Operational Lead - Projects

Salary up to £55,000 DOE

Location: Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales

Onsite role starting August 2026

The Operational Lead will support the Production Operations Manager by leading project focused initiatives across the production site to ensure deliveries and deadlines are met. The role is responsible for coordinating, planning and delivering operational projects that improve production efficiency, optimise capacity and ensure production output is optimised to support business requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Managing day-to-day production operations to ensure output targets, quality standards and delivery schedules are met
• Manage production workflows, resources and capacity across shifts and lines
• Implement operational strategies aligned with business goals
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Production, Engineering, QHSE and Supply Chain to ensure successful delivery
• Develop project plans, define objectives, allocate resources & track progress against timelines
• Identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies, escalating issues as required
• Support improvements and standardisation initiatives across production programmes
• Monitor and report on project KPIs, ensuring data-driven insights inform decision-making
• Assist in resource planning and allocation to meet project and operational requirements
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and Health & Safety regulations
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration across teams
• Point of escalation for any team/performance issues
• Support the Production Operations Manager with ad-hoc operational analysis and project

Qualifications:

• Significant experience in a production/operations leadership role within a manufacturing or assembly environment
• Proven experience delivering operational or production-based projects within a live production setting
• Experience working directly with shop floor teams (Assembly Line Supervisors, Team Leaders) to deliver output and performance targets
• Demonstrable experience managing production performance (output, efficiency, quality, downtime) alongside project delivery
• Strong understanding of production planning, line balancing and capacity management
• Experience resolving operational issues such as bottlenecks, resource constraints and process inefficiencies
• Track record of driving continuous improvement initiatives within production environments
• Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality and PMO

Technical Skills / Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing/production operations, including assembly processes, line management and performance metrics
• Ability to operate effectively within a live production environment while delivering project outcomes
• Understanding of production planning, scheduling and capacity optimisation
• Experience using production/ERP/MRP systems to manage workflows and resources
• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to interpret production KPIs and drive improvement actions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Project (or similar planning tools)
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or continuous improvement methodologies (desirable)
• Understanding of Health & Safety and quality standards within manufacturing environments
• Relevant qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or equivalent experience (desirable)

Additional Local Needs:

• Onsite role
• Candidates need to be eligible for SC (Security Clearance)

Benefits:

• Opportunity to develop operational leadership and project management capabilities within a production environment
• Exposure to multi-programme delivery and strategic operational initiatives
• Potential progression to Production Operations Manager or other senior operational leadership roles

Equal Opportunity Employer: Marshall Group is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.