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- Tasks: Lead service delivery and manage ventilation installation projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: High-growth engineering and manufacturing business with 25+ years of heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, company car, lunch allowance, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape operational processes and drive sustainable growth while mentoring a young team.
- Qualifications: Experience in service management and strong project management skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic, collaborative culture with clear paths for career progression.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
A fast-scaling engineering and manufacturing organisation with 25+ years' heritage is seeking an experienced Service Manager to take full ownership of its service, contracts, and field operations functions. The business has grown 18–20% year-on-year and is tracking toward £9m+ turnover, with continued investment planned for 2025 and beyond.
This is a pivotal, hands-on leadership role that blends operational strategy with real-world delivery. You'll be a key driver in shaping internal processes, uplifting service capability, and ensuring sustainable growth across a broad operational footprint.
What's in it for you:
- £60,000 – £65,000 base salary
- Bonus scheme (GBS)
- Company car
- £90 monthly lunch allowance
- 20 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
- Free onsite parking
- Pension (auto-enrolment)
- Ad hoc weekend phone support only
- Additional training opportunities
The Opportunity:
As the Service Manager, you'll lead the operational heartbeat of the business, covering service delivery, projects and contracts.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Managing ventilation installation projects (£50k–£200k) – approx. 2–3 per month.
- Overseeing high volumes of remedial works and smaller technical jobs completed internally.
- Ensuring first-time-fix rates, van stock optimisation, spare parts availability and site readiness.
- Getting hands-on at customer sites where required – supporting engineers to close out works.
- Managing day-to-day service contracts, including some out-of-hours escalation coverage.
Operational Leadership & Process:
- Creating a scalable, best-in-class operational framework across service and projects.
- Implementing systems for project monitoring and post-order process ownership.
- Building SOPs, ensuring compliance and embedding continuous improvement methodologies.
- Driving efficiencies in NCR handling, issue resolution and service recovery.
- Reinforcing performance culture using KPIs, structured coaching, and clear accountability.
Financial & Commercial Oversight:
- Budget management, forecasting and profitability uplift.
- Supporting commercial teams with quoting, remedials, variations, and client planning.
- Managing subcontractors – reviews, development, site inspections, motivation and performance.
People Leadership:
- Building and mentoring a young, growing team (including new starters and apprentices).
- Creating a positive, low-ego, high-output environment where people thrive.
- Setting the tone on communication, engagement, ownership and problem-solving.
About You:
You’ll bring a balanced blend of operational gravitas and hands-on delivery capability. You’ll be naturally solutions-focused, calm under pressure, and able to operate in the detail while maintaining strategic oversight.
Experience & Capability:
- Proven success in service, contracts or operational leadership within engineering, manufacturing or technical project environments.
- Strong project management capability with an ability to jump into complex jobs as needed.
- Commercially astute, numerically confident and comfortable with budgets & forecasting.
- Strong IT competency (Microsoft Office & general systems awareness).
- Full UK driving licence; UK travel required.
- Working knowledge of H&S compliance and RAMS.
Your Mindset:
- Humble, hungry, smart – low noise, high output.
- Resilient, pragmatic and thrives in a fast-moving environment.
- Able to quickly absorb technical information and turn insight into action.
- Natural coach who sets pace, raises standards and leads from the front.
Team & Culture:
You’ll report directly to the Operations Director and work alongside a young, ambitious team. The environment is grounded, delivery-focused, and built on collaboration rather than ego. The business is bringing all service, projects and operations functions under one umbrella, offering significant influence and long-term progression – including a route toward Operations Manager.
Service Manager in Harlow employer: Universal Business Team
Contact Detail:
Universal Business Team Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager in Harlow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or recruiters, be ready to discuss your past projects and successes. Bring along a portfolio or case studies that highlight your achievements in service management and operational leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show them you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications and updates!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager in Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Service Manager role. Highlight your experience in service delivery and operational leadership, and don’t forget to mention any relevant project management skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our fast-growing team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in engineering or manufacturing environments, and how you’ve driven efficiencies and improved service capabilities.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire a team. In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. Talk about how you’ve built teams, mentored new starters, and created a positive work environment. We love a humble, hungry, and smart approach!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal Business Team
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of service management within engineering and manufacturing. Understand the key responsibilities of the role, like project delivery and operational leadership, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with what they need.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead teams and manage projects effectively. Think about times when you've built a positive team culture or improved processes, as these are crucial for the Service Manager role.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive into your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Brush up on relevant health and safety compliance, project management techniques, and how you handle budgets and forecasting, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Fit
The company values a humble, hungry, and smart mindset. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these traits in your work. Share stories that illustrate your resilience and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for their culture.
