At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop operations and engineering teams to achieve site objectives and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: Join Elis, a dynamic international multi-service provider on an exciting growth journey.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Be part of a safety-first culture and drive sustainability initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in a meritocratic environment where your achievements are celebrated.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in operations or engineering, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
About a career with Elis. Elis is an international multi-service provider, offering textile, hygiene and facility services solutions, and we're on an exciting growth journey, looking for top talent to help us accelerate our expansion. We are not just building a business; we are creating a workplace where ambition and enthusiasm are rewarded and where every individual can make a lasting impact. We pride ourselves on being a meritocracy where performance is recognized and achievements are celebrated. Our employees are driven by a shared commitment to our core values: Respect, Integrity, Exemplarity, and Responsibility.
We have a great opportunity to join our Fakenham site as an Operations and Engineering Manager. This role will be responsible for leading, managing and continually developing the production teams in the achievement of functional objectives that support the Site and Company Business Plan. Work closely with the engineering, service and logistics teams to continuously improve site overall effectiveness ensuring utilisation of production facilities, people development and a lean culture.
Your Mission at Elis
This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence across production and engineering, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective site performance aligned with the business plan. You will lead cross-functional teams, embed a continuous improvement and lean culture, and play a key role in shaping site strategy alongside the General Manager.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Strategy
- Lead, manage and develop both operations and engineering teams to achieve site objectives
- Deputise for the General Manager when required
- Support the development and delivery of site strategy, business plans, and capital projects
- Build a strong “One Team” culture across production, engineering, logistics and support functions
- Operations Management
- Drive implementation of Production Essentials and continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure customer deliveries are achieved on time, in full, to quality and cost targets
- Forecast volumes and resource requirements aligned to budget and capacity
- Monitor performance, analyse trends and implement corrective actions
- Manage budgets, cost control, and operational efficiency
- Engineering & Maintenance
- Lead the engineering function to deliver planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and rapid corrective actions
- Oversee installation, maintenance and optimisation of plant, equipment, boilers and steam systems
- Ensure engineering resources are effectively planned to support production demands
- Manage external suppliers for maintenance, parts, and capital equipment
- Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with QHSE policies, legal regulations, COSHH, RIDDOR and GDPR
- Drive a strong safety-first culture across all teams
- Ensure risk assessments, safe systems of work (SSOW) and training are in place and followed
- Maintain relevant site accreditations (e.g. ISO standards where applicable)
- People & Performance
- Lead, coach and develop high-performing teams across operations and engineering
- Manage performance, absence, training, and employee engagement
- Deliver technical training for operators and engineering teams on new equipment and processes
- Continuous Improvement & Sustainability
- Champion lean manufacturing and continuous improvement programmes (e.g. Six Sigma)
- Drive improvements in site efficiency, productivity and cost reduction
- Lead environmental initiatives including energy and WECO reduction
What will make you stand out?
- Experience
- Proven leadership experience in operations and/or engineering within a manufacturing or process environment
- Strong background in industrial maintenance and production management
- Experience managing budgets, KPIs and continuous improvement programmes
- Knowledge of steam/boiler systems and engineering operations (highly desirable)
- Experience in lean manufacturing / Six Sigma (desirable)
- Skills
- Strong leadership and people management capability
- Excellent communication and influencing skills at all levels
- Commercial awareness with strong analytical and problem-solving ability
- Ability to plan, prioritise and deliver in a fast-paced environment
- IT literate (MS Office, ERP systems)
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach
What's on offer?
- 33 Days Holiday
- Company Pension
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Life Assurance
- On-site Parking
- Private Medical
- Competitive salary circa
- Annual bonus
- Company pension
- Private medical insurance
- Life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Clear career progression within a growing international business
Interested? Then apply online!
Your contact person: Anna Nudds ICS - HR Business Partner Tel: anna.nudds@elis.com
Operations & Engineering Manager employer: ICS
Elis is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of meritocracy, where ambition and enthusiasm are rewarded. Located in Fakenham, the company offers a supportive environment with a strong focus on employee development, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. With competitive benefits such as 33 days holiday, private medical insurance, and clear career progression opportunities, Elis is committed to creating a workplace where every individual can make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations & Engineering Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their core values like Respect and Integrity, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets them.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help you showcase your achievements effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations & Engineering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations & Engineering Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in operations or engineering that align with our core values at Elis.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and led teams in previous positions, showing us your passion for continuous improvement.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your skills in lean manufacturing and any experience with Six Sigma. We want to see how you can contribute to our culture of continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Elis!
How to prepare for a job interview at ICS
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Elis and their operations. Understand their core values like Respect, Integrity, and Responsibility. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their exciting growth journey.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As an Operations & Engineering Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed performance, and driven continuous improvement initiatives in previous roles. Highlight your ability to foster a 'One Team' culture.
✨Be Data-Driven
Elis values analytical skills, so come prepared with data that showcases your achievements. Discuss how you've managed budgets, monitored KPIs, and implemented corrective actions based on performance trends. This will show your commercial awareness and problem-solving abilities.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Health and safety are crucial in this role. Be ready to talk about your experience with QHSE policies, risk assessments, and creating a safety-first culture. Share specific examples of how you've ensured compliance and maintained relevant site accreditations in your past positions.
