Operations Manager

Production Manager / Operations Manager

Location: Greater Manchester

We are looking for an experienced Production Manager with a strong operational background to join an established and growing manufacturing business. This is more than a traditional Production Manager position. Working closely with the Managing Director, you will take ownership of day to day operations, with a key focus on health and safety, quality management, continuous improvement, and operational efficiency.

You will be responsible for managing a small team (workshop operatives, supervisors, contractors, administration and the CAD department) ensuring high standards of performance, quality and productivity. Experience within shopfitting, bespoke joinery or furniture manufacturing would be a significant advantage given the nature of the bespoke projects involved. However, we would also welcome candidates from similar manufacturing environments who bring strong operational management experience.

IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH - essential

Key Responsibilities

* Take responsibility for the day-to-day management of manufacturing and workshop operations, ensuring production targets, quality standards and customer deadlines are achieved.

* Lead, motivate and develop skilled workshop employees, production operatives and supervisors, managing performance, training and workforce planning.

* Oversee all aspects of health and safety, ensuring compliance with legislation, risk assessments, COSHH, safe working procedures and machinery safety requirements.

* Maintain and improve quality standards in line with ISO 9001:2015, managing quality control, non-conformances, audits and corrective actions.

* Work closely with the Managing Director to identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives, improving productivity, efficiency, quality and manufacturing performance.

* Manage production planning, scheduling, labour allocation, capacity and resource utilisation to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations.

* Monitor manufacturing KPIs, analyse production data and prepare regular performance reports for the Managing Director, highlighting opportunities for improvement.

* Oversee machinery, equipment, workshop facilities and materials to ensure safe, efficient and reliable manufacturing operations.

* Coordinate with technical, design, purchasing and installation teams to ensure manufacturing projects are delivered to specification, on time and within budget.

* Promote a positive working environment, encouraging accountability, high standards of workmanship and a continuous improvement culture.

Essential skills

* IOSH Managing Safely or a relevant NEBOSH qualification – essential.

* Previous experience managing manufacturing operations, ideally within bespoke, specialist production.

* Strong operational experience managing health and safety within a manufacturing environment.

* Demonstrable experience maintaining and improving manufacturing quality standards.

* Knowledge and practical application of ISO 9001 quality management principles.

* Experience implementing continuous improvement initiatives, such as Lean manufacturing, 5S or process improvements.

* Strong production planning, workforce management and resource allocation skills.

* Experience monitoring manufacturing KPIs, analysing production data and preparing management reports.

* Excellent people management, communication and problem-solving skills.

* A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to work closely with senior leadership.

Previous experience managing manufacturing operations, ideally within bespoke, specialist or small-batch production environments
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed