Operations Manager - Manufacturing & Programme Operations
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Hours: Full time 37.5p/w
Salary: Dependent on Experience
We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Operations Manager to lead day-to-day manufacturing and operational delivery within a complex, programme-led environment. This is a key leadership role responsible for planning, coordinating and controlling all operational processes to ensure productivity, quality, safety and customer expectations are consistently met or exceeded.
Purpose of the Role
You will be accountable for the end-to-end delivery of products, spares and repairs within your programme scope, ensuring agreed lead times, cost targets and service levels are achieved. Working closely with the Operational Excellence Manager, Programme Lead and cross-functional partners, you will drive performance, remove bottlenecks and embed continuous improvement across the operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead daily operations to ensure consistent delivery against plan, cost and quality targets.
- Develop capacity and resource plans in collaboration with the Operational Excellence Manager, covering people, materials, space and equipment.
- Monitor and act on KPIs to improve productivity, efficiency and quality.
- Identify operational bottlenecks and implement solutions to optimise throughput and utilisation.
- Ensure assets, equipment and facilities are maintained and fully operational.
- Own health and safety performance in your area, ensuring compliance with legal and company requirements.
- Work closely with Programme, Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Manufacturing and Industrialisation teams to support business goals.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Provide operational insights to support strategic planning and decision-making.
- Resolve escalated operational issues quickly and effectively.
- Support the Programme Lead with customer engagement, collaboration and planning activities.
Required Skills & Experience
Technical & Professional
- Strong understanding of operational processes, workflow optimisation and performance management.
- Experience with continuous improvement tools (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma).
- Confident in data analysis, reporting and KPI management.
- Engineering or manufacturing degree (or equivalent experience) gained in a complex manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience using MRP/ERP systems.
- Advanced user of Microsoft Office applications.
Leadership & Behavioural
- Strong leadership and team-building skills with a hands-on management style.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills at all organisational levels.
- Proven stakeholder management and relationship-building across multiple functions.
- A change manager champion for Operations, able to lead and embed new ways of working
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Operations Manager in Horsham employer: Holt Engineering Ltd
Join a well-established engineering and manufacturing business in Oldham, where your skills as a MIG & TIG Welder will be valued and nurtured. With competitive pay of up to £15.00 per hour and ongoing training and development opportunities, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that prioritises high standards and teamwork. This permanent, full-time role offers a chance to grow within a company that takes pride in producing quality components while maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
