Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Produce Market

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage client orders, resolve issues, and ensure smooth operations in a fast-paced environment.
  • Company: Dynamic fresh produce supplier serving London's top restaurants.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, hands-on experience, and a chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: Join a small, dedicated team and thrive in a challenging yet rewarding role.
  • Why this job: Be the heartbeat of a growing business and connect with passionate chefs daily.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills and problem-solving mindset required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

We supply fresh produce to some of London's best restaurants. While most of the city sleeps, our team is at wholesale markets hand‑picking produce that lands in restaurant kitchens before breakfast service. It's fast, physical, and relentless — and right now we're a team of 3 doing the work of 10. We need the fourth. You'll run the operational engine of a growing wholesale business.

This role in one paragraph: Client calls, order coordination, daily reconciliation, bookkeeping, problem‑solving, phone ringing — all of it is yours. You're the first person clients speak to and the last person to check that yesterday's numbers add up. If something goes wrong overnight — a wrong delivery, a short order, a supplier issue — you're the one who finds out, fixes it, and makes sure the client knows before they have to chase us. You own the daytime operation the way our Night Operations Manager owns the night. Between the two of you, the business runs 24 hours.

What you'll actually do every day:

  • You're the client's main contact. Orders come in via WhatsApp, phone, and email. You process them, confirm them, flag anything unusual. When a chef calls at 8:15 AM asking where their herbs are, you already know the answer because you've read the night report and checked the dispatch log. You don't wait for problems to come to you — you call the client before they call you. That's the difference between an assistant and an operator.
  • You coordinate the fix when things go wrong. Produce wholesale is not a clean business. Items get substituted, deliveries run late, a crate arrives damaged. When it happens, you own the resolution: investigate, coordinate with the night team or drivers, arrange the fix (re‑delivery, credit note, replacement), close the loop with the client, and log the whole thing. If the same problem shows up three times, you're the person who flags it as a process issue — not just an incident.
  • You reconcile everything, every day. What was ordered vs what was received from suppliers vs what was dispatched vs what was invoiced. Purchase orders matched against supplier invoices. Sales orders matched against customer invoices. Inventory tracked. Shortages flagged before they become emergencies. You produce a daily summary the founder reviews in 5 minutes — clean, accurate, no surprises.
  • You run the books. Day‑to‑day bookkeeping in QuickBooks or Xero.

Operations Manager employer: Produce Market

As an Operations Manager at Produce Network, you'll be part of a dynamic team that thrives on delivering fresh produce to London's top restaurants, ensuring that every order is handled with precision and care. Our fast-paced work culture fosters collaboration and problem-solving, providing you with ample opportunities for professional growth while making a tangible impact in the culinary scene. With a commitment to excellence and a supportive environment, we empower our employees to take ownership of their roles, making this an exciting place to build your career.
Produce Market

Contact Detail:

Produce Market Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company inside out before your interview. Research their operations, values, and recent news. This way, you can tailor your conversation to show how you can fit into their fast-paced environment.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past where you've resolved issues quickly and effectively. Be ready to share these stories during your chat — it’ll show you’re proactive and ready to tackle challenges head-on.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just wait for the interview; reach out to current employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and what they love about working there. This not only gives you insider info but also shows your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 4

When you apply through our website, make sure to follow up with a quick email or message. A little nudge can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the Operations Manager position. We love seeing candidates who take initiative!

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager

Client Communication
Order Coordination
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Daily Reconciliation
Bookkeeping
Inventory Management
Process Improvement
QuickBooks
Xero
Logistics Coordination
Data Analysis
Adaptability
Time Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Fresh Produce: When writing your application, let us know why you're excited about working in the fresh produce industry. Share any relevant experiences or interests that connect you to our mission of supplying top-notch ingredients to London's best restaurants.

Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate straightforward communication. Make sure your application is easy to read and gets straight to the point. Highlight your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Operations Manager role without unnecessary fluff.

Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills: Since you'll be handling issues as they arise, it’s crucial to showcase your problem-solving abilities. Include examples from your past where you've successfully resolved challenges, especially in fast-paced environments.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Produce Market

✨Know Your Numbers

As an Operations Manager, you'll be dealing with a lot of data. Make sure you brush up on your bookkeeping skills and understand how to reconcile orders and invoices. Be ready to discuss your experience with tools like QuickBooks or Xero, and maybe even prepare a few examples of how you've successfully managed discrepancies in the past.

✨Client Communication is Key

Since you'll be the main contact for clients, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Think of scenarios where you've had to resolve issues quickly and effectively. Prepare to share how you keep clients informed and how you handle difficult conversations — this will show that you can own the operation and maintain strong relationships.

✨Problem-Solving Mindset

In this role, things won't always go as planned. Be prepared to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous jobs and how you resolved them. Highlight your proactive approach to problem-solving and how you ensure that issues are addressed before they escalate. This will show that you're not just reactive but also strategic.

✨Understand the Business

Familiarise yourself with the fresh produce industry and the specific challenges it faces. Research the company and its operations to show that you understand their business model. Being able to speak knowledgeably about the industry will impress your interviewers and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

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