Operations Manager in Horsham

The Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring the smooth, efficient, and cost‑effective running of day‑to‑day for key IPT (Integrated Portfolio Management) operations. This role oversees people, processes, performance and continuous improvement across the operational function. The Operations Manager acts as the bridge between IPT teams and manufacturing and delivery. Contributes to IPT’s strategy and then leads the execution, ensuring that service levels, productivity, quality, and safety targets are consistently met. Ensures the health and safety of employees and visitors through appropriate processes and procedures and adhering to relevant health and safety legal requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
  • Lead daily operations to ensure consistent delivery of products and to fully own and be responsible for Demand & Supply alignment, together with proactive management of both opportunities and risks.
  • Monitor performance metrics (KPIs) and drive actions to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
  • Have full ownership of “make-or-buy” decisions but with collaborative inputs from Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Industrialisation Engineering.
• People Management
  • Operating in matrix structure, manages (indirect management), coach, and develop operational teams to achieve high performance.
  • Oversees planning, scheduling and resource requirements.
  • Promotes a positive, safe, and accountable workplace culture reviewing and managing the performance of the Operations team through regular appraisals and coaching – Engages with Operational Excellence Manager to provide inputs for continuous improvements and performance management needs including identification and coordination of team development and training needs.
• Process & Performance Improvement
  • Identifies operational bottlenecks and works with Operational Excellence Manager to implement solutions to optimise workflow.
  • Ensures continuous improvement initiatives are being implemented using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
  • Ensures Standardised processes and documentation (SOPs, work instructions) are up to date.
  • Be the approver authority for Industrialisation Engineering sub-level reviews covering DFM, DFA and DFL.
• Financial & Resource Management
  • Manages operational costs and takes necessary actions to meet planned targets. Also manages resource utilisation in line with budgetary plans.
  • Support forecasting, capacity planning and operational cost‑saving initiatives.
  • Ensure assets, equipment and facilities are maintained and fully operational in conjunction with Operational Excellence Manager (who is fully responsible to ensure compliance management).
  • Develop and implement plans and processes to minimise manufacturing costs through effective utilisation of manpower, equipment, facilities, materials and capital.
  • Generation of capacity plans for the IPT and engages with Operational Excellence Manager to align such needs.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with IPT lead, Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrialisation Engineering and other departments to support business goals.
  • Support new product or service launches from an operational readiness perspective.
  • Provide operational insights to leadership for strategic planning.
• Customer & Stakeholder Management
  • Ensure service levels and customer expectations are consistently met or exceeded.
  • Resolve escalated operational issues quickly and effectively.
  • Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Supports the IPT lead with customers collaborations, engagements and planning.

Required Skills & Experience

• Technical & Professional
  • Proven experience in matrix operations management within manufacturing, or similar environments.
  • Strong understanding of operational processes, workflow optimisation, and performance management.
  • Experience with continuous improvement tools (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma).
  • Competence in data analysis, reporting, and KPI management.
  • Relevant engineering/manufacturing degree or equivalent experience gained in a complex manufacturing environment.
  • Be experienced in the use of MRP/ERP systems.
  • Comprehensive use of the Microsoft office suite of applications.

Security Clearance Requirements

Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years.