At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise operations in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join an award-winning construction manufacturing firm with a strong team culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on safety, quality, and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving operational excellence and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing leadership and lean principles is essential.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
We are absolutely thrilled to be working alongside our Award-Winning Construction Manufacturing client as we look to recruit an Operations Manager to support and lead the Production and Warehousing side of their business.
Your New Role as Operations Manager
- Direct reports: Production Manager, Warehouse Supervisor, Production Operatives
As our new Operations Manager you will be responsible for the overall leadership, performance and strategic development of Operations across our specialist products range. The role provides direction and governance to manufacturing, warehousing, planning and quality improvement activities, ensuring the business has the capability, capacity, systems and people required to support current and future growth. The Operations Manager will establish and deploy the operational strategy, driving operational excellence through lean manufacturing, workforce development, automation, continuous improvement and investment planning. The role is accountable for aligning safety, quality, delivery, cost and sustainability performance with business objectives. The role will develop a high-performance culture, ensuring departmental managers have the capability, structure and support required to meet customer needs while improving productivity, quality and profitability. The Operations Director has executive responsibility for operational compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 50001 and quality systems specific to our sectors. You will work with the wider leadership team to support strategic growth, business improvement and succession planning.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership and Business Performance
- Develop and implement the Operations strategy aligned with business growth objectives.
- Establish operational objectives, KPIs, budgets and improvement plans.
- Ensure people, equipment, facilities and systems support current and future operational requirements.
- Lead capacity planning, operational forecasting and capital investment planning.
- Provide clear operational performance reporting, risks and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Build effective relationships across Siderise Group functions, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders.
- Operational Excellence and Lean Manufacturing
- Lead the deployment of Lean Manufacturing principles and a culture of continuous improvement throughout the business.
- Drive improvements in productivity, throughput, OEE, labour utilisation, material flow and delivery performance.
- Reduce waste, process variation, downtime and non-value-added activities.
- Challenge and support operational managers to deliver sustainable performance improvements.
- Lead major operational improvement, automation, facility and equipment projects.
- Drive cost reduction without compromising safety, quality or customer requirements.
- Leadership and People Development
- Lead and develop the Operations leadership team, setting clear accountability and performance expectations.
- Establish succession plans and structured development pathways for key operational roles.
- Coach managers and supervisors and build capability for future business needs.
- Promote employee engagement, collaboration, continuous learning and our values.
- Quality and Compliance
- Provide executive ownership of operational quality performance and annual improvement objectives.
- Drive year-on-year reductions in customer complaints and internal, supplier and customer NCRs.
- Ensure significant non-conformances receive effective root cause analysis, corrective action and verification.
- Maintain operational compliance with customer requirements and ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 50001 and others identified specific to the sector.
- Support audit readiness, management reviews and continual improvement of the integrated management system.
- Safety, Environment and Sustainability
- Ensure safe, compliant and environmentally responsible operations across the business.
- Promote a positive safety culture and ensure operational risks are assessed and controlled.
- Lead progress against environmental, energy and sustainability objectives.
- Ensure compliance with applicable legal, regulatory and company requirements.
Your Qualifications
- You will have a combination of technical qualifications and operational leadership experience. Preferably you will have:
- Degree, HND or equivalent qualification in Operations Management, Engineering, Manufacturing or a related discipline.
- Proven leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience leading multi-functional operational teams.
- Demonstrable success implementing Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement programmes.
- Experience of strategic business planning, operational budgeting and capital investment.
- Strong experience in people development, succession planning and organisational change.
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 50001 management systems.
- Lean Practitioner, Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent qualification advantageous.
- Strong commercial awareness, financial understanding and data-led decision making.
Your Technical Knowledge and Skills
- Strategic operations and manufacturing leadership.
- Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and operational excellence.
- Capacity planning, resource optimisation and production planning.
- Operational KPI management, data analysis and performance reporting.
- Quality management systems, root cause analysis and corrective action.
- Supply chain, inventory and warehouse operations.
- ERP/MRP systems and digital manufacturing awareness.
- Budgeting, cost control and capital investment planning.
- Programme and project management.
- Leadership, coaching, workforce development and succession planning.
- Health, safety, environmental, energy and regulatory compliance.
- Commercial judgment, stakeholder management and clear executive communication.
Your Personal Attributes
- Strategic thinker with strong.
- Visible, credible and engaging operational leader.
- Strong coach and developer of managers and future leaders.
- Commercially aware, data driven and results focused.
- Excellent communicator able to influence at all organisational levels.
- Decisive, accountable and effective under pressure.
- Continuous improvement mindset with the resilience to lead change.
- Committed to safety, quality, sustainability and customer satisfaction.
- Demonstrates integrity, professionalism and company values at all times.
Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age.
Operations Manager (Manufacturing & Logistics) in Suffolk employer: Search
Search is an exceptional employer that values innovation and growth, offering a dynamic work culture where employees can thrive in their careers. With hybrid working options in vibrant cities like Edinburgh and London, we provide our team with the flexibility to balance work and life while enjoying competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development in the travel industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager (Manufacturing & Logistics) in Suffolk
✨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!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Search, 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 Operations Manager (Manufacturing & Logistics) in Suffolk
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 Search 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 Search
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Search, 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 Search 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.
