At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise operations across warehouse, manufacturing, and transport for maximum efficiency.
- Company: Join a dynamic company focused on operational excellence and team collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performing team with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving productivity and improving operational performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
The Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and controlled execution of all operational activities within SDG, including warehouse operations, goods-in, stock handling, light manufacturing, and customer delivery. The role ensures that materials flow effectively from receipt (post-procurement) through to production and final delivery, maintaining high service levels while optimising cost, efficiency, and working capital performance. The Operations Manager owns health & safety, operational compliance, and transport management (including drivers), ensuring all activities are carried out safely, legally, and in line with company standards. This role is accountable not just for execution, but for driving productivity, controlling cost, and continuously improving operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership & Performance
- Lead the operations function across warehouse, manufacturing, and transport (drivers).
- Establish clear structure, accountability, and performance standards.
- Deliver consistent performance across: On-time delivery, Order accuracy, Production output vs plan.
- Ensure operations supports sales growth and customer delivery commitments.
- Create a disciplined, high-accountability culture focused on results.
- Goods Inwards & Internal Handover
- Own the goods-in process from receipt through to storage.
- Ensure all goods are checked, receipted, and stored correctly.
- Maintain tight coordination with Procurement to ensure no delays in handover and immediate issue escalation.
- Eliminate inefficiencies in goods handling and storage processes.
- Warehouse Management & Stock Control
- Own all warehouse operations: Storage, handling, picking, internal movements.
- Ensure high stock accuracy, efficient warehouse layout, and minimal handling and waste.
- Drive productivity through measured output (e.g. picks per hour), reduced double handling, and efficient space utilisation.
- Conduct Daily/weekly cycle counts and resolve discrepancies quickly.
- Manufacturing
- Own the planning, coordination, and output performance of manufacturing.
- Ensure production is planned in advance, properly resourced, and delivered on time.
- Actively manage output vs plan, labour utilisation, material usage, and waste.
- Identify and eliminate bottlenecks, downtime, and inefficiencies.
- Drive improvements in throughput, cost per unit, and productivity.
- Customer Fulfilment, Dispatch & Transport Management
- Own end-to-end order fulfilment and delivery execution.
- Manage dispatch operations, delivery scheduling, and route planning and optimisation.
- Directly manage drivers, ensuring clear daily plans, high productivity, and strong customer service standards.
- Continuously improve delivery efficiency, route utilisation, and cost per delivery.
- Ensure all deliveries are on time, in full, and delivered professionally.
- Slow-Moving & Excess Stock (Execution)
- Support Procurement in reducing slow-moving and excess stock.
- Ensure clear identification and segregation, and efficient handling and storage.
- Minimise stock damage and unnecessary movement.
- Support clearance, reallocation, and disposal activity.
- Health, Safety & Operational Compliance
- Own and lead health & safety and compliance across warehouse, manufacturing, and transport.
- Ensure full compliance with legal requirements and company procedures.
- Maintain a proactive safety culture through risk assessments, audits, training, and incident management.
- Ensure driver compliance with vehicle checks, legal regulations, and safe practices.
- Operational Efficiency & Cost Control
- Own and drive efficiency and cost performance across operations.
- Actively manage labour productivity, transport costs (fuel, routing, overtime), warehouse efficiency, and manufacturing cost per unit.
- Measure and improve output per labour hour, deliveries per driver, cost per order/delivery, and production efficiency.
- Identify and eliminate inefficiencies and drive continuous improvement and cost reduction initiatives.
- Work with Finance to track costs and deliver savings.
- Systems, Process & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure all operational activities are accurately recorded in systems.
- Improve data quality and process efficiency.
- Lead improvements in warehouse flow, production processes, and dispatch systems.
- Cross-Functional Alignment
- Work closely with Procurement (materials & inbound flow), Sales (priorities and delivery expectations), and Finance (cost and stock control).
- Ensure operations supports overall business performance and profitability.
- Team Leadership & Development
- Lead warehouse, manufacturing, and driver teams in line with the company values.
- Set clear expectations and performance metrics through weekly L10 meetings.
- Drive accountability and ownership.
- Ensure teams are trained, engaged, and productive, and manage and review their roles quarterly.
- Governance & Communication
- Participate in daily and weekly operational reviews.
- Provide clear reporting on performance, risks, cost, and efficiency.
- Escalate issues proactively with solutions.
- Decision Authority
- Own operational processes and performance, warehouse, manufacturing, and transport execution, labour utilisation and workflow, and health & safety implementation.
- Escalate capacity constraints, major service or safety risks, significant cost issues, and customer satisfaction decline.
- KPIs
- Operational Performance: On-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery, order accuracy, dispatch lead times.
- Efficiency & Cost Control: Cost per delivery/order, labour productivity (warehouse & production), transport cost vs budget, production cost per unit, overtime levels.
- Warehouse & Stock: Stock accuracy, stock loss/damage, cycle count compliance.
- Manufacturing: Output vs plan, on-time completion, waste levels.
- Transport: Delivery performance, driver productivity, route efficiency.
- Safety & Compliance: Incident rates, audit performance, compliance adherence.
What Good Looks Like (Success Profile)
Operations run in a controlled, predictable manner with no surprises. Customer deliveries are reliable, on time, and accurate. Warehouse, manufacturing, and transport operate with clear productivity and efficiency standards. Costs are actively managed and continuously reduced. Drivers are productive, routes are optimised, and delivery performance is strong. Manufacturing consistently delivers against plan with minimal waste. Stock is well managed, visible, and accurately handled. Health & safety is embedded — not reactive. Issues are identified early, owned, and resolved quickly. The operations team is accountable, structured, and high-performing. Operations is seen as a competitive advantage, not a constraint.
Opertions Manager in Armagh employer: SDG
At SDG, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Our Operations Manager role offers a dynamic work environment where you can lead diverse teams in warehouse, manufacturing, and transport operations while driving efficiency and safety. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to operational excellence, SDG provides ample opportunities for growth and career advancement in a supportive and innovative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Opertions Manager in Armagh
✨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 SDG 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 SDG!
✨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 SDG 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 Opertions Manager in Armagh
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 SDG:This is your chance to really connect with the team at SDG. 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 SDG
✨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 SDG.
✨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 SDG 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 SDG. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
