Operations Manager, Workshop & Engineering Services

We are a well-established, 35-year-old hydraulics engineering business, specialising in hose assembly, cylinder repair, and hydraulic parts distribution to agricultural, industrial and plant hire clients across West Wales. Following a change in ownership, we are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to join the business from day one, taking responsibility for the day-to-day running of the workshop and office.

This is a genuinely exciting time to join. As part of a new ownership structure, we are investing in the future of the business, and we want the right person in this role to have a real say in how we take things forward. You will shadow the outgoing owner and new leadership during the first three months, giving you a thorough understanding of the business before stepping fully into the role.

This is not a static role. As the business grows, so will the team, and we expect the Operations Manager to play a key part in shaping that growth, including building and leading a wider team over time.

Key Responsibilities:
- Day-to-day scheduling and coordination of workshop jobs and client bookings.
- First point of contact for client enquiries, quotes, and general communication.
- Managing supplier relationships and ordering stock and parts as needed.
- Overseeing invoicing and working closely with the accounts function.
- Supporting the technical team with administrative and operational needs.
- Helping to implement new systems and processes as the business grows, including job - management software and CRM tools.
- Contributing to the smooth induction and onboarding of any new team members as the business grows.
- Reporting to the Managing Director on business development and growth initiatives, with genuine input into decision making.
- Documenting key processes, procedures and client/supplier information as they're learned during handover and beyond, building a clear, simple set of written playbooks so knowledge stays with the business rather than any one person

About You:
- Proven experience in an operations, office management, or workshop coordination role, ideally within an engineering, trades, or technical services environment.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and keep things running smoothly under pressure.
- Confident, friendly communicator, comfortable dealing directly with clients, suppliers, and a technical team.
- Comfortable using modern business software, or willing to learn new systems quickly.
- A genuine team player who takes pride in a well-run, professional operation.
- Ambitious and keen to grow with the business, this is a great opportunity for someone who wants to build something, not just manage it.
- Previous experience in hydraulics, engineering, or a related trade is beneficial but not essential; full training will be provided on the technical side of the business.

What We Offer:
- A genuinely important role in a well-established, respected local business with 35 years of history, entering an exciting new chapter.
- A thorough handover and shadowing period during the first three months, working closely with the outgoing owner and new leadership.
- The opportunity to shape how the business operates and grows under new ownership, with the potential to build and lead a wider team over time.
- A supportive, hands-on working environment with an experienced, loyal technical team.
Competitive salary, dependent on experience, with the opportunity to benefit directly as the business grows.

Salary & Details:
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Hours: Full time, Monday to Friday, standard workshop hours
Location: South Wales (exact location confirmed on application)
Start Date: To be confirmed, ideally to align with the change of ownership