Operations Manager

Operations Manager

HX6 Area | £50,000 - £55,000 + Benefits

Aqumen Recruitment is delighted to be partnering with a well-established and growing manufacturing business in the HX6 area to recruit an experienced Operations Manager.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on leader to join a successful organisation that continues to invest in its people, processes, and production capabilities. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving operational performance, developing teams, and supporting future growth.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Operations Manager will lead manufacturing operations across a busy production environment, ensuring safety, quality, productivity, and customer service objectives are consistently achieved.

This position offers significant scope to influence operational strategy, implement continuous improvement initiatives, and develop a high-performing culture across the site.

Key Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day manufacturing and production activities to achieve output, quality, and delivery targets.

Develop and monitor production plans, ensuring resources are effectively allocated.

Drive key operational KPIs including OEE, productivity, waste reduction, efficiency, and on-time delivery.

Ensure operational procedures and standards are maintained and consistently followed.

Lead, coach, and develop Production Managers, Shift Managers, Engineering teams, and shop floor personnel.

Support workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, and performance management activities.

Foster a positive, engaged, and high-performance working culture.

Work closely with EHS, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance functions to support business objectives.

Champion continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing principles and structured problem-solving techniques.

Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance operational performance.

Support budgeting, forecasting, and monthly operational reporting activities.

Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

Previous experience as an Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager, Factory Manager, Plant Manager, or similar senior manufacturing leadership position.

Proven experience managing teams within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Strong understanding of production processes, operational KPIs, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Experience driving performance improvements through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar approaches.

Excellent leadership, coaching, and people development skills.

Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.

Experience working with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing performance data.

The ability to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders at all levels of the business.

A proactive, hands-on approach combined with strong commercial awareness.

Qualifications

Ideally, candidates will hold:

A degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related discipline.

Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma qualifications.

IOSH or NEBOSH certification (advantageous).

What's On Offer

Salary of £50,000 - £55,000

Company benefits package

Career development opportunities

The chance to join a growing and ambitious manufacturing business

A highly visible leadership role with genuine influence across the organisation

If you are an experienced manufacturing leader looking for your next challenge and have a passion for operational excellence, continuous improvement, and team development, we'd love to hear from you.

Aqumen Recruitment is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed