Junior Operations Manager - Traffic Management Location: Belfast Hours: Monday - Friday, 08:00am - 5:00pm (plus out of hours on a rota basis) Salary Benchmark: £32,000 - £35,000 DOE Our client is seeking a Junior Operations Manager to support the day-to-day management of a busy traffic management operation based in Belfast. This is a fast-paced, hands-on role overseeing a direct workforce of approximately 70 operatives along with associated fleet and equipment. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring operational efficiency across multiple live projects and reactive works, while supporting staff management, planning and client service delivery. This role would suit someone from a logistics, transport, distribution, hire desk, workforce planning or operations background who thrives in a high-pressure environment and enjoys problem solving and people management. Previous traffic management experience is not essential as full industry training can be provided. Key Responsibilities Assist in the daily management and coordination of operational staff, fleet and equipment Support the planning and allocation of labour and resources across ongoing works Respond to operational issues including: last-minute schedule changes staff absences vehicle or plant breakdowns client cancellations or urgent requests Act as a point of contact for operational staff and clients throughout the working day Participate in an out-of-hours phone rota to manage urgent operational issues when required Build strong working relationships with operatives while maintaining high standards and accountability Support investigations relating to accidents, incidents and disciplinary matters Ensure operational activities are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with company procedures Maintain accurate operational records and reporting Liaise with clients, suppliers and internal departments to ensure smooth service delivery Criteria Essential Previous experience within an operations, logistics, transport, hire desk or workforce coordination environment Strong organisational and problem-solving skills Ability to work calmly under pressure in a fast-moving environment Confident communicator with strong people management skills IT proficient across Microsoft Office and operational systems Full UK driving licence Flexible approach and willingness to participate in an out-of-hours rota Desirable Previous supervisory or management experience Experience managing direct labour/workforce scheduling Knowledge of fleet or equipment coordination Experience handling disciplinary or accident investigation processes Exposure to construction, utilities, civils or traffic management sectors Ashton Recruitment is acting as a Recruitment Business ADZN1_NI