Operations Manager

UBT Pty; Banbury; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-run import and distribution business in Banbury is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee supply chain and operations. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, a proactive approach, and experience in operational management. This role offers a competitive salary of £50,000 - £60,000, with additional benefits such as daily free lunch and 21 days of holiday.

Benefits

Free parking

Free daily lunch

21 days holiday + 8 bank holidays

Qualifications

• Previous experience in an operational or supply chain management role, ideally within import/distribution.
• A proactive mindset, always looking to solve problems before they arise.
• Hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing all operational activity, including supply chain, stock forecasting, freight management.
• Managing supplier relationships, contracts, pricing, and sourcing.
• Implementing improvements to increase OTIF.

Skills

Problem-solving

Strong communication skills

Leadership

Process improvement

Confidence with ERP systems

Tools

Unleashed ERP

Phocas reporting

Job description

Overview

Operations Manager - Import & Distribution | Equestrian & Agricultural Sector
Location: Banbury

Base pay range: £50,000 - £60,000 + Bonus (based on OTIF performance)

Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5:00pm
Benefits: Free parking, free daily lunch, 21 days holiday + 8 bank holidays

I'm recruiting on behalf of a well-established, second-generation family-run SME with over 20 years of trading experience. This import and distribution business specialises in supplying high-quality products to the equestrian and agricultural wholesale market, with a focus on bulk plastics, equestrian matting, and wheelbarrows. With a close-knit team of around 10 people, this is a business built on strong values, adaptability, and a shared drive to continuously improve. After a recent rebrand and investment in new systems (Unleashed ERP + Phocas reporting), they're now looking for an experienced, proactive Operations Manager to help take them to the next level.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing all operational activity, including supply chain, stock forecasting, freight management, and goods in/out
• Managing supplier relationships, contracts, pricing, and sourcing
• Working closely with the warehouse and sales teams to keep communication flowing across the business
• Implementing improvements that increase OTIF (currently at 80%, with a goal of 95-98%)
• Using the ERP system (Unleashed) and Phocas reports to drive data-led decisions
• Being a visible, proactive presence - jumping in to help with QC, booking in containers when needed or other operational/warehouse duties

Requirements

• Previous experience in an operational or supply chain management role, ideally within import/distribution
• A proactive mindset - always looking to solve problems before they arise
• Strong communication skills - able to engage confidently with warehouse teams, sales, and suppliers alike
• Hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up leadership style
• A knack for process improvement and cost-saving without cutting corners
• Confidence working with ERP and reporting systems (Unleashed experience a plus, but not essential)

What 0

• £50,000-£60,000 base salary
• Performance bonus tied to OTIF targets
• Monday to Friday, 7:30am-5:00pm schedule
• Free lunch provided daily
• Free on-site parking
• 21 days holiday + bank holidays

This is an opportunity to make a real, lasting impact in a business that values initiative, transparency, and trust. If you're someone who enjoys variety, autonomy, and making small but powerful operational improvements, Id love to hear from you.