At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations and drive efficiency in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established UK manufacturing group with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive salary, and clear progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and strong client relationships.
- Why this job: Shape operations, lead a team, and make a real impact in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Operations Management and experience leading teams of 20+.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Operations Manager | Wiltshire | 4-Day Week (Mon–Thurs | 39 Hours) | On-site
A well-established and growing UK manufacturing group is looking for a hands-on Operations Manager to take ownership of day-to-day production and operational performance at a key site.
This is a pivotal leadership role where you'll drive efficiency, structure, and performance, ensuring consistently high-quality output in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
The Role
You'll be responsible for the full production lifecycle from job intake through to final delivery ensuring smooth workflows, strong planning, and reliable execution.
Key focus areas include
- End-to-end production planning and scheduling
- Driving efficiency through KPIs and continuous improvement
- Managing capacity, workflow, and resource allocation
- Maintaining strong quality control across all outputs
- Streamlining processes to improve speed and consistency
- Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, motivate, and develop a production team of 20+
- Create a high-performance, accountable working culture
- Manage rotas aligned to a 4-day working week
- Run regular 1:1s, set objectives, and support development
- Address performance issues constructively and proactively
- Customer & Stakeholder Focus
- Act as the key contact for production timelines and delivery updates
- Ensure clear communication between internal teams and customers
- Handle queries and escalations professionally
- Build strong, long-term client relationships
What We're Looking For
- 5+ years' experience in Operations or Production Management
- Background in manufacturing, print, or design environments
- Experience leading teams of 20+ people
- Strong organisational skills across production, procurement, and quality
- Confident communicator with strong leadership presence
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach with a drive for improvement
- What's On Offer
- 4-day working week (Monday–Thursday, 39 hours)
- Competitive salary (based on experience)
- Key leadership role within a growing UK group
- Supportive, collaborative team environment
- Clear progression opportunities within the wider business
If you're looking for a role where you can genuinely shape operations, lead a team, and make a visible impact, this is worth a conversation. Apply confidentially.
Contact Details:
Jan Hughes Executive Search Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Chippenham
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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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!
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Jan Hughes Executive Search, 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 in Chippenham
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 Jan Hughes Executive Search 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 Jan Hughes Executive Search
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Jan Hughes Executive Search, 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 Jan Hughes Executive Search 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.
