At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve operations in a growing manufacturing business.
- Company: Family-run SME with a strong heritage and ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, and direct exposure to senior leadership.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and influence in a stable yet expanding company.
- Why this job: Shape critical processes and drive impactful changes in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational leadership within manufacturing and strong people skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
A well-established, family-run SME manufacturing business with a strong heritage and reputation is entering a key phase of growth. With ambitious plans to scale, the organisation is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to strengthen operational capability and support future expansion.
The business is looking for someone who can provide greater structure, consistency and accountability across its operation, while recognising the importance of bringing people with them. This is therefore an excellent opportunity for a practical, emotionally intelligent Operations Manager who enjoys identifying opportunities for improvement and turning these into sustainable changes to processes, procedures and operational performance.
You will take overall responsibility for operational performance from the purchasing of raw materials, through manufacturing and, ultimately, customer delivery. A major focus will be ensuring procurement, production and transport work effectively together, with clear accountability and effective handovers between departments.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading and developing the managers responsible for Production, Transport and Procurement.
- Improving operational processes, procedures and ways of working.
- Establishing clear objectives and performance measures and ensuring actions are followed through.
- Driving improvements across OTIF, productivity, quality, inventory accuracy, waste and material availability.
- Improving planning between purchasing, production, sales and transport.
- Reviewing operational capacity and identifying potential delivery issues before they impact customers.
- Driving continuous improvement in productivity, material yield and manufacturing efficiency.
- Strengthening inventory and stock controls, reducing shortages, discrepancies and slow-moving stock.
- Managing operational budgets and improving visibility around labour, overtime, transport, maintenance and purchasing expenditure.
- Ensuring appropriate health & safety standards and controls are maintained.
- Using operational data and ERP systems to improve decision-making and performance.
We are looking for an experienced operational leader who combines strong manufacturing and supply chain knowledge with a pragmatic, people-focused leadership style. You should be able to demonstrate:
- Operational leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience leading managers rather than solely managing frontline teams.
- Broad exposure across production, inventory/materials, procurement and logistics.
- Tangible examples of improving operational KPIs such as OTIF, productivity, quality or inventory accuracy.
- Experience introducing or improving processes, procedures and operational controls.
- Strong commercial awareness and experience managing operational budgets.
- Confidence using ERP/production planning systems and Excel.
- The ability to challenge established ways of working constructively.
- A calm, practical approach to problem-solving and implementing change.
Experience in machining or building materials would be advantageous but is not essential. An IOSH Managing Safely qualification or equivalent is required, with NEBOSH desirable.
£55 - 60,000 DOE + 6% Pension
Stable but growing SME
Opportunity to shape and influence business-critical processes
Direct exposure to senior leadership and decision-making
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Operations Manager in Birmingham employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
As a Senior Finance Manager in our well-established machinery sector company, you will thrive in a collaborative environment that values your expertise and contributions. We offer a competitive salary of up to £55,000, alongside a comprehensive benefits package and the chance to work closely with senior leadership, ensuring your role is both impactful and rewarding. With a focus on employee growth and autonomy, this position provides a unique opportunity to influence financial and operational decision-making within a dynamic SME setting.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Birmingham
✨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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited, 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 in Birmingham
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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited 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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited, 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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited 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.
