At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily manufacturing operations and drive performance across quality, delivery, and safety.
- Company: Established precision engineering firm in Essex with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Senior leadership role with significant influence and long-term career opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with an engaged Managing Director and supportive team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of operations in a respected, financially secure business.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
I'm partnering with a well-established precision engineering and manufacturing business in Essex to appoint an Operations Manager. This is the most senior operational leadership role on site, reporting directly to the Managing Director and taking responsibility for the day-to-day running of a highly regarded manufacturing operation. The business has built long-standing relationships with a small number of blue-chip customers operating in technically demanding sectors including medical technology, scientific instrumentation and specialist transport. Known for quality, reliability and technical expertise, they continue to win new work through reputation and customer recommendation rather than active sales activity.
The Opportunity
This is a genuinely hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who enjoys being close to the shop floor, developing people and driving operational excellence. You will lead production through an established team of Team Leaders and departmental managers, ensuring customer commitments are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards. A key part of the role will be strengthening and developing the middle-management layer, empowering Team Leaders to take greater ownership of day-to-day operational and people management responsibilities. Alongside maintaining strong operational performance, you'll play a significant role in an ongoing business improvement programme covering production planning, scheduling, systems, reporting and process development.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day manufacturing operation
- Develop and support a team of Production Team Leaders and department heads
- Drive performance across quality, delivery, productivity and safety
- Work closely with key customers on operational and technical matters
- Support continuous improvement and operational modernisation initiatives
- Identify opportunities for investment in equipment, capability and process improvement
- Ensure quality and health & safety standards are consistently delivered throughout production
About You
You'll likely bring:
- Experience as an Operations Manager, Production Manager or senior manufacturing leader
- A background in sheet metal, fabrication, welding or precision engineering environments
- Strong leadership skills with experience developing supervisors or first-line managers
- Technical credibility and the ability to build trust with both customers and shop-floor teams
- Experience implementing operational improvements, production planning or management systems
- A hands-on, pragmatic and collaborative leadership style
Why Join?
- Senior leadership position with significant influence over the operation
- Stable, respected and financially secure business
- Strong customer relationships and a healthy order book
- Opportunity to shape the next phase of operational development
- Collaborative culture with an engaged and supportive Managing Director
- Long-term career opportunity within a well-established manufacturer
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch.
Operations Manager employer: A1 Personnel Employment Agency Ltd
Join a well-established precision engineering and manufacturing business in Essex, where you will play a pivotal role as an Operations Manager in a collaborative and supportive environment. With a focus on employee development and operational excellence, this position offers significant influence over the manufacturing operation and the opportunity to shape its future. Enjoy a stable career with strong customer relationships and a commitment to quality, reliability, and continuous improvement.
Contact Details:
A1 Personnel Employment Agency Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing sector, especially those who know the company you're eyeing. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the company's operations. Understand their products, processes, and challenges. This will help you showcase how your experience aligns with their needs and demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership style! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've developed teams and driven operational excellence. Use stories that highlight your hands-on approach and ability to empower others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in precision engineering and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this hands-on leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and developed teams in previous positions.
Showcase Your Technical Credibility:Since this role involves working closely with customers on technical matters, make sure to highlight your technical skills and experience. We want to know how you’ve built trust with both customers and shop-floor teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at A1 Personnel Employment Agency Ltd
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the operations of the company. Familiarise yourself with their manufacturing processes, especially in precision engineering. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you've developed teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've empowered Team Leaders or improved operational performance. This will demonstrate your hands-on style and ability to drive results.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Highlight your experience with continuous improvement initiatives. Discuss any successful projects you've led that enhanced production planning or operational efficiency. This shows that you're proactive and committed to driving excellence in the workplace.
✨Build Rapport with Key Stakeholders
Since this role involves working closely with customers and team members, practice how you'll build trust and rapport. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with clients or managed relationships on the shop floor. This will illustrate your technical credibility and interpersonal skills.
