation of operational initiatives and change programmes.
- Process Improvement and Governance
- Review and improve operational processes to remove complexity and increase efficiency.
- Identify opportunities for automation and standardisation.
- Implement controls, audit trails and governance frameworks to ensure compliance.
- Maintain and review standard operating procedures and process documentation.
- Ensure regulatory, company and operational policies are followed.
- Communications and Coordination
- Oversee the delivery of operational communications across the business.
- Ensure key updates are clear, consistent and delivered through the appropriate channels.
- Coordinate operational calendars, action plans and business activities.
- Support the management of business incidents and cross functional responses.
- Performance Management and Reporting
- Monitor operational KPIs, service levels and performance metrics.
- Produce regular management reports and insights for senior stakeholders.
- Analyse trends and identify opportunities to improve service delivery.
- Use data to support informed decision making and resource planning.
- Business Improvement and Projects
- Lead operational improvement initiatives and transformation projects.
- Support the implementation of new systems, technology and service models.
- Work with stakeholders to improve customer experience and operational effectiveness.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time and achieve intended outcomes.
Key Performance Indicators
- SLA achievement
- Query resolution times
- Escalation volumes
- Process compliance levels
- Team productivity and quality measures
- Operational cost efficiencies
- Project delivery milestones
- Audit and governance compliance
Skills and Experience
- Proven experience in an operational management role.
- Experience leading teams in a fast paced environment.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Experience managing competing priorities and operational escalations.
- Excellent analytical and problem solving abilities.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and operational reporting tools.
- The successful candidate must be able to perform VLOOKUPs and create pivot tables in Excel.
- Ability to drive continuous improvement and change initiatives.
Desirable
- Experience within automotive aftermarket, logistics, retail or multi site operations.
- Knowledge of service desk or workflow management systems.
Personal Attributes
- Customer focused and service driven.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Organised and highly resilient.
- Commercially aware.
- Proactive and solution orientated.
- Influential communicator.
- Calm under pressure.
- Committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Success in the Role
A successful Central Operations Manager will create a highly effective operational support function that delivers excellent service to branches, maintains strong governance, drives operational efficiency and enables the wider business to perform at its best.
About Us
At GSF Car Parts, we're not just supplying car parts, we're driving the future of the automotive aftermarket. As the UK's fastest-growing motor factor, we've achieved more than 25% year-on-year growth for three consecutive years and continue to expand at an unrivalled pace. With over 215 branches nationwide and a state-of-the-art 500,000 sq ft National Distribution Centre, we're building a business that keeps thousands of workshops moving every day. But what really sets us apart is our people. We're a business that invests boldly, embraces innovation and empowers our teams to make a real difference. From industry-leading digital tools like Mastercat to our nationwide Servicesure garage network and partnerships with over 70 OE-quality brands, we're constantly challenging the status quo and finding better ways to serve our customers. We're ambitious about where we're going and equally ambitious for the people who join us. Whether you're looking to develop your skills, progress your career or help shape the future of our industry, we'd love to hear from you. This is an exciting time to join GSF Car Parts. Make an impact. Grow with us. Do yourself proud.
Central Operations Manager employer: GSF Car Parts Limited
GSF Car Parts Limited is an excellent employer that values its team members and fosters a supportive work culture in Gateshead. With flexible working hours and opportunities for growth, you will be part of a dynamic environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded. Join us to enjoy a fulfilling role that not only offers competitive pay but also the chance to make a real impact in our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Central Operations Manager
✨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 GSF Car Parts Limited 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 GSF Car Parts Limited!
✨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 GSF Car Parts Limited 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 Central Operations Manager
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 GSF Car Parts Limited:This is your chance to really connect with the team at GSF Car Parts Limited. 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 GSF Car Parts Limited
✨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 GSF Car Parts Limited.
✨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 GSF Car Parts Limited 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 GSF Car Parts Limited. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
