Operations Manager

Our client has a new and exciting opportunity for a dynamic and decisive Operations Manager to lead all aspects of their manufacturing, assembly, quality control, operations departments.This role is critical to ensuring the seamless delivery of high-quality IoT products while driving continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and a culture of excellence. The ideal candidate will be a proven leader with extensive experience in manufacturing and engineering, a strong grasp of lean methodology, and the ability to inspire and manage teams while delivering on strategic objectives.

Your responsibilities within this senior role will include delivery of the production schedule on time in full to the highest possible quality, accountability for acute inventory management and upholding exemplary quality and health and safety standards.

Additionally, you will play a key role in ensuring staff welfare, maintaining a safe working environment, and collaborating across engineering and Customer Service functions to ensure product quality and operational excellence. Experience in IoT will be a significant advantage.

· Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the operational strategy to align with overall business objectives. Take full ownership of production, quality, and engineering processes to ensure long-term growth and success.

· Operational Excellence: Oversee all manufacturing and assembly operations, driving efficiency and innovation through the application of lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

· Quality Assurance: Develop and maintain robust quality control systems with the Quality Engineer to ensure all products meet exacting standards and customer expectations.

· Engineering Oversight: Work closely with engineering teams to enhance manufacturability, streamline processes, and resolve technical challenges.

· Health, Safety, and Welfare: Lead and champion a safe and compliant workplace while fostering a culture of accountability, care, and teamwork among operational staff. Promote a safety-first environment.

· Performance Management: Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), identifying and addressing bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.

· Team Leadership: Mentor and inspire the operations team, cultivating a culture of excellence, open communication, and continuous learning. Provide training, support, and development opportunities to operational staff, ensuring their growth and engagement.

· Resource and Budget Management: Control costs, maintain JIT inventory turnaround, optimise resource allocation, and ensure cost-effective delivery of products and services.

· Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless communication and alignment across the business, from procurement to product delivery.

· Maintain a clean, tidy and organised customer ready environment always.

· Collaborate with the Product Development Engineer and Quality Engineer team to refine manufacturing processes, improve product designs for manufacturability, and resolve technical issues.

· Implement, analyse and report on key metrics (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement in operations, quality, and engineering.

· Establish and maintain strong internal relationships with Sales and Customer Service, addressing their needs and concerns proactively.

· Work closely with wider business to meet SLA deadlines keeping all stakeholders informed of progress.

· Maintain the ERP system, ensuring accurate product data, including Bills of Materials and production progress.

· Chair the weekly production meeting and cascade outcomes with senior team

· Optimise the supply chain efficiency to minimize lead times, inventory stock holding and improve cash flow.

· Become an expert in the companys IoT monitoring devices, ensuring you can provide technical advice to customers when needed.

· Regularly update your knowledge of the industry and our products to effectively support both customers and internal teams.

· Implement and maintain all associated documentation for processes and procedures.

· Be accountable for executing and managing inventory stock takes.

· Ensure ALL company systems are used correctly and accurately kept up to date.

· Proven track record in operational leadership within manufacturing and/or assembly environments, ideally within high-tech or IoT sectors.

· Deep expertise in lean manufacturing methodologies and a demonstrable history of driving operational improvements and cost efficiencies.

· Strong background in quality assurance and experience in managing engineering processes to deliver superior products.

· Comprehensive understanding of health and safety regulations and a proven ability to lead safe, compliant operations.

· Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire, influence, and drive performance across all levels of the organisation.

· Desirable: Experience in IoT product development or a background in engineering.

This is a full time role, working on site in person, Monday to Friday 6am – 2pm (these times can be flexible)

Please apply today for immediate consideration to angela.bailey@irweb.co.uk or call me on 07531 651 351., Angela Bailey