Trainee Operations Manager

Trainee Operations Manager | Birmingham

Contract: Full-time (40 hours per week, Monday – Friday)

Starting Package: £26,000 per annum + site performance bonus

Do You Have an Operational Mindset?

If you are the kind of person who naturally notices when a workflow is clunky, enjoys getting stuck into practical problem-solving, and prefers working directly on the floor with a team over sitting behind a desk all day, this structured trainee pathway will appeal to you.

We run a busy regional fulfillment and distribution site in Birmingham that relies on clear schedules, accurate inventory management, and smooth floor coordination to stay on track. We are bringing on a Trainee Operations Manager to join our local management team and master our facility operations from the ground up.

Core Duties & Responsibilities

• Rotational Shadowing: Work alongside experienced supervisors across goods-in, warehouse inventory, and outbound dispatch to learn every operational function.
• Shift Scheduling: Assist with planning shift rotas, allocating daily tasks to floor teams, and rebalancing staff during busy periods.
• Stock & Inventory Control: Monitor stock movements on our warehouse management system and resolve inventory discrepancies promptly.
• Workflow Optimization: Spot bottlenecks or delays on the floor and suggest sensible, practical adjustments to keep output steady.
• Facility Inspections: Carry out routine health and safety walkthroughs, equipment checks, and compliance audits across the site.
• Performance Tracking: Log daily operational metrics and compile simple output reports for weekly management reviews.
• Team Handshakes: Support line managers during daily shift briefings and handovers to keep communication clear across teams.

What We Look For

Previous operational experience is a plus, but not essential as full training is provided.

We value common sense, good organizational habits, and a fair, direct communication style above formal supervisory qualifications. We welcome applications from graduates, or candidates with transferable experience in retail supervision, hospitality, administration, logistics, or customer service coordination.

• Practical Logic: A level-headed approach to troubleshooting unexpected delays or operational hiccups on the ground.
• Organizational Ability: Comfort managing schedules, checking inventory logs, and keeping track of multiple moving parts.
• Clear Communication: Approachable, confident interpersonal skills when briefing floor staff or reporting to site directors.
• Active Attitude: Willingness to spend significant time on the floor alongside operational teams to understand daily processes thoroughly.

How We Build Your Skill Set

You will follow a structured, hands-on development path designed to build genuine supervisory confidence across our facility:

• Direct Mentoring: 1-on-1 coaching alongside our Operations Director and senior shift leads.
• Technical Training: Practical instruction on supply chain systems, warehouse ERP tools, health and safety regulations, and team management.
• Structured Check-Ins: Monthly progress reviews to offer constructive feedback, address questions, and set clear development goals.
• Gradual Leadership: Step-by-step handover of responsibilities, starting with managing sub-teams and progressing to running full operational shifts within 12–18 months.

What We Offer

• Working Pattern: 40 hours per week (standard weekday operational shifts)
• Benefits & Perks: Full practical training, site performance bonuses, ongoing 1-on-1 coaching, pension scheme, team social events, and a clear internal route to full Duty Manager status.

How to Apply

Please send your CV along with a short note explaining why an operational management path appeals to you. We review applications on a rolling basis.

Pay: From £28,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person