Operations Manager in Wednesbury

The Operations Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of the Lowe & Fletcher Bloxwich Plating and Powder Coating Plant. The role ensures that surface treatment operations consistently meet quality, delivery, environmental, and safety requirements while supplying the Lowe & Fletcher Wednesbury Manufacturing Plant in line with production schedules and customer standards.

This role has full responsibility for day-to-day operations, people management, process performance, compliance, and continuous improvement within the Bloxwich facility.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead and manage all operational activities within the Lowe & Fletcher Bloxwich Plating and Powder Coating Plant.
• Ensure production plans align with the requirements and schedules of the Lowe & Fletcher Wednesbury Manufacturing Plant.
• Maintain consistent output levels, quality standards, and on-time delivery performance.
• Monitor and control operational costs, productivity, and efficiency.

Health, Safety & Environment

• Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety legislation and company policies.
• Act as the site lead for environmental compliance, including chemical handling, waste management, effluent treatment, and permits.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure risk assessments, COSHH, and safe systems of work are in place and followed.
• Lead accident investigations and implement corrective actions.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure plating and powder coating processes meet internal specifications, customer requirements, and industry standards.
• Maintain compliance with relevant quality systems (e.g. ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or customer-specific standards).
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality issues or non-conformances.
• Work closely with Quality teams to support audits and continuous improvement initiatives.

People Management

• Lead, develop, and motivate the Bloxwich operations team, including supervisors and shop-floor employees.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels, skills coverage, and training plans are in place.
• Conduct performance reviews, set objectives, and manage disciplinary processes where required.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Process Improvement & Engineering Support

• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to improve throughput, quality, safety, and cost.
• Work with engineering and maintenance teams to ensure plant and equipment reliability.
• Support capital investment projects and process improvements within the plating and powder coating areas.
• Drive lean manufacturing and waste reduction initiatives.

Supply Chain & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary operational interface between Bloxwich and the Lowe & Fletcher Wednesbury Manufacturing Plant.
• Collaborate with Production Planning, Logistics, Engineering, and Quality teams to ensure smooth material flow.
• Manage external suppliers and contractors as required.

Reporting & Control

• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
• Prepare operational reports and contribute to management reviews.
• Ensure accurate production data and documentation is maintained.

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in an Operations Manager or Senior Production Management role within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of plating and/or powder coating processes (or closely related surface treatment operations).
• Demonstrable experience managing health, safety, and environmental compliance in a regulated environment.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Experience working to production schedules and supplying an internal or external manufacturing customer.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or similar management systems.
• Experience with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Engineering or technical background.
• Experience managing chemical processes and environmental permits

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to engage at all levels.
• Hands-on, practical approach with strong problem-solving skills.
• Organised, resilient, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Clear communicator with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Results-driven with a focus on safety, quality, and delivery.