Operations Manager
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 depending on experience and the added value you can bring to the table.
About WoodBox
WoodBox is a newly established timber merchant and wholesaler with bold ambitions. While the business is new, it's built on the solid foundations of our Managing Director, who brings over 25 years of experience in the timber industry. Having successfully grown his last company from the ground up to a £13m turnover before its sale, he is now leading WoodBox with the same entrepreneurial drive and vision.
This is a rare opportunity to join a company right at the start of its growth journey and play a pivotal role in shaping how the business operates from the ground up.
The Role
We're looking for an Operations Manager who thrives on building systems, streamlining processes, and getting things done. You'll be the person who makes sure everything runs like clockwork — from supply chain and inventory, to logistics, warehousing, and team leadership.
This role isn't about maintaining what already exists — it's about helping to create, refine, and scale the operational backbone of a business that's designed for rapid growth.
Why We Need an Operations Manager
The answer is simple: to free up our Managing Director from the day-to-day running of the business. This will allow him to focus on business development, marketing, and strengthening customer relationships — the activities that will drive WoodBox's long-term growth. That's where you come in. As Operations Manager, you'll take ownership of the operational backbone of the business, ensuring that everything behind the scenes runs smoothly, efficiently, and profitably.
Key Responsibilities
* Operational Leadership – Take ownership of day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, cost control, and high standards.
* Supply Chain & Logistics – Manage supplier relationships, and transport schedules to guarantee reliability and cost-effectiveness.
* Inventory & Warehousing – Build and manage stock systems that balance stock-availability with cashflow demands, whilst ensuring smooth warehouse operations and a tidy yard.
* Process Improvement – Develop and implement streamlined processes, using data and KPIs to continuously drive performance.
* Team Development – Lead and mentor staff across logistics, warehouse, and operations functions, fostering a culture of accountability and growth.
* Strategic Input – Work closely with the MD to align operations with the company's growth plans.
About You/Skills required
* Proven experience in operations management (ideally in timber, building materials, or a closely related sector).
* Strong understanding of supply chain, logistics, and inventory management.
* A builder of systems and teams — you enjoy creating order and efficiency from the ground up.
* Analytical thinker with a problem-solving mindset.
* Motivated by challenge, change, and the opportunity to grow alongside the business.
* Forklift licence.
* Driving Licence.
* The ability to think on your feet and adapt to change quickly.
* Communication skills, a great personality and a positive attitude.
* IT knowledge (Word, Excel and previous experience of a stock management system)
What the job entails
* Negotiating with suppliers and re-ordering stock.
* Booking in supplier deliveries.
* Inventory management.
* Planning customer deliveries in an efficient and timely manner.
* Liaising with customers and dealing with enquiries.
* Vehicle fleet management (PMI's, servicing etc).
* Picking orders.
* Loading & dispatching orders.
* Overseeing Health & Safety.
Why Join WoodBox?
* Ground-floor opportunity: Be part of a business from the very beginning and shape its future.
* Growth potential: With an ambitious MD there is plenty of potential to expand your skill set, by obtaining further qualifications as part of your role.
* Impact: Your decisions and systems will directly influence how the company grows and succeeds.
This is more than a job — it's a chance to leave your mark on a business that's set to grow and disrupt the local market. If you're excited by the idea of building something new and making operations your own, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £45,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Employee discount
* Free parking
* Profit sharing
Work Location: In person