At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supply chain operations, improving materials flow and coordination across departments.
- Company: Established family-owned manufacturing business in Birmingham.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 6% pension, and opportunities for career influence.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on collaborative change management.
- Why this job: Shape critical processes and work closely with senior leadership.
- Qualifications: Strong background in supply chain, materials planning, and logistics.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: South Birmingham (On-site 5 days per week)
Salary: Competitive
Your new company:
Hays are recruiting an experienced Operations Manager for an established, family-owned manufacturing business in Birmingham. This is a broad, end-to-end operational leadership role spanning materials planning, procurement, inventory, production and logistics through to customer delivery. The successful individual will lead the Production Manager, Transport Manager and designated Procurement lead, reporting directly to the Managing Director.
Your new role:
A key priority will be improving the flow of materials and information through the business, creating stronger planning disciplines and ensuring closer coordination between purchasing, manufacturing, sales and delivery.
- Leading the end-to-end operational flow from raw-material purchasing and availability through production planning to customer delivery.
- Improving materials planning, inventory control and stock accuracy.
- Strengthening planning and coordination across procurement, production, sales and logistics.
- Driving improvements in OTIF, inventory accuracy, material availability, productivity, quality and cost.
- Improving processes, procedures, handovers and operational accountability.
- Reducing stock discrepancies, waste, rework, downtime and recurring delivery failures.
- Improving the use of BisTrack, ERP and operational data to support planning and decision-making.
- Developing the Production, Transport and Procurement management team.
- Creating greater visibility of operational KPIs and ensuring improvement actions are carried through.
- Managing operational budgets and driving appropriate cost control.
What you'll need to succeed:
We are particularly interested in individuals with a strong background in Supply Chain, Materials Planning & Logistics (MP&L) gained within a manufacturing environment. You should be able to demonstrate:
- Broad operational/supply chain leadership experience within manufacturing.
- Strong materials planning, inventory and supply chain knowledge.
- An understanding of production planning and how material availability impacts manufacturing performance and customer delivery.
- Experience across procurement/purchasing, inventory, production and logistics.
- Clear examples of improving OTIF and inventory accuracy.
- Experience improving planning processes, procedures and operational controls.
- Strong ERP/data capability and an ability to use information to identify root causes and improve performance.
- Experience managing through departmental managers.
- Commercial awareness and budget-management capability.
- A practical, collaborative and emotionally intelligent approach to change.
This is an environment where how change is delivered will be as important as identifying what needs to change. The successful person will need to understand the operation and its people, constructively challenge existing ways of working and introduce evidence-led improvements that gain credibility and lasting ownership.
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.
What you'll get in return:
£55,000 - £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 Mgr - Supply Chain/MP&L employer: Hays
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Mgr - Supply Chain/MP&L
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Hays and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Hays!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Hays keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Mgr - Supply Chain/MP&L
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Hays:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Hays. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Hays.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Hays that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Hays. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
