OPERATIONS MANAGER

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a purpose-led, mission-driven team and take a central role in shaping and growing our operations. You’ll be part of something meaningful - creating impact through environmental reuse, retail innovation, and inclusive employment - all within a supportive, values-based culture.

The Role

As Operations Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of our Abingdon site, ensuring that our Wood Shop, workshop, and facilities turn a profit and run smoothly, safely, and in line with our business plan. You will manage a multi-skilled team across customer service, warehousing, and woodworking, and play a key part in delivering on OWR’s strategic goals - from retail growth to workshop projects to community initiatives.

You’ll work closely with the CEO and play an integral role in leading OWR’s operational performance, culture, and sustainability.
 

Key Responsibilities

·       Ensure a positive customer experience for everyone accessing OWR services at our Wood Shop, online and over the phone.

·       Lead and oversee our Wood Shop and workshop operations, managing retail activity and supporting staff with purchasing and merchandising.

·       Develop and maintain business systems to ensure high standards of service, safety, and sustainability across the site.

·       Take ownership of Health & Safety policies, procedures, and compliance across the Abingdon site and satellite facilities.

·       Provide visible and motivational leadership to operational teams - including customer service, warehouse, and woodwork - promoting team development and high performance.

·       Coordinate with the marketing function to grow profitable retail and commercial sales.

·       Support and develop workshop-based manufacturing and bespoke wood projects, ensuring delivery, quality, and customer satisfaction.

·       Manage facilities at Suffolk Way, and off-site strorage, including building maintenance, utilities, and supplier contracts (supported by the Business Administrator).

·       Actively participate in senior team meetings and contribute to strategic planning.

·       Work with the Wood to Work team to offer meaningful work experience for job seekers, apprentices, and school volunteers.

About You

We’re looking for a hands-on, confident, and people-focused leader who thrives in dynamic environments and believes in combining operational excellence with social impact. You’ll have strong commercial and systems-based thinking and be motivated by purpose as much as performance.

Essential skills and experience:

·       Significant experience in retail, warehouse or production operations

·       Proven team leadership and staff development skills to support a positive organisational culture

·       Strong understanding of Health & Safety - NEBOSH or similar qualification preferred

·       Confident with stock control, EPOS/till systems, and financial reporting

·       Good IT, numeracy, and written communication skills

·       Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to support and guide a diverse team

Desirable:

·       A background or passion for timber, carpentry, or sustainable materials

·       Experience in social enterprise, charity, or inclusive employment

·       Line management experience including management of HR processes

How to Apply
 

If this opportunity excites you and you believe you have the skills, experience, and passion to lead Oxford Wood Recycling’s operations, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and be part of something extraordinary.