Operations Manager – Bespoke Joinery

Operations Manager – Bespoke Joinery

£46 - £56k (DOE) + company vehicle | Permanent, full-time position

NW Recruitment Services Ltd are exclusively supporting an established specialist business within the bespoke joinery and high-end interiors sector to recruit an experienced Operations Manager.

This is a key management position responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of projects from design and manufacture through to installation and completion, while driving effective planning, coordination and operational improvement across the business.

The role

Predominantly office-based, with regular site attendance required for surveys, meetings and to support Project Managers. The successful candidate will work closely with senior management, Commercial, Design, Project Management and Workshop teams.

Previous experience within joinery manufacturing, together with hands-on awareness of bespoke joinery installation, is essential.

Key responsibilities

• Line manage Project Managers, providing guidance on project delivery, procurement coordination and issue resolution.
• Lead and manage the Design Department, monitoring workloads, prioritising drawing output and ensuring accurate drawings are issued within agreed timescales.
• Review drawings throughout the design process and before revisions are submitted to clients for approval or sign-off.
• Review tender drawings and provide design and joinery construction guidance during project handovers.
• Examine project information and drawings at an early stage, identifying queries, omissions and missing information.
• Engage with clients during project design and site surveys, coordinating meetings between internal teams and client representatives.
• Work closely with Workshop Management to ensure effective communication and coordination between Design and Production.
• Identify where early involvement from specialist suppliers is required to protect project timescales and delivery dates.
• Chair weekly operational meetings covering site labour requirements, production capacity, workload priorities and project delivery.
• Review, develop and implement company processes, procedures and documentation alongside senior management.
• Regularly review Health & Safety documentation and liaise with external H&S consultants where required.
• Support performance management across Project Management and Design, including training requirements, appraisals and improvement plans.
• Assist with recruitment for site-based operatives, Project Management and Design positions, including interviewing, selection and onboarding.
• Work closely with senior management and Commercial teams to ensure high-quality products and projects are delivered efficiently and safely.

What we're looking for

• Proven Project Management or Production Management experience.
• Minimum 5 years' experience within bespoke joinery project management is required; additional experience would be advantageous.
• Previous experience within the joinery manufacturing industry is essential.
• Good understanding of bespoke joinery installation and site-based requirements.
• Accredited Joinery or Construction qualification, such as an NVQ.
• Current SMSTS or SSSTS qualification would be beneficial; recently expired certification will also be considered.
• Full, clean UK driving licence.
• Applicants should be located within approximately 30–40 miles of Preston.

Package & benefits

• Company vehicle | Company laptop and mobile phone | Workplace pension scheme | Healthshield CashPlan reward benefit.
• 21 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Company events.
• Free/on-site parking.

Working hours

Monday–Thursday: 7:30am–4:30pm
Friday: 7:30am–3:00pm
Total: 41 hours per week

If you have the required bespoke joinery, project/production management and operational leadership experience, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply now through NW Recruitment Services Ltd for further information.