At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead manufacturing operations, ensuring safety and efficiency at Cytiva's Cardiff site.
- Company: Join Cytiva, a leader in life sciences with a commitment to innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the life sciences sector while leading high-performance teams.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in manufacturing, strong communication skills, and strategic decision-making abilities.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Senior Operations Manager will lead manufacturing operations at Cytiva’s Cardiff site, ensuring safe, compliant and efficient delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational & Talent Leadership – Own the end‑to‑end operational organisation at the Cardiff site, providing direct leadership to Value Stream Leaders and building a strong talent pipeline through disciplined execution of P4G, D4G, and capability‑based training strategies.
- EHS & Compliance Excellence – Ensure full compliance with EHS legislation and regulatory requirements by leading with a safety‑first mindset, conducting regular Gemba walks, proactively identifying hazards, and driving risk reduction using the 4E framework to continuously improve safety and waste performance.
- Strategy Deployment & Policy Alignment – Translate site and Cytiva strategic priorities into clear short‑, medium‑, and long‑term operational plans through effective Policy Deployment, ensuring alignment between people, processes, metrics, and results.
- Financial Discipline & Resource Optimisation – Lead annual operating plan and budget development in alignment with corporate financial guidelines, exercising strong cost management and capital discipline while authorising spend within approved limits to deliver sustainable profitability.
- Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement – Drive predictable performance and flow by deploying DBS tools including Standard Work, Daily Management, Visual Management, and Lean Conversion, ensuring stability, scalability, and continuous improvement across value streams.
- Quality, Delivery & KPI Management – Maintain relentless focus on Good Quality Output (GQO), yield improvement, and defect reduction by embedding problem‑solving at the source, reviewing performance through Daily Management, and leading cross‑functional teams to close KPI gaps against annual targets.
- Culture, Engagement & Leadership System – Actively contribute as a member of the Site Senior Leadership Team, strengthening the DBS culture through respect for people, structured problem solving, engagement initiatives, and consistent leadership behaviours that reinforce accountability, collaboration, and results.
Qualifications & Experience
- Proven leadership with strong management, team‑building, coaching capabilities and experience leading high‑performance manufacturing teams.
- Highly effective communicator with the ability to engage and influence at all organisational levels.
- Strategic decision‑maker with advanced complex problem‑solving skills and Lean Manufacturing expertise.
- Solid knowledge of Life Sciences and Medical industry practices, including regulatory and operational requirements.
- Degree in operations, manufacturing, or management, or a minimum of 5 years of relevant manufacturing experience.
- Demonstrated success in a senior management role within the Life Sciences or Medical sector with significant leadership responsibilities.
- Proven ability to lead teams effectively in dynamic and high‑pressure manufacturing environments.
- Strong financial and operational business acumen.
- Deep understanding of Danaher DBS fundamentals at Gemba – Daily Management, Standard Work, Problem Solving – to drive productivity and continuous improvement.
- Willingness to travel occasionally within the UK and internationally.
- Collaborative team player as part of site leadership, supporting other senior leaders to meet business objectives.
- Proficient in ERP systems.
We welcome applicants who are both strategic thinkers and hands‑on operational leaders, committed to delivering sustainable quality and safety in a regulated life‑sciences manufacturing environment.
Senior Operations Manager in Cardiff employer: Radiometer
Cytiva is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Cardiff site where innovation meets operational excellence. We prioritise employee growth through comprehensive training programmes and a strong focus on safety and compliance, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your professional development in the thriving Life Sciences sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Operations Manager in Cardiff
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Radiometer, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operations Manager in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Radiometer specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Radiometer
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Radiometer, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Radiometer value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
