Sales Operations Manager

Solar Operations Manager & Sales Operations Location: Primarily office based, Reading Reporting to: Founders / Ops Director About Footprint Zero Footprint Zero is a fast-growing commercial solar PV developer, installer, owner and asset manager, delivering renewable energy solutions to businesses across the UK. We design, finance, install, own and manage commercial solar and battery storage systems, helping organisations reduce energy costs, improve resilience and accelerate their journey to Net Zero. As demand continues to grow, we are building the people, systems and operational capability to become one of the UK's leading commercial renewable energy businesses. This is a hands-on role with genuine scope to make a difference to how the business operates, working closely with the Founders and Operations Director. The Opportunity We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to support the day-to-day customer journey from sales through project delivery and into long-term asset management. Reporting to the Founders and Operations Director, you will have responsibility across Operations, Sales Operations and Solar Management Services, ensuring the business operates efficiently, commercially and consistently. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys taking ownership, improving processes, and solving problems in a rapidly growing business. There will be occasions where the role will need to take on specific project delivery responsibilities on a project-by-project basis, working closely with the Delivery Manager. Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Management

• Support the Ops Director in the effective day-to-day running of the Operations function.
• Manage and coordinate operational activity across multiple projects and workstreams.
• Fine-tune and continuously improve the systems, processes and workflows already in place.
• Monitor operational KPIs and reporting, identifying issues and opportunities for improvement.
• Help ensure clear ownership, accountability and communication across operational processes.
• Take ownership of operational issues and ensure they are progressed and resolved effectively. Sales Operations
• Support the Sales team with processes, systems and operational input that improve conversion and the customer journey.
• Ensure strong processes between Business Development, Design, Commercial and Operations.
• Own and continuously improve the sales-to-delivery workflow, ensuring opportunities move efficiently through the business.
• Maintain strong CRM discipline, particularly within HubSpot, including pipeline management, forecasting and reporting.
• Support bid submissions, tender planning and contract mobilisation.
• Provide reporting around pipeline conversion, resource planning and forecasting.
• Support Sales generation when required, including stepping into opportunities where additional commercial or operational input is needed. Client, Supplier & Partner Management
• Build trusted relationships with key clients throughout the customer lifecycle.
• Manage operational relationships with suppliers, contractors, consultants and delivery partners.
• Monitor supplier performance and continuously improve quality, responsiveness and value.
• Ensure clients receive a consistent, professional experience from initial engagement through to long-term asset management. Solar Management Services
• Manage the day-to-day operation of Footprint Zero's installed portfolio.
• Oversee Solar Management reporting and customer performance reviews.
• Coordinate Operations & Maintenance partners and ensure optimum asset performance.
• Ensure issues are identified, communicated and resolved efficiently.
• Support the development of new operational services that enhance long-term customer value. About You You are an experienced operations professional combining commercial awareness, strong organisational capability and a practical, hands-on approach. You will be comfortable working across different parts of a growing business, taking ownership rather than simply managing from the sidelines. You will bring:
• Experience in operations management within renewable energy, construction, utilities, engineering, infrastructure or a similar environment.
• Strong organisational, problem-solving and project coordination skills.
• Good commercial awareness, including an understanding of budgets, margins and operational performance.
• Experience working with and improving established systems and processes.
• An understanding of Sales Operations and how operational excellence supports business growth.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with confidence dealing directly with clients and senior stakeholders.
• A proactive, self-starting approach and willingness to get involved wherever the business needs support.
• Strong attention to detail without losing sight of the bigger commercial picture. Experience within commercial solar PV is advantageous but not essential for candidates with highly transferable operational management experience. Why Join Footprint Zero? This is an opportunity to play an important role in a rapidly scaling renewable energy business. You will work closely with the Founders and Ops Director, helping ensure the business operates effectively as it grows and continually improving the way we deliver for our clients. As Footprint Zero expands, there will be opportunities for the successful candidate to take on greater responsibility and progress within the operational team.