At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations and ensure top-notch delivery in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on operational excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on safety and compliance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising processes and driving continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and strong leadership skills required.
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.
Operations Manager employer: Holt Engineering
Join a well-established and rapidly expanding manufacturing business that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture. As an Area Sales Manager, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, excellent bonus structure, and comprehensive training, all while working in a dynamic environment that encourages personal and professional growth. With the opportunity to build long-term customer relationships across the South East, this role offers meaningful engagement and the chance to make a significant impact within the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨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 Holt Engineering, 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
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 Holt Engineering 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 Holt Engineering
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Holt Engineering, 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 Holt Engineering 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.
