At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on operational excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth in a collaborative and fast-paced setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising processes and leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
- Operations Manager
- Horsham, West Sussex
- Competitive Salary (Dependent on Experience)
- Full Time, Permanent
The Opportunity
We're looking for an experienced Operations Manager to take ownership of day-to-day operational performance within a complex engineering and manufacturing environment.
This is a key leadership role, responsible for ensuring efficient delivery, alignment of demand and supply, and continuous improvement across an Integrated Portfolio Team (IPT).
Youll act as the link between engineering, manufacturing, and delivery functionsdriving performance, improving processes, and ensuring operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Lead daily operations to ensure efficient and on-time delivery
- Own demand and supply alignment, proactively managing risks and opportunities
- Monitor KPIs and drive improvements in productivity, quality, and efficiency
- Ensure compliance with industry standards, company policies, and HSE requirements
- Take ownership of make vs buy decisions in collaboration with key stakeholders
- People Management
- Lead, coach, and develop teams within a matrix structure
- Oversee planning, scheduling, and resource allocation
- Promote a positive, safe, and accountable working culture
- Support performance management, training, and development initiatives
- Process & Continuous Improvement
- Identify operational bottlenecks and implement improvements
- Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies
- Ensure SOPs, work instructions, and processes are standardised and up to date
- Support design for manufacture (DFM), assembly (DFA), and lifecycle (DFL) reviews
- Financial & Resource Management
- Manage operational costs and drive efficiency against budget targets
- Support forecasting, capacity planning, and cost reduction initiatives
- Ensure effective utilisation of labour, materials, and equipment
- Develop and maintain capacity plans aligned with business needs
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, and Finance
- Support new product introductions from an operational readiness perspective
- Provide operational insights to support strategic decision-making
- Customer & Stakeholder Management
- Ensure customer expectations and service levels are consistently met
- Resolve escalated issues quickly and effectively
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
What We're Looking For
Experience
- Proven experience in operations management within a manufacturing or engineering environment
- Experience working within a matrix organisation
- Strong background in performance management, planning, and operational delivery
- Experience with MRP/ERP systems
Skills & Knowledge
- Strong understanding of workflow optimisation and operational processes
- Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement tools
- Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills
- High level of IT literacy, including Microsoft Office
- Leadership & Behaviour
- Hands-on leadership style with strong team development capability
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to drive change and lead operational improvements
- Strong organisational and problem-solving ability
Please note candidates need to have the right to work in the UK and be able to pass SC clearance with a minimum of 5 years residency in the UK.
- Salary
- Competitive Salary (Dependent on Experience)
- Job Type
- Permanent
- Location
- Horsham
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Operations Manager – Full Time – Horsham employer: Catering
Join a thriving manufacturing team in Ossett, where your skills as an Assembly Operative will be valued and rewarded. With a competitive salary of £13.00 per hour and opportunities for overtime, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. This role not only offers job security with a permanent position after three months but also the chance to work with a variety of tools in a dynamic environment, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager – Full Time – Horsham
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Catering, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager – Full Time – Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Catering specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Catering
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Catering, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Catering value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
