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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve UK manufacturing operations with a hands-on approach.
- Company: Specialist UK manufacturing business part of a European engineering group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, long-term stability, and ownership of operations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior role with technical leadership opportunities.
- Qualifications: Mechanical Engineering background and experience in sheet metal fabrication.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with rapid interview process and clear feedback.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Mid Kent
Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 dependent on experience + progression
Type: Permanent, full-time 5 days on site
Contact: Emily-Karabelo Powell, Associate Director, Pearson Whiffin Recruitment
We are working with a specialist UK manufacturing business that forms part of a wider European engineering group. The UK operation designs and manufactures fabricated sheet metal and engineered metal systems, supplying project-led solutions into a technically demanding commercial market. The site operates with a high degree of autonomy, supported by a collaborative international HQ.
This role would suit a technically strong Operations Manager or Engineering Manager with a background in fabrication, sheet metal or engineered metal products, who enjoys being hands-on and improving how things are designed, made and delivered.
The Role
This is a senior, practical role with end-to-end responsibility for the UK manufacturing operation. While there is line management responsibility for a small team, the emphasis is firmly on technical leadership, operational efficiency and commercial performance.
You will be someone who is not afraid to roll your sleeves up, spend time on the shop floor, challenge existing processes and bring new ideas forward. In many respects, this role operates as a UK General Manager–style position, with responsibility for operational performance, cost and delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and continuously improve UK manufacturing operations across fabrication, assembly and dispatch
- Lead by example through a hands-on approach, supporting the team where needed
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, productivity and cost control
- Analyse workflows, layouts, planning and material flow to reduce waste and improve throughput
- Work closely with design and engineering activity to ensure design-for-manufacture principles are applied
- Use SolidWorks or similar CAD to review, challenge and support designs where appropriate
- Work collaboratively with the commercial team to ensure operational decisions support margin, pricing and delivery commitments
- Identify opportunities to bring work in-house, reduce supplier reliance and improve cost efficiency
- Improve planning accuracy, delivery performance and operational reporting
- Act as the key interface between the UK operation and European HQ
- Maintain quality standards and support ISO-aligned systems
People Management
This is a small, stable team with no major people issues. The role is about:
- Setting standards and direction
- Supporting and developing the team
- Leading by example rather than heavy people management
About You
This role will suit someone who:
- Is qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline
- Has experience in fabricated sheet metal, architectural metal, airflow systems or engineered metal products
- Has professional experience using SolidWorks (or similar 3D CAD)
- Is comfortable being hands-on and visible within a manufacturing environment
- Enjoys problem-solving, improving processes and coming up with practical ideas
- Is commercially aware and understands how operational decisions impact cost and margin
- Is looking for a long-term role with ownership and stability
Candidates from SMEs or specialist manufacturers will be particularly well suited.
Why Apply?
- Senior, long-term role with genuine ownership of the UK operation
- Strong technical and continuous improvement focus
- Opportunity to lead from the front and make a visible impact
- Close collaboration with commercial and international teams
- Stable, well-backed business with a clear future
- Rapid interview process with clear feedback
Technical Manufacturing Operations Manager employer: Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Manufacturing Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their products, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s all about making connections!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on scenarios! Since this role is all about being practical, think of examples from your past where you've improved processes or solved problems. Be ready to discuss these during interviews.
✨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 take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Manufacturing Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your background in fabrication, sheet metal, or engineered metal products to show us you're the right fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this position. Share specific examples of how you've improved operational efficiency or led teams in previous roles to demonstrate your hands-on approach.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role requires a strong technical background, don't forget to mention your experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD software. We want to see how you can apply design-for-manufacture principles in practice.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fabricated sheet metal and engineered metal products. Be ready to discuss specific processes and improvements you've implemented in the past. This role is all about technical leadership, so showing your expertise will definitely impress.
✨Show Your Hands-On Approach
Since this position requires a hands-on attitude, prepare examples of when you've rolled up your sleeves to solve problems or improve operations. Share stories that highlight your ability to lead by example and support your team on the shop floor.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be ready to talk about your experience with continuous improvement initiatives. Think of specific projects where you analysed workflows or reduced waste. This shows that you're not just about maintaining the status quo but are keen on driving efficiency and productivity.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
This role involves collaboration with commercial teams, so it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of how operational decisions impact cost and margin. Prepare to discuss how you've aligned operational strategies with business goals in previous roles.
