Operations Manager
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per year
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:45 am – 4:45 pm
Location: Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire
About Us
LBS is one of the UK's leading B2B suppliers of watch batteries and straps to over 2,000 high street shops. We're a family business with 30+ years' experience, a team of 20 colleagues, and a culture built on reliability, teamwork, and service. Many of our staff have been with us for years, and we're proud of the supportive, friendly environment we've created.
With steady growth year on year, we're now looking for a talented Operations Manager to help us continue to expand and improve.
The Role
We're looking for a hands-on Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day running of our business. You'll act as the primary link between the Director and our teams, leading by example and aligning operations with business goals.
This role is central to our success: you'll directly manage and support colleagues across the warehouse and customer service, ensure smooth order fulfilment, and continually improve our processes to deliver outstanding service to customers.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee daily operations of the business, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and compliance with UK regulations.
* Lead, motivate, and develop team members, managing staff performance, training, and overseeing workforce planning.
* Develop and implement operational processes to streamline workflows and drive continuous improvement.
* Work closely with the Sales Team Leader to monitor performance against KPIs, preparing reports for senior management and making data-driven recommendations.
* Manage budgets, control costs, and allocate resources effectively.
* Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation, GDPR, and other statutory/industry requirements.
* Build and maintain strong supplier and partner relationships to ensure service levels are consistently met.
* Oversee quality standards, audits, and risk management, implementing corrective actions where necessary.
* Champion digital systems and technology improvements to enhance operational efficiency and reporting.
Continuous Improvement at LBS
At LBS, we believe in making small, consistent changes that add up to big results. As Operations Manager, you'll play a key role in driving this mindset — keeping an open mind to new ways of working and helping the team work smarter every day.
You'll also have the opportunity to visit and tour other businesses to see best practices in action, bringing fresh ideas back to LBS and implementing them with the support of the wider team.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Proven experience in an operational management role (or similar leadership position).
* Strong people management skills with the ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams.
* Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on efficiency and continuous improvement.
* Solid understanding of budgeting, financial management, and cost control.
* Knowledge of UK legislation and compliance requirements (e.g. Health & Safety, GDPR).
* Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, both written and verbal.
About You
* A pro-active leader who's equally comfortable rolling up your sleeves to support the team as you are managing from the front.
* Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to spot and implement improvements.
* Commercially aware, with a strong commitment to quality, compliance, and customer service.
What We Offer
Work-life balance
* Monday to Friday hours - no weekend or evening work
* 28 days holiday (including bank holidays), increasing with length of service
* On-site parking
* Company pension
Culture & Perks
* Takeaway Fridays once per month.
* Monthly social drinks, paid by the business.
* 1 paid volunteering day per year to support a charity of your choice.
* Supportive friendly working environment where your contribution is valued.
Development & Growth
* Opportunities to progress as the business expands.
* External visits to other businesses to learn and apply best practice.
* Be part of a stable, growing family business where you can make a real impact.
If you're a proactive leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys bringing out the best in people, and wants to make a tangible impact on a growing business, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now to join the LBS team.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Experience:
* Operations management: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person