Trainee Operations Manager

Trainee Operations Manager | Manchester

Work Details

• Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week, Monday – Friday)
• Location: Manchester

If you are the person who naturally spots when a process is running inefficiently, enjoys keeping people and projects structured, and prefers resolving practical problems on the ground over sitting behind a desk all day, you will find this role engaging.

We operate a busy distribution and hub facility in Greater Manchester that relies on clear communication, tight schedules, and organized workflows to keep goods moving. We are looking for a Trainee Operations Manager to join our Manchester site and learn the core mechanics of our operational setup.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn the complete daily flow of site operations by shadowing shift supervisors across receiving, inventory, and dispatch.
• Help schedule shift rotas, allocate daily tasks to warehouse teams, and monitor ongoing workflow balance.
• Track inventory accuracy across storage zones and help resolve discrepancies using our warehouse management system.
• Spot bottleneck areas on the operational floor and suggest practical adjustments to maintain productivity.
• Assist with site safety checks, compliance walkthroughs, and equipment inspections to maintain high operational standards.
• Collect operational data and help prepare weekly reports on output, delivery timelines, and error rates.
• Support line managers during daily floor huddles and shift handovers to keep communication clear between teams.

What We’re Looking For

Previous operational experience is a plus, but not essential as full training is provided. We are looking for candidates who combine strong common sense with good organization and a hands-on attitude.

• Practical Judgment: Ability to make sensible, fair decisions when faced with day-to-day operational hiccups.
• Organized Approach: Comfortable handling spreadsheets, checking logs, and tracking multiple moving parts at once.
• Communication: Direct, approachable communication style when speaking with floor staff, drivers, and senior managers.
• Adaptability: Willingness to spend significant time on the operational floor working alongside teams to understand how things work.
• Transferable Backgrounds: We welcome applications from graduates or individuals with backgrounds in retail supervision, hospitality, administration, customer support, or logistics coordination.

Practical Training & Progression

You will follow a structured, hands-on development pathway designed to turn operational understanding into genuine management confidence:

• 1-on-1 coaching alongside senior operations managers and site leaders.
• Training on supply chain software, inventory tracking platforms, health and safety standards, and team supervision.
• Monthly reviews to discuss progress, feedback, and skill development.
• Step-by-step handover of responsibilities, starting with managing sub-teams and progressing to running full operational shifts within your first year.

What We Offer

• Salary: £27,000 – £28,000 per annum (reviewed as key training milestones are achieved)
• Hours: 40 hours per week (standard weekday shifts)
• Package: Full practical training, site performance bonuses, ongoing 1-on-1 coaching, team events, and clear promotion pathways to Shift Operations Manager.

How to Apply

Please send your CV along with a short statement on why operational management interests you. We review applications as they arrive.

Pay: From £27,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking
• Gym membership
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person