Tips for Hiring Operations Managers for Trades Companies 

It is no secret that finding the right operations manager for your trades company significantly impacts your business’s efficiency and growth. Whether you’re a plumbing, HVAC, electrical, or general contracting business, having a suitable operations manager ensures your projects run smoothly and your team remains productive. At Gray Wolf Strategies, we want to help you make the best hiring decisions for your business. 

In this article, we’ll cover essential tips for hiring operations managers, focusing on internal promotions, key qualities to look for, and how we support you and your new hire. 

Hiring from Inside Your Team 

One of the best ways to find an operations manager is by promoting from within your team. Existing employees already understand your company’s culture, processes, and challenges, making them well-suited for the role. Look for individuals who have demonstrated leadership, problem-solving skills, and a strong work ethic. 

Promoting from within not only boosts morale but also ensures a smoother transition, as the promoted employee is already familiar with the team and ongoing projects. Consider employees who have shown an interest in management and have taken on additional responsibilities over time. 

More > Scaling Your Trades Business: Strategies for Growth 

What to Key Qualities to Look For 

When hiring an operations manager, several key qualities and skills are crucial: 

• Leadership Ability: An effective operations manager must be able to lead and motivate a team, ensuring that everyone works towards common goals. 

• Organizational Skills: They should be highly organized, able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and keep everything running smoothly. 

• Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to quickly identify issues and implement effective solutions is vital for this role. 

• Communication Skills: Strong communication skills are essential for coordinating between different departments and ensuring everyone is on the same page. 

• Experience in the Trades: Having hands-on experience in the trades can be a significant advantage, as it allows the manager to understand the technical aspects of the work and relate to the team effectively. 

Red Flags to Watch Out For  

During the interview process, it’s important to be aware of potential red flags that might indicate a candidate is not the right fit for the role. According to Workable, some red flags to watch out for include: 

• Inability to Provide Specific Examples: Candidates who struggle to provide concrete examples of their past experiences may lack the necessary hands-on experience. 

• Poor Communication Skills: If a candidate has difficulty clearly articulating their thoughts or providing coherent answers, it could be a sign of inadequate communication skills. 

• Lack of Knowledge About Your Industry: Candidates who are unfamiliar with the specifics of the trades industry may require additional training and may take longer to become effective in the role. 

• Negative Attitude: A candidate who speaks negatively about previous employers or colleagues might bring a toxic attitude to your team. 

• Inconsistent Career History: Frequent job changes or gaps in employment without clear explanations can be a warning sign of instability or unreliability. 

How We Support You & Your New Operations Manager 

At Gray Wolf Strategies, we understand that hiring and transitioning a new operations manager can be challenging. That’s why we offer comprehensive support to ensure a smooth process. Here’s how we help: 

• Training Programs: We provide tailored training programs to help your new operations manager develop the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their role. 

• Onboarding Assistance: Our onboarding process includes detailed introductions to your company’s processes, systems, and team dynamics, ensuring your new hire is well-prepared from day one. 

• Ongoing Support: We offer continuous support and mentorship, helping your operations manager navigate challenges and grow into their role. 

• Performance Metrics: We help establish clear performance metrics and goals, enabling you to track progress and ensure your operations manager is meeting expectations. 

Partner with Gray Wolf Strategies 

Hiring the right operations manager is crucial for the success of your trades company. By promoting from within, focusing on key qualities, and utilizing our support services, you can ensure a successful transition and continued growth for your business. 

For expert advice and comprehensive support in hiring and training your new operations manager, reach out to us at Gray Wolf Strategies today. We’re here to help you build a strong and effective team.