UK Job Description Template · Operations Manager
UK Operations Manager Job Description Template 2026
Job purpose
To run day-to-day operations efficiently, deliver service to customers, and drive continuous improvement. Lead operational teams, manage budgets, and ensure operational excellence aligned with business objectives.
Key responsibilities
- • Manage day-to-day operations across assigned area
- • Lead and develop operational teams
- • Define and track operational KPIs
- • Drive process improvement and efficiency initiatives
- • Manage operational budgets and cost control
- • Ensure compliance with regulations and company standards
- • Manage supplier and vendor relationships
- • Lead operational change projects
- • Resolve escalated operational issues
- • Report operational performance to senior leadership
Essential skills
- ✓ Operational leadership experience
- ✓ Process improvement methodology (Lean, Six Sigma)
- ✓ Team management and development
- ✓ Budget management and cost control
- ✓ Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- ✓ Stakeholder management at multiple levels
- ✓ Project management
Desirable skills
- + Specific industry experience (manufacturing, retail, services, technology)
- + Lean Six Sigma certifications (Green Belt, Black Belt)
- + Specific software experience (SAP, Oracle ERP, custom operations systems)
- + International operations experience
- + Compliance/regulatory experience for relevant industry
- + Change management experience
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree typical. Industry-specific qualifications useful (CIPS for procurement, MCIPS for senior procurement). Lean Six Sigma certifications increasingly common.
Experience
Operations Coordinator: 2-4 years. Operations Manager: 5-9 years with autonomous team and area ownership. Senior Operations Manager: 9-13 years. Operations Director: 13+ years.
UK salary ranges
Junior
£30,000-£42,000 Operations Coordinator
Mid-level
£45,000-£70,000 Operations Manager
Senior
£75,000-£120,000+ Senior Operations Manager / Director
Working pattern
Operations management often requires more on-site presence than other roles. Manufacturing/retail: 5 days/week typical. Office-based operations: hybrid (3-4 days office). Hours vary by sector — manufacturing shifts are often early starts.
Career progression
Operations Coordinator → Operations Manager → Senior Operations Manager → Operations Director → COO. Specialisations: supply chain, logistics, customer operations, business operations.
Recruiter pro tip
UK Operations Manager JDs span very different sectors with different requirements. Manufacturing operations is hands-on with shift patterns; service operations is more analytical and project-driven; business operations supporting tech companies is mostly strategic and process-focused. Be sector-specific — generic 'operations manager' JDs attract poorly-matched candidates.
Related job descriptions
Related across UK Rights & Guides