At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in a specialist coatings manufacturing site and drive efficiency.
- Company: Established coatings manufacturer with a focus on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, quarterly bonuses, pension contribution, and clear progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with a clear path to senior leadership.
- Why this job: Step into a key leadership role with real impact on the company's future.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and a degree in Engineering or related field.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
An established specialist coatings manufacturer is looking to appoint an experienced Operations Manager to support the continued development, performance and future leadership of the business. This position would suit a commercially aware, hands-on operations professional with a strong background in manufacturing, production management and team leadership. Experience gained within industrial coatings, powder coating, surface treatment, finishing, paint, chemicals, materials processing or a closely related manufacturing environment would be particularly relevant.
The business is entering an important stage in its long-term planning, and this role offers more than a standard Operations Manager position. The successful applicant will be developed into a key senior figure within the company, with a realistic route towards Director / Board-level responsibility over the next few years.
The Role
- You will take responsibility for the smooth running of operational activity across the site, ensuring production, people, processes and resources are aligned to meet customer demand and business targets.
- This will include leading teams, improving operational performance, supporting production planning, managing site resources and ensuring the business continues to operate efficiently, safely and commercially.
Main Duties
- Lead daily operational activity across a specialist coatings manufacturing site.
- Manage production output, workflow, planning, stock, purchasing, facilities and logistics.
- Support and develop supervisors, team leaders and wider operational staff.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, quality and cost control.
- Ensure customer requirements, production schedules and internal targets are consistently met.
- Work closely with senior leadership on operational strategy and future business planning.
- Maintain strong standards around health & safety, compliance, quality and process control.
- Help shape the operational structure of the business as part of a planned succession strategy.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be an experienced Operations Manager, Production Manager or Manufacturing Manager who is comfortable operating in a practical, fast-paced and technically led environment. You will need to demonstrate:
- Extensive experience in production, manufacturing or operations management.
- A strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production flow and operational planning.
- Previous experience managing teams within a factory, production or process-led environment.
- A degree in Engineering or a relevant technical discipline.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to bring structure, accountability and improvement.
- Good commercial awareness and the confidence to report at senior management / Board level.
- A proactive, problem-solving approach with the ability to make decisions and drive change.
- Practical mechanical and/or electrical knowledge would be advantageous.
- Experience in coatings, surface finishing, paint, powder coating, chemical processing or similar would be highly desirable.
Whats on Offer
This is a genuine long-term career opportunity within a stable and well-established coatings business. The package includes:
- £60,000 - £70,000 basic salary
- Quarterly performance bonuses of £3,000 - £5,000 per quarter, depending on personal and company performance
- 4% company pension contribution
- Clear progression route into senior leadership
- Opportunity to influence the future direction of the business
- Supportive, established and technically focused working environment
This role is best suited to someone ambitious, operationally strong and ready to step into a position with real long-term responsibility.
Operations Manager - Coatings in Kettering employer: Retaind Limited
Join a well-established coatings manufacturer in Kettering as an Operations Manager, where you will not only lead operational activities but also have the opportunity to shape the future of the business. With a competitive salary, quarterly performance bonuses, and a clear progression route into senior leadership, this role offers a supportive and technically focused work environment that fosters employee growth and development. Embrace the chance to make a meaningful impact in a stable company that values ambition and operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Coatings in Kettering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and services, especially in coatings and manufacturing. This will help us tailor our answers and show that we’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions and scenarios related to operations management. We should be ready to discuss our leadership style, problem-solving skills, and how we’ve improved efficiency in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in the interviewer’s mind and show our enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Coatings in Kettering
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 team leadership, and don’t forget to mention any relevant industry knowledge you have in coatings or similar fields.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've improved operational performance in previous positions and how you can bring that expertise to us.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We’re looking for someone who can lead teams effectively. In your application, be sure to highlight your leadership style and any successful projects where you’ve managed teams to achieve great results.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Retaind Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of manufacturing processes, especially in coatings and surface treatment. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your understanding of production flow and operational planning.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in a fast-paced environment. Think of instances where you've improved team performance or resolved conflicts, as this will highlight your ability to lead effectively.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Have a few scenarios in mind where you identified inefficiencies or challenges in operations and how you tackled them. This will show your proactive approach and decision-making capabilities.
✨Align with Company Goals
Research the company’s current goals and challenges. Be prepared to discuss how your experience and vision align with their long-term plans. This demonstrates your commercial awareness and commitment to contributing to their success.
