Business Operations Manager

Business Operations Manager

Location: Ashford, Kent
Industry: Logistics / Supply Chain / Technology Services
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: £50,000 per annum + Package

Overview

A respected and innovative logistics organisation within the high-tech sector is currently seeking an experienced Business Operations Manager to lead and enhance the performance of its UK operational activities. With multiple depots across the country, the company delivers complex, time-critical solutions to global medical and technical product manufacturers - playing a vital role in high-value supply chains.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an operational expert with a background in logistics or technical service delivery. The successful candidate will report directly to the Country Manager and take responsibility for driving strategic operational improvements across the UK, aligning internal processes with commercial objectives and ensuring the highest standards of customer experience and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute operational strategy across the business, aligning with broader company goals.
• Drive performance and continuous improvement across logistics, transportation, and inventory functions.
• Identify and implement opportunities for cost reduction, process optimisation, and operational alignment.
• Develop and maintain KPI reporting frameworks to monitor operational efficiency and service performance.
• Ensure compliance with service-level agreements, regulatory standards, and internal policies.
• Take ownership of customer service excellence, managing escalations and driving long-term solutions.
• Collaborate with commercial, sales, and customer service teams to translate client expectations into operational execution.
• Manage and mentor multi-site operational teams, promoting a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Maintain strong oversight of operational budgets, forecasting, and cost management.
• Implement and evolve systems (e.g., WMS/TMS) to support data-driven operational decisions.
• Lead operational readiness for new contracts, projects, and initiatives.
• Liaise with HSEQ and compliance stakeholders to uphold safety, environmental and regulatory standards.
• Ensure facilities management issues across sites are promptly resolved.
• Conduct regular visits to UK operational sites including Milton Keynes and Manchester.
• Build a culture of high-quality leadership, people development, and team collaboration.

Candidate Profile

Essential Skills & Experience:

• 10+ years’ experience in logistics, supply chain or technical services operations.
• Demonstrated experience in operational leadership roles, ideally across multiple locations.
• Proven success managing cross-functional teams and implementing process improvement initiatives.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with experience managing budgets and P&L.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Technically astute, with experience using supply chain systems and tools to drive performance.
• Strong analytical mindset, with the ability to identify trends, risks and opportunities from operational data.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience:

• Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain or Logistics (or equivalent).
• Six Sigma, Lean, or continuous improvement certification.
• IOSH/NEBOSH qualifications for H&S leadership.
• Project Management experience (Prince2, Agile or similar).

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus potential
• Company pension scheme
• Dental care (after qualifying period)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free on-site parking
• 28 days annual leave (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Career progression and personal development opportunities