Operations Manager in Corby

Job Purpose: Our client is a specialist supplier of high-performance metals and services, supporting customers globally. Due to continued growth, we are looking for a hands-on Operations Manager to work directly alongside our Operations Director and help drive operational performance, leadership and continuous improvement across both our UK and USA facilities. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced operations professional who enjoys being close to the action, leading from the front and making a visible impact. You’ll play a key role in supporting day-to-day execution, improving operational consistency across both sites and helping deliver business growth internationally. This is a site-based role in Corby (NN17) with regular travel to Connecticut, USA. During the first 6–12 months, USA travel will typically involve 2–6 week blocks. Following successful ramp-up, the role is expected to move toward an approximate 50/50 UK/USA split, with assignments in the USA typically lasting 2–3 months at a time.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead daily operational execution on-site, including workflow priorities, dispatch readiness and issue resolution.
• Act as the Operations Director’s day-to-day lead when on-site in the UK or USA.
• Support and challenge local management teams to deliver consistent standards and results.
• Drive Lean / continuous improvement projects including: (5S, standard work, visual management, waste reduction, layout and flow improvements).
• Develop practical and repeatable processes including SOPs, checklists, handovers and action logs.
• Support training and capability development across the shop floor.
• Work closely with teams to identify operational issues and implement improvements.
• Provide weekly updates to the Operations Director on progress, risks and results.
• Help create greater alignment and consistency between UK and USA operations.

Person Specification:

• Hands-on and confident working in a fast-paced operational environment.
• A strong people leader who can build trust quickly with operators and managers.
• Organised, proactive and accountable.
• Practical and solutions-focused.
• Comfortable leading operational activity and driving outcomes through others.
• Adaptable and confident working across different teams and locations.
• Happy with regular international travel.
• Committed to maintaining high standards of safety, organisation and performance.

Experience:

• Essential: Experience in operations, manufacturing, engineering or a similar industrial environment. Proven experience leading operational activity and delivering results on the shop floor. Experience improving processes and implementing practical operational changes. Strong communication skills and confidence working with both operational teams and management.
• Desirable: Lean / Continuous Improvement experience. Experience across multiple sites or international operations. Exposure to manufacturing environments (training and support will also be provided).

Hours of Work: Monday – Friday (40 hours)

Work Location: Primary location: Corby NN17 (site-based – no remote working). International travel: Connecticut, USA. During the first 6–12 months, USA travel will typically involve 2–6 week blocks to support training, project delivery and operational alignment. Following successful ramp-up, the role is expected to move toward an approximate 50/50 UK/USA split, with assignments in the USA typically lasting 2–3 months at a time. Company accommodation is provided during USA assignments.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary (depending on experience).
• Annual performance bonus: 3–5%.
• Annual loyalty bonus: 1%.
• 28 days annual leave plus UK bank holidays.
• USA accommodation provided.
• Business travel expenses covered.
• Opportunity to play a key role in a growing international business.
• Direct exposure to senior leadership with real impact across both UK and USA operations.

If you are interested, please get in touch ASAP or if this is not the exact role you are searching for, please do not hesitate to contact me directly to discuss other opportunities.