At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate operational projects to boost production efficiency and optimise capacity.
- Company: Join a dynamic manufacturing team in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales.
- 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 on production processes and drive continuous improvement.
- 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 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their operational goals and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to operational challenges and project management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your achievements.
✨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 and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Lead - Projects
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operational Lead role. Highlight your experience in production and operations leadership, and don’t forget to mention any specific projects you've managed that 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 your passion for improving production efficiency and how your skills can help us achieve our business objectives.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements. Use metrics to demonstrate how you’ve improved output, efficiency, or quality in previous roles. Numbers speak louder than words!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Operational Lead role. Brush up on production workflows, capacity management, and how to optimise efficiency. Being able to discuss specific examples from your past experience will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but have successfully applied them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership in a production environment. Prepare to share stories about how you've managed cross-functional teams or resolved operational issues. Highlight your experience with continuous improvement initiatives and how they positively impacted production outcomes.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves monitoring KPIs and making data-driven decisions, be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis in previous roles. Bring examples of how you’ve tracked project progress and made adjustments based on performance metrics. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and commitment to achieving targets.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s operational strategies, team dynamics, and future projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
