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- Tasks: Lead operational performance in a dynamic manufacturing environment, ensuring safety and quality standards.
- Company: Join a well-established manufacturing site in Gloucester with a focus on critical programmes.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a hands-on leadership role with long-term career opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving operations and developing teams in a regulated environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in production management and knowledge of lean principles are essential.
- Other info: British nationality required for security clearance; eligibility to work in the UK is a must.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you ready to step into a role where operational leadership genuinely matters? This is a critical opportunity to take ownership of performance within a complex, regulated manufacturing environment where standards, discipline and delivery are non-negotiable. As an Operations Manager, you will lead one of the site's key operational areas, with full accountability for Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and People. The operation requires visible leadership, structured thinking and the ability to raise standards in an environment that has historically underperformed. This role will suit a hands-on operational leader who understands regulated manufacturing and knows how to stabilise, improve and sustain performance.
What You Will Do
- Take full accountability for Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and People performance within your operational area.
- Lead, manage and develop Production Supervisors, Team Leaders and shop-floor teams, setting clear expectations and standards.
- Drive operational performance against KPIs including OTIF, scrap, labour utilisation, arrears and customer quality concerns.
- Manage the effective utilisation of labour, equipment and manufacturing resources to achieve consistent, repeatable output.
- Apply lean principles to improve flow, reduce waste and increase operational discipline within a standardised environment.
- Own the operational interface with planning, quality and engineering support functions to ensure alignment and execution.
- Manage customer delivery and quality issues using structured problem-solving tools to deliver robust, long-term solutions.
- Drive disciplined use of the ERP system (IFS preferred), ensuring clean production and inventory data at all times.
- Lead housekeeping and 5S standards, ensuring a safe, compliant and controlled working environment.
- Define and deliver annual improvement plans aligned to wider operational and business objectives.
What You Will Bring
- Proven experience in production or operations management within a complex manufacturing environment.
- Experience working in defence, aerospace or similarly regulated, contractual environments is more than desirable, though not strictly essential.
- A strong understanding of the contractual and compliance-driven nature of regulated manufacturing programmes.
- Experience translating batch manufacturing environments into more flow-based, pull-driven operations using lean principles.
- A practical working knowledge of ERP systems, ideally IFS, from a production and inventory control perspective.
- The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T.
- A track record of improving operational performance, raising standards and developing teams in challenging environments.
- Eligibility to work in the UK, with the ability to meet nationality and security requirements associated with UK Eyes Only defence work.
- British nationality is essential, with eligibility for SC clearance, due to the nature of the projects supported.
Location: This role is based in Gloucester, within a well-established manufacturing site supporting critical programmes.
Interested? If you are an experienced operational leader looking for a role with genuine accountability, visible impact and long-term opportunity, we would like to hear from you. Apply today to take the next step in your career as an Operations Manager.
Operations Manager in Gloucester employer: Jonathan Lee Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Jonathan Lee Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for an Operations Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opening!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operational challenges. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in regulated manufacturing. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need to raise their standards!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve improved performance, managed teams, and tackled challenges in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a hands-on leader who can make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in the process. Let’s get you that Operations Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in regulated manufacturing and any leadership roles you've held, as this will show us you're the right fit for the job.
Showcase Your Achievements: When writing your application, don’t just list your responsibilities. Instead, focus on what you’ve achieved in previous roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've improved operational performance or led teams successfully.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great candidate for the position.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is processed smoothly and allows us to get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jonathan Lee Recruitment
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of operations management within regulated manufacturing. Brush up on lean principles and how they apply to improving flow and reducing waste. Being able to discuss these concepts confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership style and how you've developed teams in challenging environments. Think about specific situations where you’ve set clear expectations and standards, and be ready to discuss how you managed performance against KPIs. This will highlight your hands-on approach and ability to drive results.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ERP Systems
Since the role involves disciplined use of ERP systems, particularly IFS, make sure you understand how these systems work from a production and inventory control perspective. If you have experience with IFS or similar systems, be prepared to share how you’ve used them to improve operational performance.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to face questions that require structured problem-solving skills. Think of past challenges you’ve encountered related to customer delivery or quality issues, and be ready to explain the tools and methods you used to find robust, long-term solutions. This will demonstrate your analytical thinking and ability to manage complex situations.
