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- Tasks: Lead and optimise manufacturing operations while driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Join a stable, international manufacturing business with growth potential.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a key leadership role with international exposure.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and a technical background required.
- Other info: Collaborate with teams across Europe and enhance your leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Pearson Whiffin Recruitment is supporting a well-established, international manufacturing business in the appointment of an Operations Manager to take ownership of a Maidstone-based manufacturing facility. This is a pivotal leadership role, sitting at the centre of production, people and process. You’ll be responsible for ensuring the factory operates efficiently, safely and commercially, while driving continuous improvement and building a high-performing, engaged team.
The role involves working closely with senior stakeholders in the UK and Europe, overseeing end-to-end manufacturing activity. You’ll play a hands-on role in improving workflows, planning and efficiency, while maintaining a strong presence on the factory floor.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Day-to-day leadership of manufacturing, fabrication, packing and dispatch
- Production planning, capacity management and labour utilisation
- Identifying bottlenecks and implementing practical process improvements
- Leading, developing and motivating multi-skilled teams
- Supporting recruitment, onboarding and training
- Driving Lean thinking and continuous improvement initiatives
- Managing UK purchasing and supplier relationships
- Improving cost control, stock management and supply resilience
- Maintaining quality standards and supporting ISO-aligned systems
- Ensuring health & safety compliance across operations
- Working closely with commercial teams and European HQ
Essential requirements include:
- Proven experience in an Operations or Production Management role within Manufacturing
- A technical or engineering background
- Experience within fabrication, sheet metal or similar manufacturing environments
- The ability to read and interpret technical drawings
- Strong people-management and leadership capability; this role requires a manager who leads by example and can cultivate ‘buy in’ from an established team
- Solid understanding of production planning and operational efficiency
- A continuous improvement mindset with a practical, solutions-led approach
- Confidence working cross-functionally with international stakeholders
- Experience with ISO 9001, Lean methodologies or CAD systems would be advantageous, but not essential.
Why apply?
- A key leadership role within a stable, growing manufacturing business
- Genuine opportunity to influence and improve UK operations
- Exposure to international collaboration and best practice
- A supportive, professional environment with scope for progression
Interested? Apply with your up to date CV including full career and academic background.
Operations Manager in Chatham employer: Pearson Whiffin
Contact Detail:
Pearson Whiffin Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Chatham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing sector and let them know you're on the hunt for an Operations Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! If you can, visit local manufacturing facilities or attend industry events. This not only shows your commitment but also helps you understand the current trends and challenges in the field, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your achievements in operations management. Be ready to discuss how you've improved processes or led teams in previous roles during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and helps us keep track of your application better.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your duties; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve improved processes or led teams in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you can bring to our operations.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we love a professional tone, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. A bit of warmth and authenticity can make your application stand out. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can lead and engage a team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson Whiffin
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the operations of a manufacturing facility. Brush up on key concepts like production planning, capacity management, and Lean methodologies. This will help you speak confidently about how you can improve workflows and efficiency.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing multi-skilled teams. Think of specific situations where you motivated your team or implemented successful training programmes. This will demonstrate your ability to lead by example and cultivate buy-in from your team.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Continuous Improvement
Have a few practical examples of process improvements you've implemented in past roles. Be ready to discuss how you identified bottlenecks and what steps you took to resolve them. This shows your continuous improvement mindset and solutions-led approach, which are crucial for this role.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company’s values and culture before the interview. Knowing how they operate and their commitment to health and safety compliance will allow you to align your answers with their expectations. It also shows that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
