Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Skelmersdale Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and optimise manufacturing operations, ensuring quality and efficiency in production.
  • Company: A leading specialist in measurement technology based in Lancashire.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to lead innovative projects.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team driving growth and innovation in a tech-focused environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing management and quality leadership is essential.
  • Other info: Exciting opportunity for career advancement in a growing international business.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Overview

My client is a Lancashire based, leading specialist in the design, development and manufacturing of specialist measurement and instrumentation technology utilised across a number of end-user industry groups. Reporting to the Business Development Director, my client seeks to appoint (in this newly created role) an Operations Manager.

About the Role

The focus of this role is to help drive growth and to lead their electrical measurement equipment manufacturing operations, with a strong focus on production efficiency, quality leadership, supplier chain improvement, supplier development and continuous improvement. This role is responsible for managing the end-to-end production and quality functions, ensuring high-performance operations that meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery goals.

Main Responsibilities

Operations, logistics & Production Management

  • Lead and manage all manufacturing and logistics operations, ensuring efficient workflow, resource optimisation, and achievement of production KPIs (output, OEE, downtime, on-time delivery).
  • Drive best practices in production scheduling, capacity planning, and materials flow to support customer demand and inventory control.
  • Pragmatic and adaptable mindset to achieve success in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Leadership of Quality Function

  • Directly lead the Quality function, including production engineering, production supervisors and team leaders.
  • Ensure full compliance with industry standards such as ISO 9001:2015 and customer-specific requirements.
  • Oversee internal and external audits, corrective and preventive action (CAPA) programs, and quality training initiatives.
  • Drive the implementation of a Quality Management System (QMS) that supports operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Initiatives

  • Champion the use of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen principles to drive process improvements and waste reduction.
  • Lead and facilitate cross-functional improvement projects focused on yield, cycle time, cost, and defect reduction.
  • Embed a culture of continuous improvement and problem-solving across both operations and quality teams.
  • A progressive and innovative leader with experience of new technology usage such as AI.

People & Performance Leadership

  • Professional and organised with a responsible mindset to set the standards for the team to be led.
  • Recruit, lead, and develop a high-performing team across operations and quality.
  • Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and foster accountability at all levels.
  • Promote a culture of safety, quality, and engagement through effective leadership and concise communication.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with Engineering, Purchasing, and the Sales teams to support new product introductions, change control, and production scaling.
  • Align operations and quality activities with strategic business goals and customer requirements.
  • Commercial acumen with experience in customer interactions.

About you

To be considered for the role it is essential that you possess managerial experience gained working within a technology, electrical, electronic or measurement & controls based manufacturing environment. You will possess demonstrable experience in manufacturing management, continuous improvement, quality leadership and also possess a strong knowledge of supply chain functions.

Key selection criteria

  • Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related technical field.
  • Ideally you will possess experience in operations leadership within an electronics or precision manufacturing environment.
  • Proven leadership of a Quality function, including ISO 9001 compliance, audit readiness, and QMS deployment.
  • Strong background in process improvement, lean tools (5S, VSM, SMED), and Six Sigma methodologies.
  • Experience with ERP/MRP systems and data-driven performance management.
  • Excellent communication, team building, and leadership skills.
  • Commercial Acumen
  • Strong excel and data analytical skills
  • Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification.
  • Ideally you will possess experience with electronics manufacturing technologies (SMT, PCB assembly, functional test). (Desirable, not essential)
  • Working knowledge of digital manufacturing tools and Industry 4.0 principles. (Desirable, not essential)
  • Familiarity with customer interaction, audit protocols and supplier quality management. (Desirable, not essential)
  • Experience in the use of AI. (Desirable, not essential)

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business who are part of a large international group during this exciting phase of change and growth

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Operations Manager employer: Catalyst

Join a dynamic and innovative team as an Operations Manager in Lancashire, where you will lead the charge in enhancing production efficiency and quality within a forward-thinking manufacturing environment. Our company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and professional development, offering employees the chance to grow their skills while contributing to cutting-edge technology solutions. With a commitment to excellence and a supportive work atmosphere, we provide a unique opportunity for meaningful and rewarding employment.
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Contact Detail:

Catalyst Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. 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 interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, values, and recent news. We want you to walk in there with confidence, showing them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their mission and can drive growth in their operations.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your achievements! When discussing your experience, focus on specific examples where you’ve improved production efficiency or led successful quality initiatives. We want to hear about your impact, so make sure to quantify your successes with numbers and results.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We recommend reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to their team. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and professional!

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager

Operations Management
Production Efficiency
Quality Leadership
Supplier Chain Improvement
Continuous Improvement
ISO 9001:2015 Compliance
Lean Manufacturing
Six Sigma
Kaizen Principles
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Data Analysis
Team Leadership
Commercial Acumen
ERP/MRP Systems
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing management, quality leadership, and continuous improvement. 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 your achievements in operations and quality management that demonstrate your capabilities.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As an Operations Manager, leadership is key. In your application, emphasise your experience in leading teams and driving performance. We love to see candidates who can inspire and develop others!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Catalyst

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you understand the ins and outs of operations management, especially in a manufacturing context. Brush up on Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and any relevant technologies like ERP/MRP systems. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you drove continuous improvement or managed quality functions. Highlight your ability to set clear objectives and foster accountability, as this is crucial for the Operations Manager role.

✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific challenges in production efficiency or quality management. Prepare by thinking through potential scenarios and your approach to problem-solving. This will demonstrate your pragmatic mindset and adaptability in a dynamic environment.

✨Align with Company Goals

Research the company’s mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their strategic goals. Show that you understand the importance of cross-functional collaboration and how it contributes to overall success in operations and quality.

Operations Manager
Catalyst
Location: Skelmersdale

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