At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee daily operations, manage staff, and ensure excellent customer service.
- 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, opportunity for growth, and a fun team spirit!
- Why this job: Be a key player in a vibrant team and shape operational processes.
- 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 paul@salterssteamers.co.uk. Join Salters Steamers and help drive the smooth operation of a historic River Thames business!
Operations Manager in Oxford employer: SALTER'S STEAMERS LIMITED
Salters Steamers is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment in the heart of Central Oxford. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities to shape operational processes while enjoying benefits such as free on-site parking, a company pension, and heavily discounted boat hire. Join our dedicated team and be part of a historic business that values teamwork, customer service, and a sense of humour.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Salters Steamers, their services, and their history. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've solved problems or improved processes. This is your chance to shine and show how you fit into the Operations Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Salters Steamers.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in operations, staff management, and customer service. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team at Salters Steamers. Share specific examples of how you've improved operational processes or enhanced customer experiences in the past.
Show Your Personality:We love a sense of humour and team spirit! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. It helps us get a feel for who you are beyond your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
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 Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of potential challenges you might face in this role, such as handling customer complaints or managing staff during peak times, and prepare your responses. This will show that you're proactive and ready to tackle real-world issues.
✨Emphasise Your Customer Service Focus
Since the role involves ensuring excellent customer experience, be prepared to discuss your approach to customer service. Share specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in previous roles, and highlight your ability to remain calm under pressure.
