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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and implement lean manufacturing strategies to enhance efficiency and team development.
- Company: Join a successful Northeast SME manufacturing business with plans for growth and expansion.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and the potential for career advancement in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a hands-on leadership role that shapes the future of a growing company.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in manufacturing leadership and knowledge of lean techniques required.
- Other info: Immediate start available for the right candidate, initially on a one-year interim basis.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Rewards/Benefits on offer.
- A highly competitive salary.
- Working for a highly successful Northeast SME business, with plans for organic growth and expansion by further acquisitions.
- A superb career opportunity, to work with a highly experienced team of Directors.
- The company supply to a varied customer base, with a range of high value quality products.
- An immediate start date for the right person, initially for a one-year interim basis, which could be extended depending on future business needs.
The Company
Our client is a true Northeast success story within the regional SME manufacturing sector. The company is a privately-owned business with an impressive history of developing, manufacturing, and supplying a range of high-quality products to a national customer base, in a variety of market sectors. The company operates from a well-established production facility located in the Gateshead area, with plans for organic growth and further acquisitions. They are now looking to recruit an experienced Operations Manager to work closely with their company Directors and to provide a hands-on leadership role in all aspects of their production facility. You will be placed in a key role, to implement and manage a range of continuous improvement projects as well as to train, mentor and develop the next leadership team for the business. We believe this is an outstanding career opportunity for an experienced manufacturing leader, to help support a growing business and impart knowledge, experience, and wisdom to their key employees.
Job Summary
- Responsible for driving continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives across the factory to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall performance.
- Key focus areas include team development, process optimisation, and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality products.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and implement lean manufacturing strategies to improve productivity, reduce costs, and eliminate waste.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement through effective use of visual management and daily team engagement.
- Support and develop staff through structured training, coaching, and mentoring.
- Monitor and improve KPIs relating to production, quality, and delivery targets.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth and efficient factory operations.
- Happy to travel to a manufacturing facility in the Midlands.
About you.
- Proven experience in a production or manufacturing leadership role.
- Strong background in implementing Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement techniques (e.g. 5S, Kaizen, efficiency improvements).
- Experience working cross-functionally with teams and different sites.
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations and operational compliance standards.
- Experience of training and developing staff members to become effective future leaders.
- Results-driven with a track record of delivering efficiency gains and cost reductions.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills in fast-paced environments.
- Strong people management skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and engage teams.
- Confident communicator, capable of leading daily briefs, coaching individuals, and influencing change.
- Able to prioritise and adapt to evolving production needs and targets.
- Formal lean/CI qualification or training is highly desirable.
- Proactive, hands-on leadership style.
- Continuous improvement mindset with attention to detail.
- Calm under pressure and resilient in managing operational challenges.
- Committed to developing a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture
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Operations Manager employer: LORD SEARCH & SELECTION
Contact Detail:
LORD SEARCH & SELECTION Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement techniques. Being able to discuss specific methodologies like 5S or Kaizen during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and alignment with the company's goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company’s recent projects and initiatives. Understanding their current operations and challenges will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how your experience can directly benefit their growth plans.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change. Highlighting your leadership style and ability to motivate others will resonate well, especially since they are looking for someone to develop future leaders.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the manufacturing sector, particularly those familiar with the Northeast region. Building connections can provide insights into the company culture and may even lead to referrals, increasing your chances of landing the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in production or manufacturing leadership roles. Emphasise your background in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement techniques, as these are key for the Operations Manager position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for continuous improvement and your ability to lead teams. Mention specific examples of how you've implemented lean strategies and improved efficiency in previous roles.
Highlight Key Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your results-driven approach. For instance, mention any cost reductions or efficiency gains you've achieved in past positions.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience with team development and cross-functional collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you would implement lean strategies and manage operational challenges in a fast-paced environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at LORD SEARCH & SELECTION
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As an Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership skills. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, implemented lean manufacturing strategies, and driven continuous improvement initiatives in previous roles.
✨Understand Lean Manufacturing Principles
Familiarise yourself with key lean manufacturing concepts such as 5S and Kaizen. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these techniques to enhance productivity and reduce waste in your past positions.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in fast-paced environments. Think of scenarios where you've had to make quick decisions or adapt to changing production needs, and be prepared to explain your thought process.
✨Emphasise Team Development Skills
Highlight your experience in training and mentoring staff. Discuss how you've developed future leaders within your teams and the impact this has had on overall performance and team culture.