At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead manufacturing operations, ensuring safety and quality while driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Join JCB, a leader in the manufacturing industry with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days holiday, onsite gym, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to inclusivity and employee well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment and develop your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Engineering background with experience in high-volume manufacturing and Lean methodologies.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We're seeking a highly driven and experienced Operations Manager to lead manufacturing performance at our JCB Power Products site in Wrexham. This is a critical leadership role responsible for delivering safe, high‑quality, and cost‑effective production across a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
As Operations Manager, you'll bring a strong leadership presence, technical expertise, and a results‑driven mindset to drive operational excellence. You'll play a key role in shaping site performance, leading teams through change, and ensuring alignment with JCB’s wider operational strategy.
This role requires someone who thrives under pressure, can challenge and influence at all levels, and has a proven track record in manufacturing, ideally within automotive, powertrain, or similar industries.
What does this role involve day to day?
- Leading day-to-day manufacturing and assembly operations to meet production and delivery targets
- Driving a strong safety‑first culture across all shopfloor activities and ensuring full compliance with HSE and JCB standards
- Managing production planning, scheduling, and capacity to achieve on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery
- Identifying and removing operational bottlenecks to improve flow across machining, assembly, and test areas
- Owning product and process quality, reducing defects, rework, and warranty issues
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives using Lean methodologies such as 5S, Kaizen, and standard work
- Leading root cause analysis (RCA) and implementing corrective actions for internal and supplier‑related issues
- Working closely with procurement and suppliers to ensure material availability and component quality, while managing supplier performance and risk
- Delivering cost reduction initiatives, improving labour efficiency, reducing waste and scrap, and managing operational budgets
- Leading, coaching, and developing front‑line leaders and operators to build a high‑performance, accountable culture
- Ensuring strong equipment reliability through TPM and effective maintenance planning
- Supporting new product introductions, ensuring smooth transition into full‑scale production
- Acting as a key interface across manufacturing, engineering, quality, and commercial teams
- Monitoring and reporting on key KPIs including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP)
- Leading daily and weekly operational reviews and ensuring follow‑through on actions
- Contributing to longer‑term operational strategy and driving transformation initiatives such as automation and digitalisation
This will be suited to you if…
- You're an engineering‑qualified professional with strong technical and operational knowledge
- You have Lean / Six Sigma training and a passion for continuous improvement
- You have significant experience in high‑volume manufacturing (ideally automotive, powertrain, or similar sectors)
- You're a proven leader and change agent with the ability to inspire and develop high‑performing teams
- You demonstrate strong leadership presence, accountability, and resilience in demanding production environments
- You're results‑driven, proactive, and comfortable taking ownership of performance outcomes
- You can confidently challenge, influence, and collaborate with internal stakeholders and external suppliers
- You communicate effectively at all levels, from shopfloor to executive leadership
- You're experienced in managing quality issues, supplier performance, and cost pressures
- You thrive in a fast‑paced environment and can balance competing priorities with confidence
What happens next?
Ordinarily, our Resourcing Team reviews and shortlists CVs. If shortlisted, you’ll speak to one of our Recruiters to discuss the role further. Our interview process usually consists of an initial team’s interview followed by an in‑person interview. We’ll keep in touch throughout the process but if you have any questions, please get in touch at recruitment@jcb.com
What’s in it for you?
This is your chance to join a company that values expertise not only in rewards but also in real employee care. At JCB you don’t just get a competitive salary, 33 days’ holiday and access to our company pension—you can also use our onsite gym, in‑house doctor and dentist. We have an ULEV car scheme available for our employees too. Then there’s the JCB Rewards Hub, which gives you discounts with high street retailers. Feel like biking to work? There’s our Cycle to Work Scheme.
We value diversity and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We’re committed to ensuring our recruitment process is fair and inclusive. If you face any accessibility challenges with your online application and require additional support, you have the option of speaking to a member of our Recruitment Team who can support you to complete an application in an alternative format. If you would benefit from this support, please email recruitment@jcb.com, and a member of the team will be in touch.
Recruitment Agencies: JCB does not accept any speculative approaches to present candidates for advertised vacancies.
Operations Manager employer: J C Bamford Excavators Ltd
JCB Power Products in Wrexham is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a strong focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement, we offer a dynamic work culture where innovation thrives. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and unique perks such as an onsite gym, health services, and a Cycle to Work Scheme, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in manufacturing.
Contact Details:
J C Bamford Excavators Ltd Recruitment Team
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 industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. 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 values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience in manufacturing and leadership, as these are key for the Operations Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
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 and any relevant technical skills that align with the job description. We want to see how your background fits with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence or improved processes in previous roles. This helps us see the impact you can bring to our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your experience aligns with our goals at JCB. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the position!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at J C Bamford Excavators Ltd
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into JCB's operations and their specific manufacturing processes. Familiarise yourself with Lean methodologies like 5S and Kaizen, as well as any recent innovations in their production lines. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in high-pressure environments. Think of situations where you've successfully led teams through change or improved performance metrics. Be ready to discuss how you inspire and develop others, as this is crucial for the Operations Manager role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss KPIs
Understand the key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the role, such as Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP). Prepare to discuss how you've monitored and reported on these in previous roles, and be ready to suggest ways you could improve these metrics at JCB.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle operational bottlenecks. Think of specific challenges you've faced in manufacturing and how you resolved them. This will demonstrate your critical thinking and ability to drive continuous improvement.
