Operations Manager UK - Corby

Intelliconnect is a leading manufacturer of coaxial RF connectors, adaptors, and cable assemblies, supplying products to market sectors such as Aerospace & Defence, Medical, Industrial and Cryogenics. Intelliconnect is a rapidly growing business with an ambitious plan for future growth and investment.

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and managing all operational activities to ensure the business consistently delivers customer requirements safely, efficiently, and profitably. The role is accountable for achieving operational objectives relating to quality, cost, delivery, productivity, and continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with company and industry standards.

The Operations Manager will define and implement operational strategy, oversee production planning and execution, and ensure all products are delivered On Time In Full (OTIF) and within agreed commercial targets and quality expectations. The role also ensures equipment, processes, people, and supply chain activities are aligned to support business performance and growth.

A key part of the role is developing a high-performing operational culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Business Management, or a related discipline (e.g. NVQ, HNC/HND, Degree, or equivalent industry experience).
• A degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, Business Management, or a technical discipline is advantageous but not essential.
• Professional training or certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, or Production Management are desirable.
• IOSH or NEBOSH Health & Safety qualification would be beneficial.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and operational planning tools is advantageous.

Experience

• Proven experience in an Operations Management, Production Management, or Manufacturing leadership role within a fast-paced technical or manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing production operations to achieve On Time In Full (OTIF) delivery, quality, cost, and productivity targets.
• Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams, including performance management, training, succession planning, and employee engagement.
• Strong background in production planning, resource allocation, and operational problem-solving.
• Experience implementing and driving continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing, 5S, waste reduction, and process optimisation.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional relationships across production, engineering, quality, supply chain, and sales functions.
• Experience managing operational budgets, KPIs, and performance reporting.
• Exposure to regulated quality environments and compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and SC21 standards.
• Experience to AS9100.
• Experience supporting business growth, operational change, and continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production processes, and operational best practices.
• Working knowledge of quality management systems and compliance standards including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and SC21 requirements.
• Sound understanding of production planning, capacity management, inventory control, and supply chain coordination.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, continuous improvement methodologies, and operational efficiency techniques.
• Understanding of Health & Safety legislation and safe working practices within a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with KPI development, operational reporting, and performance management systems.
• Good understanding of engineering drawings, technical documentation, and manufacturing specifications.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems, production scheduling tools, and document control processes.
• Commercial awareness with understanding of operational cost control, productivity, and customer delivery expectations.

Skills

• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and engage teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships at all levels.
• Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple activities.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making capability within a fast-paced operational environment.
• Commercially aware with the ability to balance customer expectations, operational performance, and business objectives.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and operational systems including ERP/MRP platforms.
• Strong stakeholder management and customer relationship skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage changing priorities, and deliver results to deadlines.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Job Responsibilities

Compliance, Quality & Health and Safety:

• Ensure the business maintains compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and SC21 and AS9100 standards by:
• Promoting and maintaining a safe working environment for employees, contractors, visitors, and customers.
• Ensuring all accidents, incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions are reported and investigated appropriately.
• Driving a culture focused on achieving zero Lost Time Incidents (LTI’s).
• Ensuring all operational procedures, processes, and documentation remain current, controlled, and fully compliant.
• Managing non-conformances effectively, ensuring root cause analysis and corrective actions are implemented in a timely manner.
• Ensuring training plans, competency matrices, and operating standards are maintained and adhered to across the department.

Operations & Production Management:

• Lead day-to-day operational activities to ensure customer requirements are achieved safely, efficiently, and profitably.
• Ensure production plans are effectively managed and resources are aligned to meet customer delivery requirements.
• Ensure all products are delivered On Time In Full (OTIF), to required quality standards and agreed commercial targets.
• Ensure materials, labour, equipment, and operational capability are available to support production schedules.
• Monitor operational performance and take proactive action to address risks, delays, or inefficiencies.
• Ensure equipment is maintained, operational downtime is minimised, and asset care processes are consistently applied.
• Support the introduction of new products, operational changes, and process improvements.
• Recommend and support capital investment initiatives to improve operational capability and efficiency.

Leadership & People Management:

• Lead, manage, and develop the operational team to create a high-performing and accountable culture.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, training, development, succession planning, and performance management activities.
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings and performance reviews in line with company policy.
• Promote employee engagement, teamwork, and continuous development across the department.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively to encourage ownership and support career progression.
• Ensure the department structure and capability align with current and future business requirements.
• Support organisational change and restructuring activities where required.
• Maintain company values, behaviours, and equal opportunity practices throughout the department.

Performance Management & Reporting:

• Develop, implement, and manage operational KPIs aligned to business objectives.
• Monitor and report on operational, financial, quality, and delivery performance.
• Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Manage departmental operational and capital expenditure budgets within agreed targets.
• Analyse operational data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Ensure accurate operational reporting is maintained and communicated to senior management.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Sales, and other departments to ensure alignment of business objectives and operational priorities.
• Ensure materials and equipment are available in line with production schedules and operational requirements.
• Act as the primary operational contact for customer delivery updates and issue resolution.
• Represent Operations at cross-functional meetings and ensure actions are completed effectively and on time.
• Ensure communication across departments is timely, accurate, and supports operational performance.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement throughout the operation.
• Lead initiatives focused on Lean Manufacturing, 5S, waste reduction, process optimisation, and operational efficiency.
• Monitor production performance and drive reductions in downtime and non-productive activities.
• Encourage proactive problem-solving and employee involvement in continuous improvement activities.
• Identify and implement improvements to enhance quality, cost, delivery, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Undertake any other reasonable duties required to support the operational and commercial needs of the business.