Salters Steamers is a friendly, hardworking family company offering a wide range of services to the public, including:
* Boat trips
* Boat hire
Located on the River Thames and established since 1858, we pride ourselves on our extensive experience and professionalism.
We are seeking a hands‑on and highly organised Operations Manager to join our team, reporting directly to the Managing Director. This is a key role focused on ensuring the smooth day‑to‑day running of our business, particularly during the busy summer season.
The successful candidate will take ownership of operational planning and delivery, including:
* Daily business operations
* Staff coordination and supervision
* Booking and scheduling management
* Supporting business growth through efficient processes
This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in a well‑established tourism and hospitality business, with scope to shape and improve operational systems.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the business, ensuring efficiency across all services
* Manage schedules, and resource allocation (boats, staff, events)
* Coordinate and support seasonal and permanent staff, including recruitment and training
* Ensure smooth delivery of events such as weddings, private charters, and corporate bookings
* Act as a key point of contact for customer enquiries, ensuring excellent service standards
* Work closely with the Managing Director to improve operational processes and performance
* Maintain high standards of health & safety and compliance
* Troubleshoot operational issues and respond proactively to challenges
* Support business development by identifying opportunities to improve capacity and service delivery
Candidate Requirements
* Proven experience in an operations, office management, or similar role
* Strong organisational and multitasking skills in a fast‑paced environment
* Confident communication skills, both on the phone and in person
* Experience managing staff or willingness to take on leadership responsibilities
* A proactive, problem‑solving mindset
* Comfortable using standard office and booking systems
* Experience within tourism, hospitality, or events
* Familiarity with booking or CRM systems
* Experience coordinating events or managing schedules/logistics
* Ability to analyse processes and implement improvements
* Experience recruiting or managing seasonal teams
* Knowledge of health & safety procedures
* Understanding of pricing, planning, and operational strategy
Additional Job Details
* A professional and friendly telephone manner
* The ability to remain calm and efficient under pressure
You will be responsible for:
* Handling calls, emails, and booking enquiries
* Processing bookings and coordinating schedules
* Supporting the smooth day‑to‑day running of the business
A sense of humour and team spirit are essential!
Additional Information
* Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday
* Flexibility: Required, particularly during peak seasons - Assistance on busy weekend days to be discussed
* Location: Central Oxford (free on‑site parking available)
* Company pension
* Free on‑site parking
* Extended Christmas shutdown
* Heavily discounted boat hire
* Seasonal flexibility (earlier winter hours)
* Occasional work‑from‑home during off‑peak periods
* Opportunity to shape and develop operational processes
Who Are We Looking For?
* A proactive and hands‑on Operations Manager who thrives in a small business environment
* Someone willing to take ownership and go beyond their job description
* Strong organisational and leadership skills
* A practical problem‑solver with attention to detail
* Ideally with a background in hospitality, tourism, or customer‑facing operations
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