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.
