At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations across manufacturing, warehousing, stock control, and fulfilment for a fast-growing brand.
- Company: Dynamic consumer brand in Cheltenham with rapid growth and a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of the company.
- Other info: Join a high-trust team where your contributions truly matter.
- Why this job: Take ownership of operations and make a real impact in a thriving environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations, inventory management, and team leadership in a fast-paced setting.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are working with a fast-growth consumer brand based in Cheltenham to appoint an Operations Manager. The business has scaled rapidly over the last three years and is now looking for a senior operator to take ownership of its end-to-end operational function as it moves into its next phase of growth. This is a broad role with genuine accountability across manufacturing, warehousing, stock control, production and fulfilment.
You will own day to day operational remit for the business, spanning:
- Manufacturing coordination and contract manufacturer management
- Warehousing and storage operations, including 3PL partner management
- Stock control and inventory management across raw materials, packaging and finished goods
- Production planning and scheduling, including new product introductions and launch readiness
- Fulfilment operations across DTC and wholesale channels
- Operational cost management and efficiency improvement
- Building and developing a small operational team
You will report directly to senior leadership and carry meaningful operational authority.
On the manufacturing and production side, you will own relationships with contract manufacturers, lead production scheduling, drive quality and lead time discipline and coordinate new product launches from a supply and capacity perspective. On warehousing and stock, you will ensure storage operations are well managed and scalable, maintain high standards around inventory accuracy and health, and integrate stock control more tightly with the wider trading and purchasing plan. On fulfilment, you will own DTC and wholesale fulfilment performance, manage third-party fulfilment partners to clear SLAs and drive continuous improvement in quality, speed and cost as volume grows.
Across all of this, you will work closely with Finance, Supply Chain, Product and Commercial teams, providing clear operational input and ensuring the business is well prepared for launches, peak periods and changing demand.
What we are looking for:
- Operational experience across manufacturing, warehousing, stock control or fulfilment in a consumer or product-led business
- Strong understanding of inventory management, production planning and working capital discipline
- Commercial awareness around how operational decisions affect margin, service level, cash and customer experience
- Experience leading and developing a small operational team
- Comfortable working cross-functionally with Finance, Supply Chain, Product and Commercial teams
- Confident operating in a fast-moving, scale-up or founder-led environment where pace and ambiguity are normal
- Experience in FMCG, DTC, beauty, fragrance, home or lifestyle product categories would be an advantage
The right person will be highly organised, commercially sharp and genuinely close to the operational detail. They will lead with low ego, take pride in follow-through and be comfortable building process and structure without becoming bureaucratic about it. You will thrive in this role if you enjoy meaningful ownership, working in a small high-trust team, solving practical operational problems and building as the business grows. You will likely be frustrated if you want hierarchy, a narrow remit or a polished large-company environment with everything already in place.
We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive hiring process. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process, please do not hesitate to let us know.
Please note: if you have not heard from us within two weeks of submitting your application, please assume that on this occasion your application has not been successful. We are grateful for your interest and encourage you to apply for future opportunities.
Operations Manager in Cheltenham employer: The Growth Foundation
Join a fast-growing consumer brand in Cheltenham as an Operations Manager, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the operational landscape of a dynamic and innovative company. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead a small team, drive efficiency improvements, and collaborate closely with senior leadership, all within a supportive and inclusive work culture that values meaningful contributions and fosters professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Cheltenham
✨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 The Growth Foundation 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 The Growth Foundation!
✨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 The Growth Foundation 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 Operations Manager in Cheltenham
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 The Growth Foundation:This is your chance to really connect with the team at The Growth Foundation. 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 The Growth Foundation
✨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 The Growth Foundation.
✨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 The Growth Foundation 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 The Growth Foundation. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
