Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage daily operations, staff coordination, and enhance customer experiences.
- Company: Join a historic family-run business on the beautiful River Thames.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company pension, free parking, and discounted boat hire.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a vibrant team and shape operational success.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations or management, strong organisational skills, and a customer-focused mindset.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
Salters Steamers is a friendly, hardworking family company offering a wide range of services to the public, including boat trips, boat hire, and boat charters. Located on the River Thames and established since 1858, we pride ourselves on our extensive experience and professionalism.
We are seeking a hands-on and highly organised Operations Manager to join our team, reporting directly to the Managing Director. This is a key role focused on ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of our business, particularly during the busy summer season.
The successful candidate will take ownership of operational planning and delivery, including:
- Daily business operations
- Staff coordination and supervision
- Booking and scheduling management
- Customer experience delivery
- Supporting business growth through efficient processes
This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in a well-established tourism and hospitality business, with scope to shape and improve operational systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the business, ensuring efficiency across all services
- Manage schedules and resource allocation (boats, staff, events)
- Coordinate and support seasonal and permanent staff, including recruitment and training
- Ensure smooth delivery of events such as weddings, private charters, and corporate bookings
- Act as a key point of contact for customer enquiries, ensuring excellent service standards
- Work closely with the Managing Director to improve operational processes and performance
- Maintain high standards of health & safety and compliance
- Troubleshoot operational issues and respond proactively to challenges
- Support business development by identifying opportunities to improve capacity and service delivery
Candidate Requirements
- Proven experience in an operations, office management, or similar role
- Strong organisational and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment
- Confident communication skills, both on the phone and in person
- Experience managing staff or willingness to take on leadership responsibilities
- A proactive, problem-solving mindset
- Strong customer service focus
- Comfortable using standard office and booking systems
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience within tourism, hospitality, or events
- Familiarity with booking or CRM systems
- Experience coordinating events or managing schedules/logistics
- Ability to analyse processes and implement improvements
- Experience recruiting or managing seasonal teams
- Knowledge of health & safety procedures
- Understanding of pricing, planning, and operational strategy
Additional Job Details
- We are looking for a flexible and reliable individual to join our small team.
- You should have a professional and friendly telephone manner
- Strong customer service skills
- The ability to remain calm and efficient under pressure
You will be responsible for:
- Handling calls, emails, and booking enquiries
- Processing bookings and coordinating schedules
- Supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the business
A sense of humour and team spirit are essential!
Additional Information
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday
- Flexibility: Required, particularly during peak seasons - Assistance on busy weekend days to be discussed
- Location: Central Oxford (free on-site parking available)
Benefits
- Company pension
- Free on-site parking
- Extended Christmas shutdown
- Heavily discounted boat hire
- Seasonal flexibility (earlier winter hours)
- Occasional work-from-home during off-peak periods
- Opportunity to shape and develop operational processes
Who Are We Looking For?
- A proactive and hands-on Operations Manager who thrives in a small business environment
- Someone willing to take ownership and go beyond their job description
- Strong organisational and leadership skills
- A practical problem-solver with attention to detail
- Ideally with a background in hospitality, tourism, or customer-facing operations
To Apply
Please send your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience to Join Salters Steamers and help drive the smooth operation of a historic River Thames business!
Operations Manager employer: SALTER'S STEAMERS LIMITED
Contact Detail:
SALTER'S STEAMERS LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with folks 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
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their services and think about how your skills can enhance their team. We want to see you shine, so practice common interview questions and have your own ready!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let your enthusiasm for the role and the company shine through. A friendly smile and a sense of humour can go a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Salters Steamers. Let’s make waves together!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Operations Manager role. Highlight your organisational skills and any relevant experience in hospitality or tourism to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you're excited about joining Salters Steamers and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any hands-on experience you've had in similar roles.
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills: We love proactive problem-solvers! In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in past roles. This will show us that you're ready to take ownership and make a difference.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at SALTER'S STEAMERS LIMITED
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research Salters Steamers thoroughly. Understand their services, history, and values. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong organisational abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed schedules, coordinated teams, or improved processes. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills to enhance operations at Salters Steamers.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle operational challenges. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to troubleshoot issues or improve customer service. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Customer Service Focus
Since the role involves ensuring excellent customer experience, be prepared to discuss your approach to customer service. Share examples of how you've gone above and beyond to meet customer needs, especially in a fast-paced environment like tourism or hospitality.