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- Tasks: Lead cross-functional projects to enhance operations and improve systems.
- Company: Universal Works, known for thoughtful design and honest craftsmanship.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, employee discounts, and clothing allowance.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of operations in a dynamic and creative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations or project management, strong communication, and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Universal Works has built its reputation on thoughtful design, honest craftsmanship, and a way of working that values substance over noise. As we grow, we're looking for someone who brings that same rigour to how we operate. This is a new role, and a significant one. As Operations Project Manager, you'll lead cross-functional projects that improve the systems, processes, and ways of working that underpin everything we do. You'll be the person who gets things moving, keeps them on track, and makes sure change sticks.
What you'll do
- Translate company priorities into operational roadmaps, turning strategic ambitions into clear, actionable plans across the business.
- Review and document existing processes, identifying opportunities for improvement and designing better ways of working where needed.
- Lead initiatives to improve efficiency, scalability, and visibility across operations, supporting the implementation of new systems and tools including ERP and WMS.
- Plan, manage, and deliver operational projects from initiation to completion, defining scope, objectives, timelines, and success metrics, and managing budgets, risks, and resources throughout.
- Ensure clear communication and documentation across all project lifecycles, keeping stakeholders informed and aligned at every stage.
- Lead change management: building stakeholder engagement, executing targeted communication plans, addressing resistance, and ensuring new processes are successfully embedded.
- Define and monitor KPIs and operational performance metrics, producing regular project updates and post-implementation reviews.
What we're looking for
Essential:
- Proven experience in an operations or project management role in a retail environment
- Strong understanding of supply chain, production, or retail operations
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities calmly
- A clear, confident communicator who can adapt to different audiences
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated ability to manage stakeholders at all levels
- Experience in fashion, apparel, manufacturing, or consumer goods
Desirable:
- Familiarity with ERP or operational systems
- Formal project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile, PMP)
- Process improvement qualification (e.g., Lean Six Sigma)
- Experience in change management
- Experience in business analysis or requirements gathering
Who you are
You're practical and proactive, someone who spots a problem and gets on with solving it. You're organised, collaborative, adaptable, and curious enough to keep asking why things are done the way they are. You care about doing things properly, and you're motivated by the idea of leaving things better than you found them.
What's in it for you
- Competitive salary
- 28 days of holiday increasing with length of service
- Employee discount and clothing allowance
- Access to discounts platform and employee assistant programme
- Opportunity to shape the inner workings of Universal Works
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to us.
Operations Project Manager in Derby employer: Universal Works
Contact Detail:
Universal Works Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Project Manager in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you show that you're not just a fit for the role, but for the team too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. Structure your responses around Situation, Task, Action, and Result to clearly demonstrate your skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Project Manager in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Operations Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in operations or project management, especially in a retail environment, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our values at Universal Works. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love candidates who can demonstrate their analytical and problem-solving skills, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal Works
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Universal Works' operations and processes. Familiarise yourself with their supply chain and retail environment. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of past projects where you've successfully managed scope, timelines, and resources. Highlight your ability to lead cross-functional teams and how you’ve implemented change management strategies effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex topics like KPIs or operational metrics. Tailor your communication style to suit different audiences, as this is crucial for stakeholder engagement.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Mindset
Be ready to discuss challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you approached solving them. Show that you're proactive and curious, always looking for ways to improve processes and systems.