Operations Manager -- Specialist Manufacturer in Merthyr Tydfil

Operations Manager – Specialist Manufacturing Location: Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales Salary: Competitive salary Contract: Permanent Hours: 39 hours per week, Monday to Friday Are you an experienced manufacturing leader ready to take the next step into a broader operational management role? I’m supporting an established specialist manufacturer operating within highly regulated and quality-critical sectors with the appointment of an Operations Manager. The company is open to applications from existing Operations Managers as well as ambitious Manufacturing Managers, Production Managers or other experienced departmental leaders who are ready to progress into their first full Operations Manager position. Reporting to the Operations Director, you will lead and coordinate the company’s day-to-day operational functions, bringing together production, purchasing and materials, quality and NPI, engineering and test, and key account management. You will be supported by an experienced multidisciplinary management team, making this an excellent opportunity to broaden your responsibilities and develop your career at a senior operational level. Your responsibilities will include: Providing visible, day-to-day leadership across the company’s operational functions Leading and developing the Production Manager, Purchasing and Materials Manager, Quality and NPI Manager, Engineering and Test Manager, and Key Account Manager Ensuring departments work collaboratively to achieve company and customer objectives Monitoring performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, capacity and customer satisfaction Chairing daily and weekly operational meetings Ensuring the business has the people, skills, materials, equipment and capacity required to meet demand Identifying and resolving constraints affecting production flow and customer delivery Overseeing material availability, inventory, supply-chain risks and supplier performance Supporting the continued effectiveness of quality-management systems and regulatory compliance Monitoring defects, customer complaints, corrective actions and improvement plans Overseeing the introduction of new products from customer approval through to manufacturing release Supporting engineering capability, test capacity and the implementation of new processes and technologies Working closely with account management to understand customer priorities and resolve escalated issues Establishing and monitoring operational KPIs Leading Lean manufacturing, 5S and continuous-improvement initiatives Supporting performance reviews, objective setting, training, succession planning and skills development Building a culture of accountability, teamwork, quality and continuous improvement About you You do not necessarily need to have held the title of Operations Manager previously. You may currently be working as a: * Manufacturing Manager * Production Manager * Senior Production Manager * Value Stream Manager * Site Manufacturing Manager * Engineering Manager * Quality and Operations Manager * Head of Manufacturing * Deputy Operations Manager What is more important is that you can demonstrate the leadership ability, operational understanding and ambition required to take responsibility for a broader manufacturing operation. You should have: * Strong management experience within a manufacturing environment * Experience leading teams, supervisors or departmental managers * A good understanding of production performance, quality, delivery, materials, capacity and cost * Evidence of improving operational performance through people, processes and KPIs * Experience working collaboratively with functions such as engineering, quality, supply chain and customer account management * An understanding of Lean manufacturing, 5S or other continuous-improvement methods * Strong communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills * The confidence to challenge existing practices and hold people accountable * A practical, visible and supportive leadership style * The ambition and capability to progress into a wider operational leadership position Applications are welcomed from candidates with relevant leadership experience gained within complex, regulated or quality-critical manufacturing environments. Why apply? This is an excellent opportunity to: * Take your first step into a full Operations Manager position * Broaden your experience across multiple operational departments * Receive support and direction from an experienced Operations Director * Lead and develop an established multidisciplinary management team * Influence operational decisions and improvement priorities * Deliver meaningful improvements across quality, delivery, efficiency and customer satisfaction * Play an important role in the company’s continued development and growth If you are already an Operations Manager—or you feel ready to take that next step—I would be very interested in speaking with you. All applications and enquiries will be treated with complete confidentiality