At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate operational projects to boost production efficiency and output.
- Company: Dynamic manufacturing company in Merthyr Tydfil with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Onsite role with potential for growth into senior leadership positions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in production while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in production leadership and project management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
£50,000 to £55,000 per year, An excellent salary + benefit package
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Disability Confident: No
Closing Date: 19/06/2026
Location: Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales – Onsite, Starting August 2026
About this job
Role Information: Operational Lead
The role is responsible for coordinating, planning, and delivering operational projects that improve production efficiency, optimise capacity, and ensure production output is optimised to support business requirements. Acting as a bridge between production, engineering, PMO and support functions, the Operations Lead ensures operational initiatives are executed effectively and aligned with business objectives.
Responsibilities
- Managing specific day‑to‑day production operations to ensure output targets, quality standards and delivery schedules are met
- Managing production workflows, resources, and capacity across shifts and lines
- Implementing operational strategies aligned with business goals
- Coordinating cross‑functional teams including Production, Engineering, QHSE, and Supply Chain to ensure successful delivery
- Developing project plans, defining objectives, allocating resources & tracking progress against timelines
- Identifying potential risks and implementing mitigation strategies, escalating issues as required
- Supporting improvements and standardisation initiatives across production programmes
- Monitoring and reporting on project KPIs, ensuring data‑driven insights inform decision‑making
- Assisting in resource planning and allocation to meet project and operational requirements
- Ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures, and Health & Safety regulations
- Facilitating effective communication and collaboration across teams
- Acting as point of escalation for any team/performance issues
- Supporting the Production Operations Manager with ad‑hoc operational analysis and project tasks
Qualifications
- Significant experience in a production/operations leadership role within a manufacturing or assembly environment
- Proven experience delivering operational or production‑based projects within a live production setting
- Experience working directly with shop floor teams (e.g., Assembly Line Supervisors, Team Leaders) to deliver output and performance targets
- Demonstrable experience managing production performance (output, efficiency, quality, downtime) alongside project delivery
- Strong understanding of production planning, line balancing, and capacity management
- Experience resolving operational issues such as bottlenecks, resource constraints, and process inefficiencies
- Track record of driving continuous improvement initiatives within production environments
- Experience working cross‑functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and PMO
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing/production operations, including assembly processes, line management, and performance metrics
- Ability to operate effectively within a live production environment while delivering project outcomes
- Understanding of production planning, scheduling, and capacity optimisation
- Experience using production/ERP/MRP systems to manage workflows and resources
- Strong data analysis skills with the ability to interpret production KPIs and drive improvement actions
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Project (or similar planning tools)
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies (desirable)
- Understanding of Health & Safety and quality standards within manufacturing environments
- Relevant qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or equivalent experience (desirable)
Additional local needs:
- Onsite role; Eligibility for SC (Security Clearance)
Benefits
- Opportunity to develop operational leadership and project management capabilities within a production environment
- Exposure to multi‑programme delivery and strategic operational initiatives
- Potential progression to Production Operations Manager or other senior operational leadership roles
Operational Lead - Projects in Merthyr Tydfil employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Join our dynamic team in Merthyr Tydfil, where we prioritise employee growth and development within a supportive work culture. As an Operational Lead, you will benefit from a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, while having the opportunity to enhance your leadership and project management skills in a thriving production environment. Our commitment to continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration ensures that you will play a vital role in driving operational excellence and achieving meaningful results.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Lead - Projects in Merthyr Tydfil
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Operational Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to production and operations management. We suggest using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you showcase your experience effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your past roles, focus on specific projects where you improved efficiency or resolved operational issues. We want to see those numbers and results that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Operational Lead position!
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Lead - Projects in Merthyr Tydfil
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Operational Lead. Highlight your experience in managing production operations and any relevant projects you've delivered. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
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 role. Share specific examples of how you've improved production efficiency or managed cross-functional teams. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you increase output by a certain percentage? Or reduce downtime? Numbers speak volumes, so make sure we see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of production operations, especially in a manufacturing environment. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've improved efficiency or resolved bottlenecks in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with project planning and execution. Highlight any tools you've used, like ERP or MRP systems, and be ready to explain how you track progress and manage resources effectively.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since the role involves working with various teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with engineering, supply chain, or quality teams. This will show that you can bridge gaps and ensure smooth operations.
✨Be Data-Driven
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to production. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data analysis to inform decisions and drive improvements in your previous roles.
