At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to streamline processes and enhance customer journey in manufacturing.
- Company: Dynamic manufacturing company focused on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping efficient workflows and leading a motivated team.
- Qualifications: Experience in team management and strong organisational skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment where your ideas are valued and career growth is encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We are looking for a proactive Operations Manager to lead and develop our Internal Sales Engineers / Estimating team within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role is all about creating structure, improving processes, and ensuring that enquiries, quotes and orders move smoothly through the business. If you enjoy building efficient workflows, driving performance through KPIs, and supporting a team to deliver consistently high standards, this is a great opportunity to make a real impact.
What you’ll do:
- Lead and support a team of Internal Sales Engineers / Estimators handling the full customer journey: enquiries, quotations, order processing and internal handovers.
- Build and improve standard operating procedures, workflows and office processes to drive consistency and efficiency.
- Set clear KPIs and performance expectations, using reporting and accountability to drive continuous improvement.
- Create a positive, collaborative team culture with strong communication across Production, Commercial and Customer teams.
- Ensure all quotes and orders are accurate, timely and aligned with internal capabilities.
What you’ll bring:
- Experience managing a team in an operational, estimating, administrative or process-driven environment.
- A structured, methodical approach with strong organisational skills.
- Confident communication, coaching and influencing abilities.
- A positive leadership style that encourages accountability and maintains high standards.
- Experience within manufacturing, estimating or order processing is beneficial, but not essential.
Why apply?
This is a chance to shape how the Estimating Office operates, build stronger processes, and lead a team delivering high-quality quotes and workflow management — all in a supportive, collaborative environment where your ideas will be valued.
Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and ability to perform the duties of the job.
Operations Manager, Southampton employer: Wild Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Wild Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager, Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the manufacturing sector, especially those who work in operations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to team management and process improvement. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers — it helps you showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share examples of how you've built positive team cultures and driven performance through KPIs. This will resonate well with employers looking for someone to lead their Internal Sales Engineers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager, Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing teams and improving processes, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that show how you've driven performance and built efficient workflows.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for leading teams and creating structure in a fast-paced environment. Let us know why you're excited about this opportunity and how you can make a real impact at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to see your positive leadership style in action! Mention how you've fostered a collaborative team culture in previous roles. Talk about your approach to coaching and influencing others to maintain high standards and accountability.
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. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wild Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s operations and values. Familiarise yourself with their manufacturing processes and how they handle enquiries and orders. This will not only show your interest but also help you relate your experience to their specific needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to create a positive team culture and drive performance through KPIs. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can lead the Internal Sales Engineers effectively.
✨Prepare for Process Improvement Questions
Expect questions about how you would improve workflows and standard operating procedures. Think of specific instances where you’ve implemented changes that led to increased efficiency. Be prepared to share your thought process and the results of those improvements.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points, especially when discussing how you’ve collaborated with other teams or influenced stakeholders.