At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee operations, manage suppliers, and improve systems in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Dynamic SME focused on technical growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and exposure to cutting-edge projects.
- Why this job: Join a growing business and shape operational success while working with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations, strong supplier management, and a degree in a scientific discipline.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: UK-based, near Leeds with occasional travel to UK and international warehouse, supplier, laboratory and customer locations.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Operations Manager to oversee and develop key operational functions within a growing, technically focused business. Reporting to senior leadership, you will take responsibility for purchasing, supplier management, stock control, outsourced manufacturing, laboratory development coordination, warehousing and quality processes. This is a hands-on role that offers significant scope to improve systems, strengthen operational resilience and support future business growth. The role would particularly suit someone who enjoys working within a fast-paced SME environment and is comfortable managing multiple operational activities across a lean organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Operations & Supply Chain
- Manage day-to-day operations across outsourced manufacturing and supply chain partners.
- Coordinate UK and international warehouse activities.
- Support laboratory development projects and external technical providers.
- Develop and improve operational processes, controls and documentation.
- Monitor performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Ensure continuity of supply and support business growth initiatives.
- Purchasing & Supplier Management
- Manage purchasing activities and supplier relationships.
- Negotiate pricing, lead times and supply agreements.
- Monitor supplier performance and delivery reliability.
- Reduce operational risk through effective supplier management and contingency planning.
- Stock Control & Quality
- Maintain accurate inventory management across multiple locations.
- Manage forecasting and replenishment planning.
- Improve stock visibility and reporting.
- Support compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards.
- Coordinate product testing, validation and new product introduction activities.
- Business Support
- Contribute to operational planning and strategic development.
- Develop KPI reporting and process documentation.
- Support business continuity and succession planning initiatives.
About You
- Essential
- Experience in an Operations Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Purchasing Manager or similar role.
- Strong supplier management, purchasing and inventory control experience.
- Experience managing outsourced manufacturing or third-party service providers.
- Strong organisational, problem-solving and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of operational performance.
- Degree or background in Chemistry, Materials Science or a related scientific discipline.
- Desirable
- Experience with international supply chains.
- Exposure to technical, chemical, manufacturing or industrial sectors.
- Knowledge of ISO management systems.
- Experience supporting product development or product launch activities.
What You'll Bring
- A practical, solutions-focused approach.
- Strong attention to detail and operational discipline.
- Commercial awareness and sound decision-making skills.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Confidence working with technical, scientific and operational stakeholders.
Why Join Us?
This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in a growing business, helping to build scalable operational systems, improve supply chain performance and support the successful delivery of new products and future growth plans.
Operations Manager in Exeter employer: MostonRECRUIT
Join a dynamic and innovative team as an Operations Manager in the heart of the UK, near Leeds, where you will have the opportunity to shape operational excellence in a fast-paced SME environment. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth, continuous improvement, and hands-on involvement in key projects. With competitive benefits and the chance to work with international partners, this role offers a unique platform for impactful contributions and career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential employers on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their supply chain processes and think about how your experience can add value. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in supplier management and inventory control can help improve their operations. Confidence is key, so let your passion for the role show!
✨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 about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in supply chain management, purchasing, and any relevant technical background. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of how you've improved operational processes or managed supplier relationships in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don't just list your responsibilities; show us how you tackled challenges. Whether it's improving stock control or enhancing supplier performance, we want to know how you made a difference in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates about your application status. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at MostonRECRUIT
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the key responsibilities of an Operations Manager. Brush up on your knowledge of supply chain management, purchasing, and stock control. Being able to discuss specific examples from your past experience will show that you're not just familiar with the concepts but have successfully implemented them.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Think of specific instances where you improved operational processes or managed supplier relationships effectively. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to think on your feet, which is crucial in a fast-paced SME environment.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ISO Standards
Since compliance with ISO standards is part of the role, it’s essential to be well-versed in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. Be ready to talk about your experience with these standards and how you’ve ensured compliance in your previous positions. This will highlight your attention to detail and operational discipline.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare some thoughtful questions about the company’s operational challenges and future growth plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.
