At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations across multiple depots, driving standards and improving service levels.
- Company: Fast-growing hire business with a hands-on, dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, vehicle, bonus, and opportunities for rapid career growth.
- Other info: Ideal for ambitious individuals ready for real responsibility and challenges.
- Why this job: Make a visible impact and shape the future of a thriving business.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
Reading
£65,000 to £75,000 + Vehicle + Bonus
NEOS Recruitment are working with a fast-growing, privately owned hire business as they enter the next phase of their expansion. This is a critical leadership hire for the company. This is not a corporate, desk-based operations role. This is a hands-on, high-energy position for someone who wants real responsibility, real exposure, and a genuine long-term career path. You will operate as the right-hand person to the owner, acting as their eyes and ears across multiple depots—driving standards, supporting managers, fixing issues before they escalate, and helping shape how the business runs. If you want a role where you can make a visible impact, progress quickly, and grow alongside the business—this is it.
The Role
This is a highly visible, high-trust role that sits at the heart of the operation. You will be responsible for:
- Travelling between hire depots on a regular basis
- Identifying issues early and resolving them quickly
- Driving consistency across sites
- Supporting, coaching, and challenging Depot Managers
- Improving structure, systems, and standards
- Raising service levels and customer experience
- Helping shape the future of the business
This is not a reactive role—it’s about being proactive, present, and operationally sharp.
Key Responsibilities
Depot Oversight
- Ensure depots are operating efficiently and consistently
- Support, challenge, and develop Depot Managers
- Spot issues early and deal with them quickly
- Improve operational performance and service levels
People Leadership
- Be visible, present, and approachable
- Build strong relationships with depot teams
- Coach and develop managers
- Drive accountability and a positive culture
Structure & Systems
- Introduce and improve processes
- Create better visibility through reporting
- Remove inefficiencies and bottlenecks
- Improve consistency across locations
Commercial Focus
- Understand what drives profitability at depot level
- Identify opportunities to improve margin
- Reduce waste and inefficiency
- Support growth plans
Owner Support
- Act as a trusted voice from the depots
- Provide honest, clear feedback
- Help execute decisions
About You
This role is for someone ambitious, driven, and ready for responsibility. You may currently be:
- A Depot Manager
- An Assistant Operations Manager
- A Service or Ops Supervisor
- A Branch Manager ready for the next step
But more importantly, you are:
- Hungry
- Driven
- Mobile
- Highly organised
- People-focused
- Commercially aware
- Solution-oriented
You must be:
- Comfortable with regular travel
- Flexible
- Able to move at short notice
- Happy being on the ground solving problems
- Comfortable working under pressure
National Operations Manager in Reading employer: Neos Recruitment
Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding hire business in Reading, where your role as National Operations Manager will be pivotal to our growth. We pride ourselves on a vibrant work culture that values hands-on leadership, offering you the chance to make a tangible impact while enjoying competitive benefits such as a vehicle and bonus. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to fostering a supportive environment, this is an exceptional opportunity for those looking to advance their careers in a meaningful way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Operations Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy to reach out 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
Be proactive in your job search. Instead of just waiting for roles to pop up, research companies you admire and reach out directly. Express your interest and see if they have any upcoming opportunities. It shows initiative and can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to operations management. Think about how you would handle specific challenges mentioned in the job description. This will help you articulate your experience and demonstrate your problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace National Operations Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Hands-On Experience:Make sure to highlight any hands-on roles you've had in the past. We want to see how you've tackled challenges directly and made a real impact in your previous positions.
Be Proactive in Your Application:Just like the role requires, show us that you're proactive! Use your cover letter to discuss how you've identified and solved issues before they escalated in your past jobs.
Emphasise People Skills:This role is all about people leadership, so don’t shy away from showcasing your ability to build strong relationships and coach others. Share specific examples of how you've developed teams or improved cultures.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get the attention you deserve!
How to prepare for a job interview at Neos Recruitment
✨Know the Business Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company’s operations and values. Understand their current challenges and how you can contribute to their growth. This will not only impress them but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role is all about being proactive and operationally sharp, be ready to share specific examples from your past where you've successfully identified issues and implemented solutions. Highlight your ability to drive consistency and improve service levels across multiple locations.
✨Demonstrate People Leadership Skills
This position requires strong people management skills. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships with teams, coached managers, and fostered a positive culture. Use anecdotes that showcase your approachability and ability to drive accountability.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations relevant to the role. Think about how you would handle conflicts, improve operational performance, or support depot managers. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
