Operations Manager

Jenkins Group

Jenkins is a port-centric cargo handling, warehousing and logistics business specialising in the paper and forest products sector. Our excellent customer service and engagement is built from our strong operational performance, carried out in a safe and compliant environment.

We have a solid record for outstanding service, streamlined facilities, plus exceptional management and logistic capabilities. Our customers are typically global forest product manufacturers, and our core market is bulk and containerised cargo shipments arriving into the UK and Ireland by sea.

We have been operating for over 40 years, and have grown to become the market leader in the UK and Ireland. We are headquartered in Belfast, Northern Ireland and operate in 13 different locations across the UK and Ireland, including Felixstowe, Belfast, Dublin, Hull, Liverpool and Sheerness.

The Role

Job Purpose

The Operations Manager will lead the day-to-day Humber operation, ensuring work is planned and delivered safely, efficiently and in line with customer requirements. The role is responsible for coordinating people, equipment and operational activity, maintaining high standards of service and compliance, and responding effectively to changing priorities. Through visible leadership of the operational teams and with close support of Transport, the postholder will build accountability, improve performance and deliver practical improvements across the site.

Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Provide visible, hands-on leadership to the Humber operation, setting clear standards for safety, service, productivity and conduct;
• Lead, coach and support operational employees, ensuring responsibilities, priorities and expected standards are clearly understood;
• Plan labour, equipment and workflow to meet operational volumes, customer service levels and changing business requirements;
• Set and monitor clear performance measures covering customer KPIs, operational standards, productivity, quality and safety;
• Review performance information with the operational team, address underperformance promptly and implement effective corrective actions;
• Hold regular one-to-ones, team briefings and performance reviews, using operational data and feedback to support improvement;
• Manage attendance, conduct, capability and development matters consistently, working with HR where appropriate;
• Promote an inclusive, accountable and engaged culture aligned with company values and lead by example;

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and deliver practical improvements to safety, service, productivity, quality, cost and employee engagement across the Humber operation;
• Use operational data, customer feedback and root-cause analysis to address recurring issues and improve performance;
• Lead and support the introduction of new processes, technology and systems, ensuring effective implementation and adoption by the team;
• Maintain effective operating procedures and ensure company policies, Safe Systems of Work and customer requirements are embedded in daily activity;
• Monitor agreed KPIs for Humber operations, investigate variances and take timely corrective action where objectives are not on target;
• Deliver sustainable cost savings and operational efficiencies without compromising safety, compliance or customer service.

Relationship Management

• Act as a key operational contact for Humber customers, responding promptly to issues and enquiries in a practical, solutions-focused manner;
• Build effective working relationships with customers, understand their operational priorities and ensure agreed service requirements are delivered;
• Communicate service performance, operational constraints and improvement actions clearly and professionally;
• Work with the Commercial Team to support customer retention, onboarding and appropriate growth opportunities;
• Attend customer meetings and host site visits, as required;
• Collaborate with other operational sites and internal functions to maintain service continuity and share best practice;
• Work closely with Compliance and HR to maintain safe working practices, legal and company compliance, effective employee relations and workforce development.

The Person

Competencies

The key competencies required for the effective performance of this role are:

• Strategic Awareness and Leadership
• Results Orientation
• Resource Management
• Customer Service Orientation
• Risk Management
• Relationship Management
• Commercial Acumen
• Flexibility & Adaptability

Essential Criteria

In order to succeed in this role, the individual will have the following essential criteria:

• A substantial and progressive career history within operational environments, demonstrating extensive relevant service, increasing levels of responsibility and a sustained commitment to professional development. Candidates should be able to provide convincing evidence of career progression, leadership growth and achievements that demonstrate their readiness to perform effectively at Operations Manager level.
• Significant recent experience managing day-to-day operations in a fast-paced warehousing, logistics, distribution or comparable industrial environment.
• Demonstrable experience of planning labour, equipment and workflow for inbound, storage and outbound activity.
• A successful track record of leading operational teams to deliver service, productivity, quality and safety targets.
• Strong working knowledge of health and safety responsibilities, risk controls and safe systems of work within an operational setting.
• Experience of managing performance, attendance, conduct and employee development fairly and consistently.
• Experience of labour management and contributing to operational budgets and forecasts.
• Evidence of establishing effective relationships with customers, colleagues and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, sound judgement and the flexibility to respond to changing operational demands.

In Return - We Offer:

• A highly competitive salary, circa £55,000, dependant on experience.
• Membership of a contributory Group Pension Scheme and a separate Life Assurance Scheme.
• 33 days paid leave per year (including 8 customary holidays).
• A company laptop and mobile phone.
• Access to and use of our management software platforms that will transform the way you drive your team’s culture and engagement.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Free on site parking.
• An opportunity to be part of a leading and progressive group company at an exciting phase in our growth.

Application closing date: Wednesday 28th October at 12 noon

Pay: £55,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person