At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations and drive performance in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturing firm focused on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving processes and leading teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an experienced Operations Project Lead to take ownership of day-to-day operational performance within a complex engineering and manufacturing environment.
This is a key leadership role, responsible for ensuring efficient delivery, alignment of demand and supply, and continuous improvement across an Integrated Portfolio Team (IPT). You’ll act as the link between engineering, manufacturing, and delivery functions—driving performance, improving processes, and ensuring operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Lead daily operations to ensure efficient and on-time delivery
- Own demand and supply alignment, proactively managing risks and opportunities
- Monitor KPIs and drive improvements in productivity, quality, and efficiency
- Ensure compliance with industry standards, company policies, and HSE requirements
- Take ownership of “make vs buy” decisions in collaboration with key stakeholders
- People Management
- Lead, coach, and develop teams within a matrix structure
- Oversee planning, scheduling, and resource allocation
- Promote a positive, safe, and accountable working culture
- Support performance management, training, and development initiatives
- Process & Continuous Improvement
- Identify operational bottlenecks and implement improvements
- Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies
- Ensure SOPs, work instructions, and processes are standardised and up to date
- Support design for manufacture (DFM), assembly (DFA), and lifecycle (DFL) reviews
- Financial & Resource Management
- Manage operational costs and drive efficiency against budget targets
- Support forecasting, capacity planning, and cost reduction initiatives
- Ensure effective utilisation of labour, materials, and equipment
- Develop and maintain capacity plans aligned with business needs
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, and Finance
- Support new product introductions from an operational readiness perspective
- Provide operational insights to support strategic decision-making
- Customer & Stakeholder Management
- Ensure customer expectations and service levels are consistently met
- Resolve escalated issues quickly and effectively
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
What We’re Looking For
Experience
- Proven experience in operations management within a manufacturing or engineering environment
- Experience working within a matrix organisation
- Strong background in performance management, planning, and operational delivery
- Experience with MRP/ERP systems
Skills & Knowledge
- Strong understanding of workflow optimisation and operational processes
- Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement tools
- Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills
- High level of IT literacy, including Microsoft Office
Leadership & Behaviour
- Hands-on leadership style with strong team development capability
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to drive change and lead operational improvements
- Strong organisational and problem-solving ability
If you’re an experienced Operations Manager looking to take ownership of a critical function within a complex manufacturing environment, please contact Max Sinclair. Please note candidates need to have the right to work in the UK and be able to pass SC clearance with a minimum of 5 years residency in the UK.
Operations Project Lead in Horsham employer: Holt Engineering
As an Operations Project Lead in Horsham, West Sussex, you will join a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to operational excellence within a complex engineering and manufacturing environment. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee development, offering numerous growth opportunities through training and mentorship programmes. With a commitment to continuous improvement and a focus on safety and accountability, we provide a rewarding workplace where your contributions directly impact our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Project Lead in Horsham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their products, services, and any recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams, improved processes, or tackled challenges in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨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 platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Project Lead in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your operations management experience, especially in manufacturing or engineering environments, to show us you’re the right fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about this position. Share specific examples of how you've led teams, improved processes, or managed operational performance in previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements:Quantify your successes! Whether it’s improving productivity, reducing costs, or enhancing quality, use numbers to back up your claims. This helps us see the impact you’ve made in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holt Engineering
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations and understand their processes. Familiarise yourself with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, as well as any specific tools they use. This will help you speak confidently about how you can drive performance and improve processes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your hands-on leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in a matrix structure, focusing on coaching and development. Highlight your ability to promote a positive working culture and how you've managed performance effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage operational bottlenecks or make 'make vs buy' decisions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various departments, be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with engineering, supply chain, and finance in the past. Share specific examples of how your insights have supported strategic decision-making and improved operational readiness.
