At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and engineering teams to drive excellence and continuous improvement.
- Company: Join a dynamic international multi-service provider on an exciting growth journey.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, annual bonuses, private medical insurance, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Be part of a meritocratic culture that celebrates achievements and values respect and integrity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-impact leadership role while shaping site performance.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent in Engineering; strong leadership and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Elis is an international multi-service provider, offering textile, hygiene and facility services solutions. We’re on an exciting growth journey and are looking for ambitious, driven individuals to help accelerate our expansion. We are proud to be a meritocratic organisation where performance is recognised and achievements are celebrated. Our people are united by our core values: Respect, Integrity, Exemplarity, and Responsibility.
About the Role
We have a fantastic opportunity for an Operations & Engineering Manager to join our Fakenham site. This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence across production and engineering, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective site performance aligned with the business plan. You will lead cross-functional teams, embed a continuous improvement and lean culture, and play a key role in shaping site strategy alongside the General Manager.
Responsibilities
- Lead, manage and develop both operations and engineering teams to achieve site objectives
- Deputise for the General Manager when required
- Support the development and delivery of site strategy, business plans, and capital projects
- Build a strong “One Team” culture across production, engineering, logistics and support functions
Operations Management
- Drive implementation of Production Essentials and continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure customer deliveries are achieved on time, in full, to quality and cost targets
- Forecast volumes and resource requirements aligned to budget and capacity
- Monitor performance, analyse trends and implement corrective actions
- Manage budgets, cost control, and operational efficiency
- Lead the engineering function to deliver planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and rapid corrective actions
- Oversee installation, maintenance and optimisation of plant, equipment, boilers and steam systems
- Ensure engineering resources are effectively planned to support production demands
- Manage external suppliers for maintenance, parts, and capital equipment
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with QHSE policies, legal regulations, COSHH, RIDDOR and GDPR
- Drive a strong safety-first culture across all teams
- Ensure risk assessments, safe systems of work (SSOW) and training are in place and followed
- Maintain relevant site accreditations (e.g. ISO standards where applicable)
People & Performance
- Lead, coach and develop high-performing teams across operations and engineering
- Manage performance, absence, training, and employee engagement
- Deliver technical training for operators and engineering teams on new equipment and processes
- Champion lean manufacturing and continuous improvement programmes (e.g. Six Sigma)
- Drive improvements in site efficiency, productivity and cost reduction
- Lead environmental initiatives including energy and WECO reduction
Qualifications
- Degree, HND, HNC, NVQ Level 5 or equivalent in Engineering or related field
- Apprenticeship or time-served engineering background (advantageous)
- NEBOSH/IOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification (desirable)
Required Skills
- Strong leadership and people management capability
- Excellent communication and influencing skills at all levels
- Commercial awareness with strong analytical and problem-solving ability
- Ability to plan, prioritise and deliver in a fast-paced environment
- IT literate (MS Office, ERP systems)
- Strategic thinker with a hands‑on approach
Preferred Skills
- Proven leadership experience in operations and/or engineering within a manufacturing or process environment
- Strong background in industrial maintenance and production management
- Experience managing budgets, KPIs and continuous improvement programmes
- Knowledge of steam/boiler systems and engineering operations (highly desirable)
- Experience in lean manufacturing / Six Sigma (desirable)
Pay range and compensation package
- Annual bonus
- Company pension
- Private medical insurance
- Life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Clear career progression within a growing international business
Equal Opportunity Statement
This is a unique opportunity to take on a high-impact leadership role, where you will shape both operational and engineering performance while driving real business improvements. If you are passionate about leading teams, improving processes, and delivering results, we’d love to hear from you.
Operations and Engineering Manager in Fakenham employer: Elis
Elis is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Fakenham site where innovation and operational excellence are at the forefront of our mission. We pride ourselves on a meritocratic culture that celebrates achievements and fosters professional growth, providing clear career progression opportunities within our expanding international business. With a strong emphasis on teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement, we empower our employees to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package that includes an annual bonus, private medical insurance, and a supportive Employee Assistance Programme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations and Engineering Manager in Fakenham
✨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 culture. Understand their core values like Respect and Integrity, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets them.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, especially when discussing your leadership and problem-solving skills.
✨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 Operations and Engineering Manager in Fakenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Operations and Engineering Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in operations or engineering to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your values align with ours. Don’t forget to mention specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence in the past.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give us a glimpse of your analytical abilities. Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elis
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research Elis thoroughly. Understand their core values like Respect, Integrity, Exemplarity, and Responsibility. Familiarise yourself with their services and recent developments in the company to show that you're genuinely interested and aligned with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations and Engineering Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams, managed performance, or implemented continuous improvement initiatives. This will help you illustrate your fit for the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to engineering principles, operational efficiency, and health and safety compliance. Brush up on your knowledge of steam/boiler systems and lean manufacturing techniques like Six Sigma. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the company's future plans, how they measure success in this role, or what challenges the team is currently facing. This shows your enthusiasm and strategic thinking, which are crucial for a senior leadership position.
