National Operations Manager
Reading
£65,000 to £75,000 + Vehicle + Bonus
NEOS Recruitment are working with a fast-growing, privately owned hire business as they enter the next phase of their expansion. This is a critical leadership hire for the company.
This is not a corporate, desk-based operations role. This is a hands-on, high-energy position for someone who wants real responsibility, real exposure, and a genuine long-term career path.
You will operate as the right-hand person to the owner, acting as their eyes and ears across multiple depots—driving standards, supporting managers, fixing issues before they escalate, and helping shape how the business runs.
If you want a role where you can make a visible impact, progress quickly, and grow alongside the business—this is it.
The Role
This is a highly visible, high-trust role that sits at the heart of the operation.
You will be responsible for:
• Travelling between hire depots on a regular basis
• Identifying issues early and resolving them quickly
• Driving consistency across sites
• Supporting, coaching, and challenging Depot Managers
• Improving structure, systems, and standards
• Raising service levels and customer experience
• Helping shape the future of the business
This is not a reactive role—it’s about being proactive, present, and operationally sharp.
Key Responsibilities
Depot Oversight
• Ensure depots are operating efficiently and consistently
• Support, challenge, and develop Depot Managers
• Spot issues early and deal with them quickly
• Improve operational performance and service levels
People Leadership
• Be visible, present, and approachable
• Build strong relationships with depot teams
• Coach and develop managers
• Drive accountability and a positive culture
Structure & Systems
• Introduce and improve processes
• Create better visibility through reporting
• Remove inefficiencies and bottlenecks
• Improve consistency across locations
Commercial Focus
• Understand what drives profitability at depot level
• Identify opportunities to improve margin
• Reduce waste and inefficiency
• Support growth plans
Owner Support
• Act as a trusted voice from the depots
• Provide honest, clear feedback
• Help execute decisions
About You
This role is for someone ambitious, driven, and ready for responsibility.
You may currently be:
• A Depot Manager
• An Assistant Operations Manager
• A Service or Ops Supervisor
• A Branch Manager ready for the next step
But more importantly, you are:
• Hungry
• Driven
• Mobile
• Highly organised
• People-focused
• Commercially aware
• Solution-oriented
You must be:
• Comfortable with regular travel
• Flexible
• Able to move at short notice
• Happy being on the ground solving problems
• Comfortable working under pressure