Trainee Operations Manager
Trainee Operations Manager | Birmingham
Contract: Full-time (40 hours per week, Monday – Friday)
Starting Package: £26,000 per annum + site performance bonus
Do You Have an Operational Mindset?
If you are the kind of person who naturally notices when a workflow is clunky, enjoys getting stuck into practical problem-solving, and prefers working directly on the floor with a team over sitting behind a desk all day, this structured trainee pathway will appeal to you.
We run a busy regional fulfillment and distribution site in Birmingham that relies on clear schedules, accurate inventory management, and smooth floor coordination to stay on track. We are bringing on a Trainee Operations Manager to join our local management team and master our facility operations from the ground up.
Core Duties & Responsibilities
- Rotational Shadowing: Work alongside experienced supervisors across goods-in, warehouse inventory, and outbound dispatch to learn every operational function.
- Shift Scheduling: Assist with planning shift rotas, allocating daily tasks to floor teams, and rebalancing staff during busy periods.
- Stock & Inventory Control: Monitor stock movements on our warehouse management system and resolve inventory discrepancies promptly.
- Workflow Optimization: Spot bottlenecks or delays on the floor and suggest sensible, practical adjustments to keep output steady.
- Facility Inspections: Carry out routine health and safety walkthroughs, equipment checks, and compliance audits across the site.
- Performance Tracking: Log daily operational metrics and compile simple output reports for weekly management reviews.
- Team Handshakes: Support line managers during daily shift briefings and handovers to keep communication clear across teams.
What We Look For
Previous operational experience is a plus, but not essential as full training is provided.
We value common sense, good organizational habits, and a fair, direct communication style above formal supervisory qualifications. We welcome applications from graduates, or candidates with transferable experience in retail supervision, hospitality, administration, logistics, or customer service coordination.
- Practical Logic: A level-headed approach to troubleshooting unexpected delays or operational hiccups on the ground.
- Organizational Ability: Comfort managing schedules, checking inventory logs, and keeping track of multiple moving parts.
- Clear Communication: Approachable, confident interpersonal skills when briefing floor staff or reporting to site directors.
- Active Attitude: Willingness to spend significant time on the floor alongside operational teams to understand daily processes thoroughly.
How We Build Your Skill Set
You will follow a structured, hands-on development path designed to build genuine supervisory confidence across our facility:
- Direct Mentoring: 1-on-1 coaching alongside our Operations Director and senior shift leads.
- Technical Training: Practical instruction on supply chain systems, warehouse ERP tools, health and safety regulations, and team management.
- Structured Check-Ins: Monthly progress reviews to offer constructive feedback, address questions, and set clear development goals.
- Gradual Leadership: Step-by-step handover of responsibilities, starting with managing sub-teams and progressing to running full operational shifts within 12–18 months.
What We Offer
- Working Pattern: 40 hours per week (standard weekday operational shifts)
- Benefits & Perks: Full practical training, site performance bonuses, ongoing 1-on-1 coaching, pension scheme, team social events, and a clear internal route to full Duty Manager status.
How to Apply
Please send your CV along with a short note explaining why an operational management path appeals to you. We review applications on a rolling basis.
Pay: From £28,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
