Operations Manager - Plumbing

We are looking for an experienced, hands-on Operations Manager to manage the daily operations of a busy plumbing business.

The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating plumbing teams, allocating jobs, managing workflow, monitoring job completion, overseeing vehicles, tools and stock, assisting with quotations and costings, managing standby teams and ensuring that all work is carried out safely, efficiently and to the required standard.

This role requires someone who can take ownership of the day-to-day operation, manage people effectively and keep multiple plumbing jobs moving at the same time.

Reporting to: Managing Director

Key ResponsibilitiesDaily Plumbing Operations

• Plan and coordinate the daily workload of plumbing teams.
• Allocate plumbers and team members to jobs according to operational requirements.
• Conduct daily morning debriefs with team leaders regarding jobs, priorities, delays and operational concerns.
• Monitor jobs throughout the day and ensure work progresses according to schedule.
• Ensure teams are properly prepared and have the required tools, PPE and materials before attending jobs.
• Assist with resolving operational issues that may arise on-site.
• Ensure completed jobs are properly handed over and administratively closed.

Job Cards, Quotes & Costing

• Ensure all job cards are completed correctly and closed timeously.
• Review job information to ensure labour, materials and other relevant information have been captured correctly.
• Prepare and submit quotations and job costings.
• Assist with price collections and high-level costing of completed jobs.
• Work closely with the administration team regarding account and job-related queries.

Standby & Emergency Call-Out Management

• Manage the weekly rotational standby schedule.
• Ensure standby teams are communicated clearly and timeously.
• Provide standby information to payroll for processing.
• Coordinate operational requirements relating to after-hours and emergency plumbing call-outs.

Vehicles, Tools & Equipment

• Conduct and report on weekly vehicle inspections.
• Ensure company vehicles are appropriately managed and maintained from an operational perspective.
• Conduct and report on monthly tool inspections.
• Monitor the condition and availability of plumbing tools and equipment.
• Ensure employees are accountable for company equipment issued to them.

Stock & Materials

• Manage and report on daily, weekly and monthly inventory and stock checks.
• Assist in ensuring plumbing teams have the correct stock and materials required to complete jobs.
• Monitor stock usage and identify shortages or operational concerns.
• Promote responsible use and control of company materials and equipment.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure plumbing teams comply with applicable regulations, bylaws and industry requirements.
• Keep up to date with relevant safety requirements.
• Ensure employees comply with company policies, procedures and operational standards.
• Identify and report workplace and on-site hazards and risks.
• Ensure appropriate PPE is ordered, available and issued to employees.
• Promote a strong health and safety culture across all plumbing teams.
• Escalate compliance or safety concerns to management when necessary.

Customer Service

• Ensure customers receive professional and efficient service.
• Assist with resolving operational customer complaints and queries.
• Ensure agreed service levels and commitments are met.
• Maintain professional relationships with customers, suppliers and service providers.
• Ensure plumbing teams represent the company professionally while working on customer premises.

Team Management

• Lead and manage plumbing teams and team leaders.
• Take responsibility for daily productivity, time management, quality and safety.
• Set clear expectations regarding workmanship, behaviour, processes and company standards.
• Monitor employee performance and address operational concerns.
• Provide coaching, guidance and operational training where required.
• Encourage accountability, teamwork and effective communication.
• Follow up on assigned responsibilities and outstanding work.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 3–4 years' proven experience in a similar operational management role within the plumbing, maintenance, construction, technical services or related industry.
• Previous experience managing field-based teams or artisans will be advantageous.
• Valid Code 8 / EB driver's licence.
• Computer literate.
• Strong understanding of job scheduling, job cards, stock, tools, vehicles and operational workflow.
• Experience on CRM systems

Skills & Competencies

The successful candidate should have:

• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Excellent planning and scheduling ability.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to make quick operational decisions.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and follow-up skills.
• Good understanding of quotations and job costing.
• Strong customer-service orientation.
• Ability to manage multiple jobs and teams simultaneously.
• Good conflict-management skills.
• Health and safety awareness.
• Stock and inventory-management ability.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• A practical, hands-on approach to operations.
• High levels of accountability and professionalism.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who understands that running a successful plumbing operation means keeping people, vehicles, tools, stock, customers and jobs moving at the same time.

You need to be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where plans can change quickly due to emergency call-outs, customer requirements and operational challenges.

You should be the type of person who notices when a job is falling behind, a team needs assistance, stock is running low or something has not been followed through — and takes action before it becomes a bigger problem.

If you are organised, practical, confident managing people and enjoy keeping a busy plumbing operation running smoothly, we would like to hear from you.

Work Location: In person