At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily manufacturing operations and drive performance across quality, delivery, and safety.
- Company: Established precision engineering business in Essex with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Stable environment, senior leadership role, and long-term career opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a supportive Managing Director and opportunities for operational development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a respected company while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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 in Burnham-on-Crouch employer: A1 Personnel
Join a well-established precision engineering and manufacturing business in Essex, where you will play a pivotal role as Operations Manager in a collaborative culture that values leadership and employee development. With a strong focus on quality and operational excellence, this stable and respected company offers significant influence over operations, long-term career opportunities, and the chance to work closely with a supportive Managing Director and an engaged team. Experience a rewarding environment that prioritises continuous improvement and empowers you to shape the future of the operation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Burnham-on-Crouch
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local manufacturing events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Operations Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside and out. Understand their products, values, and recent projects. We want to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their operations and success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you’ve developed teams and driven operational excellence. We need to demonstrate that you’re the hands-on leader they’re looking for, someone who can empower others and improve processes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re here to help you every step of the way, so let’s make sure you get that Operations Manager position you’ve been eyeing!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Burnham-on-Crouch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly 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 our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for operational excellence and how you can drive performance. We love seeing candidates who can connect their experiences to our values.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, let us know about your hands-on leadership approach. Share examples of how you've developed teams and improved operations. We’re looking for someone who can empower others and lead by example!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at A1 Personnel
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the operations of the company. Familiarise yourself with their production processes, quality standards, and any recent improvements they've made. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Operations Manager, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've developed teams and empowered leaders in previous roles. Highlight your hands-on approach and how it has driven operational excellence in your past experiences.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of the role, expect questions related to precision engineering and manufacturing processes. Brush up on relevant terminology and be ready to discuss how you've implemented operational improvements or managed production planning in your previous positions.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Continuous Improvement
The company values ongoing business improvement, so come armed with examples of how you've contributed to similar initiatives. Discuss specific projects where you've identified opportunities for investment or process enhancements, showcasing your proactive approach to operational modernisation.
