At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team and ensure top-notch service delivery in engineering operations.
- Company: Specialist engineering services business with a diverse client base.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £50,000 plus benefits and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a pivotal leader in a fast-paced environment and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing service departments and strong technical literacy required.
- Other info: Office-based role in Newport with occasional travel for site visits.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A specialist engineering services business in South Wales is looking for a new Operations Manager due to an impending retirement. Serving a diverse client base ranging from SMEs to Blue Chip organisations, our client provides essential recovery, maintenance and installation services. The Operations Manager will head up a fast-paced Service Desk, ensuring the seamless delivery of national maintenance contracts and technical support. This is a pivotal leadership role reporting directly to the Managing Director, responsible for the efficiency, quality, and technical excellence of the service department.
Key Responsibilities
- Team Leadership: Lead and manage a regional team of service engineers, overseeing recruitment, training, performance reviews, and holiday/absence management.
- Service Coordination: Oversee the busy Service Desk to ensure customer callouts and service requests are handled with urgency and precision.
- Workflow Management: Master the Joblogic software suite to log calls, issue tasks to engineers, and monitor real‑time progress through allocation, attendance, and job completion.
- Resource & Asset Management: Manage vehicle fleet logistics and oversee the procurement of plant equipment, subcontractors, and workshop spares.
- Financial Administration: Direct purchase orders for equipment and spares; accurately price up works for invoicing and maintain a close liaison with the accounts department.
- Operational Reporting: Provide regular status updates and strategic insights directly to the Managing Director and broader management team.
Candidate Requirements
- Proven Experience: Demonstrated success in managing a service department, call desk, or engineering team within a technical or industrial environment.
- Technical Literacy: A strong logical and structured approach to office‑based administrative processes and data management.
- Software Proficiency: Highly competent in Microsoft Office (specifically Word and Excel); experience with Joblogic or similar Service Management Software is highly desirable.
- Industry Knowledge: Solid technical understanding to provide credible backup and guidance to both customers and field engineers.
- Leadership Traits: A high‑integrity work ethic with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a high‑pressure environment.
- Mobility: Primarily office‑based in Newport, but comfortable with occasional travel for site visits or field‑based oversight.
This opportunity would suit experienced operations or service desk specialists with experience working in a similar field, for example, the engineering or manufacturing sectors.
Operations Manager employer: Vargo Group
Contact Detail:
Vargo Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering sector and let them know you're on the hunt for an Operations Manager role. 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 services. Understand their client base and how they operate. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed teams or projects. Being able to articulate your experience in leading service departments will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and get noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and ready to take on the challenges of an Operations Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing service departments and any relevant technical skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed teams in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since we're looking for someone with strong technical literacy, be sure to mention your proficiency with software like Microsoft Office and Joblogic. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vargo Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to the engineering services sector. Understand the key responsibilities of the Operations Manager role, especially around service coordination and workflow management. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're the right fit for the job.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a service desk. Highlight how you handled recruitment, training, and performance reviews. This is crucial as the role involves leading a regional team of service engineers.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Joblogic
If you haven't already, get to grips with Joblogic or similar service management software. Being able to discuss how you would use it to log calls and manage tasks will demonstrate your readiness for the role and your technical literacy.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
Since the role involves financial administration, be ready to talk about your experience with budgeting, purchase orders, and liaising with accounts departments. Bring examples of how you've managed costs effectively in previous roles to showcase your financial acumen.