East London Careers

Would you like to become part of an industry leading crane hire company?

We are looking for an Operations Manager to join us and be responsible for leading and managing all depot and operational activities, ensuring efficient service delivery, high utilisation of resources, strong customer satisfaction, and overall depot profitability.

The role provides leadership across hire desk, transport, fleet, and operational teams, ensuring high performance, continuous improvement, and delivery against commercial and operational targets.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Planning & Service Delivery

• Ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the depot through effective planning of cranes, labour, fleet, vehicles, and accessories.
• Prepare accurate work plans and day sheets to maximise utilisation and proactively manage forward bookings.
• Support the scheduling and allocation of labour and operational resources.
• Coordinate with the workshop to ensure repairs and maintenance are completed efficiently and in line with operational requirements.
• Work with yard teams to maintain clean, safe, and well-organised depot environments.
• Optimise manpower utilisation across the operations department.
• Provide ad-hoc support in approving day sheets and resource planning where required.

Leadership, People & Performance

• Provide strong leadership to hire desk, depot, transport, and operational teams.
• Lead, motivate, and develop staff to create a high-performance culture.
• Identify training and development needs and support structured training plans.
• Actively participate in recruitment of operators and operational staff.
• Manage performance in line with company policies and procedures.
• Ensure teams are fully trained and operate in accordance with company standards and procedures.

Health, Safety & Standards

• Maintain and promote a positive “zero compromise” approach to Health & Safety.
• Ensure all personnel adhere to health and safety policies and procedures.
• Coordinate and conduct regular toolbox talks and operational briefings.
• Ensure all paperwork and operational processes meet legal and company requirements.

Commercial & Financial Accountability

• Maximise revenue through effective planning and proactive operational decision-making.
• Maintain accountability for labour costs and conduct weekly payroll timesheet checks.
• Ensure overtime is managed effectively and supports profitability.
• Support commercial growth by ensuring resources are aligned to meet business demand.

Customer Service & Relationship Management

• Manage relationships with customers to ensure service delivery meets or exceeds expectations.
• Resolve operational issues quickly and effectively to maintain service quality.
• Analyse operational challenges and implement solutions to prevent recurrence.
• Support the business in maintaining strong, long-term client relationships.

Fleet, Transport & Asset Management

• Manage crane, van, and vehicle allocation, utilisation, and availability.
• Ensure vehicle maintenance, certification, and inspections are carried out in line with legal and company requirements.
• Support transport compliance, including drivers’ hours and O-Licence responsibilities.
• Monitor and manage fuel card allocation and fuel usage.
• Oversee depot security including access control, site safety, and security systems.
• Manage insurance claims, ensuring incidents are fully documented and reported promptly.

Documentation, Compliance & Administration

• Ensure all operational records, training records, medical records, and certification documentation are maintained accurately.
• Oversee preparation and accuracy of job documentation, RAMS, hire agreements, and operational paperwork.
• Ensure legal and company policy compliance in all aspects of operational management.

Strategy & Continuous Improvement

• Drive operational improvements to enhance efficiency, service delivery, and profitability.
• Communicate operational targets and strategies clearly across teams.
• Identify risks and operational challenges and escalate where necessary.
• Continually review processes and implement improvements to support business growth.

Out-of-Hours Responsibility

• Participate in the 24/7 emergency on-call rota.
• Support operational continuity outside normal working hours as required.

Role Requirements

• Proven experience in operations, hire desk, logistics, or construction environments.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Commercial awareness with focus on profitability and utilisation.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and operational systems.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and team-focused approach.

Desirable

• Knowledge of mobile cranes an advantage.

Working Hours

• Monday to Friday: typically 7am–5pm or 8am–6pm
• 28 days holiday including bank holidays
• Auto-enrolment pension scheme
• Company mobile phone, laptop, and vehicle provided
• Competitive salary and package for the right experience

No agencies and UK applicants only please.