Facilities Operations Officer in Chesterfield

A leading industrial manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to join its Chesterfield site. This is a critical leadership role for a strategic, forward-thinking operator who can drive efficiencies and optimise performance.

Experience working within a manufacturing and/or hazardous environment (e.g. heavy industry, chemicals, engineering, etc.) is required for this position. Applicants without this experience will not be shortlisted. The client has noted that a willingness to support with night shifts and occasional weekend work is required - not often but a willingness to support with this is essential.

The Role:

Reporting into the General Manager, you will take ownership of the site’s operational performance, focusing on strategic improvement, efficiency gains, and team development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic & Operational Improvement
  • Develop and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and throughput.
  • Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, driving continuous improvement across all processes.
  • Analyse performance data and introduce initiatives to reduce cycle times and improve output.
  • Optimise production processes and ensure best-in-class operational standards.
• Leadership & Team Development
  • Create a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
  • Get the best out of your team by coaching, mentoring, and driving performance standards.
  • Work collaboratively with Production and Supervisory teams to raise overall capability.
  • Identify and develop future talent, supporting succession planning across the site.
• Performance & Commercial Focus
  • Set, track, and improve KPIs including throughput, utilisation, downtime, and quality.
  • Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives across energy, materials, and processes.
  • Ensure operational performance supports overall profitability targets.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Health, Safety & Compliance
  • Promote and lead a strong safety-first culture across the site.
  • Ensure all operations meet Health & Safety and environmental standards.
  • Conduct regular audits and proactively address risks and behaviours.
  • Work closely with H&S teams to maintain training, compliance, and reporting standards.

About You

• Proven experience in an operations or production leadership role.
• A strategic thinker with a track record of improving efficiencies and driving change.
• Strong leadership capability with the ability to engage, develop, and maximise team performance.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, 6S, Kaizen, etc.).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive decisions.

Desirable:

• IOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
• Background in heavy industry or process-driven manufacturing.

What’s on Offer:

• Salary up to £65,000 (DOE).
• Bonus up to 9%.
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
• Share Save Scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• On-site Mental Health First Aid support.
• Death in Service (3x salary).
• Discounts & savings platform.