Operations Manager (IPT Operations Lead) 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 fully own demand & supply alignment, proactively managing 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 with collaborative input from Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Industrialisation Engineering.
• People Management: Operate within a matrix structure to manage, coach, and develop operational teams for high performance. Oversee planning, scheduling and resource requirements. Promote a positive, safe, and accountable workplace culture; review and manage performance through regular appraisals and coaching. Engage with the Operational Excellence Manager to provide inputs for continuous improvements and performance management needs.
• Process & Performance Improvement: Identify operational bottlenecks and collaborate with the Operational Excellence Manager to implement solutions. Ensure continuous improvement initiatives are implemented using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies. Maintain standardised processes and documentation (SOPs, work instructions). Approve Industrialisation Engineering sub‑level reviews covering DFM, DFA and DFL.
• Financial & Resource Management: Manage operational costs and take actions to meet planned targets while managing 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. Develop and implement plans and processes to minimise manufacturing costs through effective utilisation of manpower, equipment, facilities, materials and capital. Generate capacity plans for the IPT and align with Operational Excellence Manager.
• 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. Support the IPT lead with customer 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 or manufacturing degree, or equivalent experience in a complex manufacturing environment. Experience using MRP/ERP systems. Comprehensive use of the Microsoft Office suite.
• Leadership & Behavioural: Strong leadership and team‑building skills. Hands‑on approach in managing a diverse and flexible production team. Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, at all levels. Demonstrate stakeholder management and relationship building across multiple functions. Act as the change manager owner across Operations and/or IPT environment.
• Desirable But Not Essential: Lean or Six Sigma qualification. Experience in an Engineering or project‑based environment.

Role KPI’s

• Production Performance & Throughput – OTD, schedule adherence, throughput rate (actual vs planned capacity).
• Cost per Unit (CPU) – actual vs target cost per unit.
• Scrap & Rework Cost – total cost of waste and rework as % of production cost.
• First Pass Yield (FPY) – % of units passing inspection without rework.
• Non‑Conformance Rate (NCR) – number of NCRs per 1,000 units.
• Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) – safety performance indicator.
• Near‑Miss Reporting Rate – measures safety culture maturity.
• Planned Maintenance Completion Rate – % of PM tasks completed on schedule.
• Unplanned Downtime – hours of downtime per month.
• Personal Attributes – company values (teamwork, integrity, excellence, courage), organisational skills, independence, flexibility, resilience, communication, and collaborative engagement.

Work Life Balance

• 37.5 hour working week.
• Lunchtime finishes on a Friday.
• Hybrid or flexible working arrangements.
• 28 days annual leave.
• Christmas closure.
• Holiday purchasing scheme.

Benefits

• Group pension plan – matched contributions up to 5%.
• Income protection scheme.
• Health Cash Plan.
• Employee Assistance Programme – remote GP service, second opinion, mental health pathway service, physiotherapy consultations.
• Life assurance policy, including bereavement counselling and probate helpline.
• Company shares incentive plan and save‑as‑you‑earn scheme.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
• Wellbeing initiatives – wellbeing app, mental health support.
• Regular sports and social activities.
• Reward platform – high street discounts, employee benefits, health and wellbeing offerings.
• Recruitment referral bonus scheme.
• Excellent learning & development opportunities.

Security Clearance Requirements

Due to the nature of our business, staff need to obtain UK Security Clearance. Proof of identity, employment history, right to work in the UK, and UK residency for at least five years must be provided.