Operations Manager (Trades Team)
Westward Housing Group is seeking an Operations Manager to lead the in‑house delivery team in the Trades Team at our Bideford office. The role is dedicated to driving high‑quality, cost‑effective repair and maintenance services across the Westward Group.
Location and Hours
Agile home‑worker with a designated office in Bideford.
36.25 hours per week.
£52,313 per annum.
Westward owns and manages more than 7,500 homes across Devon and Cornwall and delivers a range of support and social enterprise services. We have a brand new and exciting permanent, full‑time position to lead our in‑house delivery team into a new modern digital age that aims to deliver high‑quality services to our customers.
The successful candidate will have an excellent skillset around leading an in‑house delivery team as well as being a strong leader of people who can get the best out of their team. You will be responsible for the financial and operational management of Westward Repairs & Maintenance function, providing high quality and cost‑effective repairs and maintenance to the Westward Group.
You will lead, manage and motivate the trades teams ensuring all staff receive required training, support and supervision within their areas of Repairs & Voids, Improvements, Gas, Oil, Solid Fuel and Electrical.
Qualifications
- Degree standard education in a relevant field, or equivalently experience in managing a repairs or maintenance business.
- Extensive experience of trade‑based roles and management of trades teams.
- CDM Regulation Knowledge and Health and Safety knowledge of the trade areas.
- Relevant experience of working in a building maintenance environment, in contract management specifically in responsive repairs and voids and M&E delivery.
- Knowledge of Key Performance Indicators, budget management and how these contribute to running a successful maintenance business.
- Commitment to the provision of a high quality and customer‑focused service.
Benefits
- A competitive salary of £52,313 per annum.
- 26 days annual leave per annum + Bank Holidays.
- Employee Healthcare plan with retail discount scheme.
- Company pension scheme – matched contributions up to 10% of salary.
- Work from home set up with weekly office attendance.
- Learning opportunities.
- £250 refer a friend scheme.
Closing date: 30th November 2025.
Interview date: 9th December 2025 in person at Tarka House, Bideford.
We aim to promote an inclusive environment, attracting people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to advance the service we provide, for the benefit of all our employees and communities we support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager (Trades Team) in Northam
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Westward Housing Group, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Operations Manager (Trades Team) at Westward Housing Group.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westward Housing Group
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
