Junior Operations Manager - Traffic ManagementLocation: 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 ResponsibilitiesAssist in the daily management and coordination of operational staff, fleet and equipmentSupport the planning and allocation of labour and resources across ongoing worksRespond to operational issues including:last-minute schedule changesstaff absencesvehicle or plant breakdownsclient cancellations or urgent requestsAct as a point of contact for operational staff and clients throughout the working dayParticipate in an out-of-hours phone rota to manage urgent operational issues when requiredBuild strong working relationships with operatives while maintaining high standards and accountabilitySupport investigations relating to accidents, incidents and disciplinary mattersEnsure operational activities are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with company proceduresMaintain accurate operational records and reportingLiaise with clients, suppliers and internal departments to ensure smooth service delivery CriteriaEssentialPrevious experience within an operations, logistics, transport, hire desk or workforce coordination environmentStrong organisational and problem-solving skillsAbility to work calmly under pressure in a fast-moving environmentConfident communicator with strong people management skillsIT proficient across Microsoft Office and operational systemsFull UK driving licenceFlexible approach and willingness to participate in an out-of-hours rotaDesirablePrevious supervisory or management experienceExperience managing direct labour/workforce schedulingKnowledge of fleet or equipment coordinationExperience handling disciplinary or accident investigation processesExposure to construction, utilities, civils or traffic management sectors Ashton Recruitment is acting as a Recruitment BusinessWHJS1_NI