Operations Manager

Salary £70,000pa

Location: London

Company Description: UOE is a fast-growing, award-winning, independent retailer offering stationery, gifting, printing and Post Office services across London and the Home Counties. We’ve just scaled to over 40 stores and 275 employees! We know that great retail can only be delivered by brilliant people who care. We’re on a mission to prove that high street retail still matters — and we’re backing that with bold growth, serious investment, and an entrepreneurial team who are in it to win it.

The role: This dynamic and fast-paced role is responsible for the management and operation of our physical retail estate of 40+ branches, oversight of our small North London warehouse and coordination of our outsourced IT partner to ensure the smooth running of day-to-day operations and the swift resolution of any estate-related issues. This role is critical to enabling the business to operate effectively and in delivering the best possible customer experience in the best possible environments. This is a hands-on, solutions-focused role requiring excellent attention to detail, a proactive approach, and the ability to work at pace. The successful candidate will be confident building strong relationships with a range of external partners including plumbers, builders, outsourced IT service provider, and the warehouse team as well as collaborating effectively with colleagues across head office and retail.

• Operations & Facilities Management: Oversee the day-to-day operational and facilities management of 40+ retail sites and head office. Ensure all stores are maintained to a high operational standard, resolving issues quickly and effectively, managing planned, reactive and compliance works across the estate. Coordinate contractors, suppliers, and service providers to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of services.
• Warehouse Management: Overseeing the successful management of our small warehouse and a team of two, ensuring stock is accounted for and goods in/out functions efficiently.
• Health & Safety: Take ownership of company-wide health & safety compliance across all sites, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and industry regulations.
• IT & Infrastructure Management: Identify, influence and implement IT solutions as the company grows, from internal databases and point of sale tills to the use of AI, remain solution orientated and commercially astute.
• GDPR: Take ownership of GDPR compliance across the organisation, ensuring adherence across all teams, championing a culture of GDPR awareness and compliance throughout the business.
• Supplier & Contractor Management: Manage relationships with key suppliers, contractors, and external partners, negotiating contracts and monitoring supplier performance to ensure quality and value for money.
• Leadership & Communication: Directly managing a warehouse team of 2 and an admin support person. Communicating as an expert in your operational specialism across the business to both juniors and senior leadership.

You’ll have extensive experience in a similar multi-site operational role with oversight of similar functions and a proven solution-oriented approach.

Our Culture: At UOE, our culture is shaped by three core values: Expert & Trusted – We know our stuff and do what we say we’ll do. Hub of the Community – We’re here for our customers and each other. Surprisingly Fun! – We take our work seriously, but not ourselves. We’re committed to building an inclusive and supportive workplace, where people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities feel respected, valued, and able to thrive. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, just let us know, we’re here to help.

For the full job description or to apply please apply through LinkedIn.