Operations Manager

We are seeking a proactive and driven General / Operations Manager to join our team at our Hemel Hempstead headquarters. Reporting directly to the Operations Director, this role plays a pivotal part in the day-to-day leadership of the operations team, supporting the ongoing development and performance of the Workshop, Service, and Tyre departments. This position provides an excellent opportunity for progression towards board-level responsibilities in the future and is ideal for an ambitious individual.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Operations Director to understand and support the department’s goals and vision.
• Gradually take on operational responsibilities to free up the Operations Director for strategic initiatives.
• Provide regular reporting on departmental KPIs, performance, and efficiency.
• Lead and motivate teams to ensure daily operations and long-term planning are carried out smoothly.
• Oversee the Workshop, Service, and Tyre departments to maintain seamless processes and high customer service standards.
• Monitor departmental budgets and ensure all recoverable costs (e.g., recharges, damage, warranty claims) are identified and processed with appropriate margins.
• Support continuous improvement efforts across operations.

Skills required

• Strong background in operations or general management, ideally within the fleet, logistics or commercial vehicle sector.
• A self-motivated individual with a proven ability to lead teams and manage multi-department operations.
• A people-focused leader with the ability to get the best out of staff and recruit the right people into the right roles.
• Excellent communication skills and a strong customer focus, ensuring service levels and client satisfaction remain a top priority.
• Financial awareness and the ability to manage budgets and cost recovery processes.
• Excellent organizational skills and a proactive, hands-on approach in a fast-paced environment.

Workshop Department

• Oversee both day and night shifts, including four drivers and workshop admin staff.
• The workshop operates five days per week during the day and four nights per week, with a total team of eight workshop engineers.
• Ensure timely and accurate job card completion, MOT prep, bookings, part usage tracking, and recharge documentation.
• Support the Workshop Manager with effective communication to customers and depots regarding collections and deliveries.
• Guarantee all paperwork is completed correctly and uploaded to relevant systems.

Service Department

• Manage compliance, routine servicing, and breakdown response for the TRL fleet and external customers.
• Oversee a nationwide subcontractor network and coordinate three company service vans.
• Ensure efficient scheduling and high service standards across all maintenance activities.
• Operate three of our own mobile technicians based across Kent, Derby, and Hemel Hempstead, delivering direct on-site service support.

Tyre Department

• Supervise a dedicated Tyre Controller responsible for managing tyre operations across the entire fleet.
• Oversee stock levels, supply chain, budgeting, and warranty claims.
• Ensure tyre contractors are effectively coordinated and all tyre-related recharges are accurately captured and processed.
• Monitor performance and cost-efficiency within tyre operations to support fleet availability and safety.

Join TRL and be part of a growing, respected business with a long-standing reputation and a family-focused ethos. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to step into a key leadership role and make a tangible impact.