At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Established chemical manufacturer with over 30 years of industry expertise.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a focus on safety and quality.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a supportive and innovative workplace.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in operational excellence.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in manufacturing leadership and strong team development skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
A well-established, privately owned chemical manufacturing company with over 30 years' experience supplying specialist materials into industrial markets, building a strong reputation for technical expertise, product quality and customer service. Operating from a modern manufacturing facility in the North West, the business has invested significantly in its production capabilities, infrastructure and people, supporting continued growth and long-term customer partnerships. They are now seeking an experienced and hands-on Operations Manager to lead manufacturing, production, warehousing and operational activity across a busy Greater Manchester site.
Role Purpose
Reporting directly to the Managing Director and forming part of the Management Team, this is a key leadership role focused on driving operational performance, developing teams and embedding a high-performing culture centred around safety, quality, customer service and continuous improvement. This role requires a visible and credible leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and can deliver measurable improvements through strong leadership, operational discipline and operational best practice. As part of its continued growth strategy, the company is seeking to strengthen its operational leadership team with the appointment of an experienced manufacturing professional. The Operations Manager will also act as the site lead for Health & Safety coordination, working closely with the external Health & Safety Advisor to maintain compliance and promote a proactive safety culture throughout the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all day-to-day manufacturing, production, engineering and warehousing operations across the site.
- Drive high standards of housekeeping, operational discipline and manufacturing best practice across the site.
- Provide strong, visible and hands-on leadership within the production environment.
- Ensure operational targets relating to Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and Productivity (SQCDP) are achieved.
- Drive OTIF (On Time In Full) delivery performance in line with production plans and customer requirements.
- Monitor operational KPIs and performance metrics, implementing corrective actions where required.
- Develop and maintain effective operational processes, systems and standard operating procedures.
- Ensure labour, materials and production resources are effectively planned and utilised.
- Support operational planning to meet changing customer and business demands.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste and improve productivity.
- Apply Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S and root cause analysis techniques to resolve issues and optimise processes.
- Oversee compliance with ISO9001 and ISO14001 standards, ensuring systems and practices are maintained.
- Lead and manage all site engineering activities, including capital projects and maintenance expenditure.
- Develop and implement a preventative planned maintenance (PPM) system.
Leadership & People Development
- Lead, coach and develop operational teams to create a positive, accountable and high-performing culture.
- Develop employee capability through structured training, continuous development cycles and succession planning.
- Ensure training matrices and competency records are maintained to support operational capability and compliance requirements.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, objective setting and employee development activities.
- Foster employee engagement through effective communication, mentoring and leadership by example.
- Support recruitment, absence management, disciplinary and grievance processes where required.
- Champion cross-functional teamwork and collaboration across the business.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Act as the site co-ordinator for all Health & Safety activities.
- Work closely with the external Health & Safety Advisor to ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory and company standards.
- Take operational ownership for Health & Safety performance across the site and ensure safety remains a core business priority at all levels.
- Ensure safe systems of work, risk assessments, method statements and operational procedures are maintained and adhered to.
- Support accident investigation, corrective actions and continuous improvement of site safety performance.
- Ensure compliance with Environmental, Quality, GMP and housekeeping standards.
- Drive high standards of operational safety awareness and behaviours.
Continuous Improvement
- Promote Lean manufacturing principles, process improvement and waste reduction activities.
- Use operational data and analytics to identify opportunities for efficiency, productivity and cost improvements.
- Support capital investment projects and operational development initiatives.
Commercial & Operational Performance
- Support operational budget management and cost control activities.
- Manage labour utilisation, overtime and operational overheads in line with budget expectations.
- Monitor manufacturing performance and implement actions to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
- Work collaboratively with Sales, Planning, Technical and Purchasing teams to support customer service objectives.
- Contribute to operational strategy, planning and business improvement initiatives.
The post holder may be required to undertake additional duties or responsibilities, within the scope and level of the role, to support the ongoing needs of the business.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- A minimum of 5 years' experience within a manufacturing or industrial operations leadership role.
- Proven experience leading teams within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Proven leadership experience within a batch manufacturing environment, ideally within chemicals, coatings, adhesives, polymers, food, pharmaceutical or related process industries.
- Strong leadership capability with a hands-on management style.
- Experience developing teams through coaching, mentoring and structured training programmes.
- IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
- Strong understanding of operational KPI management and continuous improvement.
- Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Strong understanding of Health & Safety legislation and operational compliance requirements.
Desirable
- Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing or related discipline.
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement training.
- Experience within polymer processing, extrusion, compounding or related manufacturing sectors.
- Mechanical or process manufacturing background.
- Experience supporting cultural change and operational transformation initiatives.
For UK roles, candidates must be eligible to work and live in the United Kingdom. Proof of eligibility will be required with your application.
Operations Manager in Nottingham employer: Listgrove
Join a well-established, privately owned chemical manufacturing company in Greater Manchester that values its employees and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and safety. With over 30 years of industry experience, the company offers robust training and development opportunities, ensuring that you can grow your career while contributing to high-quality production and operational excellence. Enjoy a supportive work environment where your leadership will drive meaningful change and operational success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Nottingham
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
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!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Listgrove, 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 Nottingham
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 Listgrove 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 Listgrove
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Listgrove, 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 Listgrove 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.
