Operations Manager

Location: Dublin 3

Industry: Hardware / DIY / Construction

Job Type: Permanent

Working days/hours: Monday to Friday (07.30am to 4.30pm) working week with one Saturday morning per month (8.30am to 1pm)

Working Model: On-site

The Opportunity

This is a standout opportunity for an experienced Operations Manager or Branch Manager/Trade Depot manager to step into a senior management team role within a long-established, fast-paced SME. The successful candidate will take full ownership of operational performance across warehouse, transport and retail, while directly influencing strategy, margin, commercial outcomes and organisational structure.

This position suits a dynamic, commercially minded leader ready to shape the direction of the business and play a key role in decision-making at senior level.

The Role

The Operations Manager will oversee end-to-end daily operations and hold responsibility for achieving margin targets, driving efficiency, and ensuring operational excellence across multiple functions. With four direct reports, the role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking and the confidence to challenge assumptions and introduce improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Strategy

• Own and manage all day-to-day operational processes across warehouse, transport and retail
• Lead margin performance, capacity planning and operational KPIs
• Maintain and control operational expense budgets
• Ensure full safety, compliance and housekeeping standards
• Contribute strategic insights at senior management meetings

Supply Chain & Inventory

• Lead procurement, stock management, supplier negotiation and purchasing
• Manage vendor performance and negotiate competitive terms
• Forecast demand and maintain optimal stock levels
• Plan inventory based on seasonal trends and promotions

Market Insight & Product Development

• Monitor market trends and competitor activity
• Optimise product mix and margins
• Identify new product opportunities and attend industry events

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, motivate and develop team leaders and operational staff
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding and performance management
• Implement training and development programmes
• Drive a culture of accountability, communication and continuous improvement

Skills & Experience

• 5+ years’ experience in a similar operations leadership role
• Proven ability to lead and manage teams in a fast-paced environment
• Strong commercial acumen with experience owning margin, KPIs and budgets
• Skilled negotiator with experience dealing with suppliers and service providers
• Highly organised with strong analytical and problem-solving capability
• Clear, confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills
• Experience in DIY, hardware, construction or related sectors is an advantage
• Degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain or similar (advantage)
• Full clean driving licence; forklift or truck licence an advantage

What’s on Offer

• Salary €55,000 – €60,000 DOE
• Performance bonus following probation
• Company vehicle
• Pension / PRSA with employer match
• Mobile phone
• 20 days annual leave increasing with service
• Store discounts
• Monday to Friday working week with one Saturday per month