At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead site operations and drive performance in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established manufacturing business with a focus on safety and efficiency.
- Benefits: Senior leadership role with clear progression potential and competitive salary.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence strategy and develop talent within a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping site culture and driving continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience in manufacturing and a focus on safety and operational discipline.
We’re supporting a well-established manufacturing business in the search for an experienced Operations Manager to lead site operations and drive performance across a complex production environment. This is a high-impact leadership role, reporting directly to the Site Director, with full responsibility for day-to-day operations, safety, and delivery. You’ll lead a team of circa 60+ colleagues via 4 direct reports and play a key role in shaping site culture, performance, and long-term capability. There is strong visibility at senior level, alongside genuine scope to influence strategy, implement improvements, and contribute to succession planning over time. You’ll take overall ownership of operational performance, ensuring the site runs safely, efficiently, and in line with business objectives.
Responsibilities include:
- Operational Leadership
- Lead and support 4 production managers, overseeing multiple operational areas
- Ensure production plans are delivered safely, on time, and to required quality standards
- Monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives across the site
- Provide clear communication and coordination across shifts and leadership teams
- Safety & Compliance
- Champion a strong safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with all regulations and procedures
- Lead risk assessments, incident investigations, and audit activities
- Support emergency readiness and act as a key decision-maker during critical situations
- People & Culture
- Develop and coach leadership capability within your team
- Drive accountability, engagement, and a high-performance culture
- Build succession plans and support long-term talent development
- Performance & Cost
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and optimise costs
- Manage operational budgets and resource planning
- Support reliability and maintenance planning to maximise uptime
We’re looking for someone with strong leadership experience in a manufacturing or process-driven environment, ideally within a regulated or higher-risk setting. You will have:
- Proven experience managing teams in a production environment (multi-layer structures)
- A strong focus on safety, operational discipline, and continuous improvement
- The ability to lead through others and influence across functions
- Experience working in complex, fast-paced environments with competing priorities
- Strong problem-solving skills and sound decision-making ability
- Strong background in Health & Safety
- Background in regulated environments would be highly beneficial – but not essential.
On offer is a Senior, visible position reporting into the Site Director, with the opportunity to lead a sizeable operation with full accountability, that can offer clear long-term progression potential within the business. If it sounds like an ideal opportunity, please apply for immediate consideration.
Operations Manager employer: IntaPeople
As an Operations Manager at our well-established manufacturing business, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises safety and continuous improvement. With strong visibility at senior levels and genuine opportunities for professional growth, you will lead a dedicated team while shaping the future of site operations. Our commitment to employee development and a high-performance culture makes us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing sector and let them know you're on the hunt for an Operations Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your leadership stories. Think of specific examples where you've driven performance, improved safety, or led teams through challenges. We want you to showcase your experience in a way that aligns with what employers are looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that resonate with your values and career goals. Use our website to find roles that match your skills and aspirations, and tailor your approach to each one. It’s all about finding the right fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience in manufacturing and any specific achievements that showcase your ability to drive performance and safety.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Use it to explain how your background aligns with the responsibilities listed, especially around operational leadership and continuous improvement.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in fast-paced environments. We want to see your strong decision-making abilities in action!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of getting noticed, make sure you apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at IntaPeople
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations. Understand their production processes, safety protocols, and key performance indicators. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in how they run their business.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've developed talent, driven accountability, and fostered a high-performance culture. This will highlight your fit for the role and your ability to influence others.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the importance of safety in this role, be ready to talk about your experience with health and safety regulations. Share examples of how you've championed a safety-first culture and handled compliance issues. This will reassure them that you prioritise safety in all operational decisions.
✨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 make tough calls or implement improvements under pressure. Practising these responses will help you convey your capability to handle the complexities of the role.
