At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production teams and ensure quality in luxury crystal manufacturing.
- Company: Family-run Scottish manufacturer with over 40 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, clear pathway to board position, and a warm culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and innovation in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a world-class luxury product business.
- Qualifications: Senior operations experience in complex manufacturing environments.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Some businesses make a product. Others make something the world remembers. Our client does the latter. A family-run Scottish manufacturer with over 40 years of heritage, their luxury crystal products sit behind bars, in boardrooms, and in the hands of whisky lovers across more than 60 countries. With over 50 skilled craftspeople, a King's Award for Innovation, and a client list that spans every major Scottish whisky producer, this is a business that has earned its reputation and is now ready to push further.
This is a senior hire with a clear pathway to the Operations Director role. If you are looking for a role where you can genuinely shape a business, this is it.
The Role
Reporting directly to a board‑level member, you will take full ownership of production from confirmed design through to finished, quality‑approved product. You will lead teams across Engraving, Print, Clean Room, Plating and Paint, work closely with warehousing to bookend the production process, and collaborate with Sales and Commercial to ensure what is promised to customers is delivered, every time. This is a role for someone who carries themselves with authority, can represent the business in front of high‑calibre clients, and has the technical depth to understand a complex, multi‑process production environment. You will be a safe pair of hands today and the Operations Director of tomorrow.
The culture here is genuinely something special. People stay, they care, and they take real pride in what they make. Your job is to add to that, bringing greater consistency, commercial edge and technical rigour while protecting everything that already makes this place great.
The Environment
This is a technically rich and varied production floor covering high‑volume glass printing, engraving, liquid and electroplating, cork lasering, paint mixing and application, and custom container assembly. No two customer orders are alike, and the standard expected across all of it is luxury, not just good enough. Understanding print and its intricacies is important here. So is an appreciation for precision manufacturing, packaging, decoration, and how each process interacts with the next. Getting it right from the outset is everything, precision and accuracy upfront, not inspection at the end.
Looking Forward
Our client is investing seriously in the future of their manufacturing. You will lead the evaluation and introduction of new technologies, from machine improvements and site upgrades to automation, laser‑led processes and smarter end‑to‑end workflows. You will work closely with research and development and bring the technical mindset and influence to turn ideas off the page and into production reality. Within two years, it is expected that the right person will be ready to step into the Operations Director role and take a seat on the board.
What You'll Be Doing
- Taking full ownership of production from confirmed design through to finished, quality‑approved product
- Leading teams across Engraving, Print, Clean Room, Plating and Paint, managing circa 45 people
- Working closely with warehousing to bookend the production process
- Collaborating with Sales and Commercial to build realistic, well‑managed production plans
- Overseeing high‑volume glass printing, with a strong understanding of print quality, precision and the intricacies of decorating a premium branded product
- Managing plating processes, including liquid and electroplating, paint mixing, cork lasering and custom container assembly
- Driving machine improvements, site improvements and H&S standards
- Investigating and introducing automation and smarter production workflows
- Embedding a right‑first‑time culture with precision and accuracy at every stage
- Representing the business confidently in front of top‑tier customers and external stakeholders
- Working alongside research and development to maintain and elevate quality standards
- Implementing pragmatic metrics and controls, focused on what matters, without over‑engineering
What We're Looking For
- A senior operations or production professional with genuine technical depth across complex, multi‑process manufacturing environments
- A strong understanding of print, packaging, precision manufacturing or decorative production, experience across plastics, paper, carton print or branded goods is highly relevant
- Hands‑on knowledge of plating, paint processes or similar finishing techniques would be a significant advantage
- Glassware or crystal experience is desirable but not essential, we are more interested in the calibre of the person than the industry they come from
- A track record of developing teams and leaders and building stronger, more consistent operations
- Commercially minded, able to translate sales demand into deliverable production plans
- The gravitas and communication skills to hold their own in front of senior clients and at board level
- Genuine curiosity about new technologies, automation and process innovation
- A safe pair of hands who brings calm authority and long‑term thinking
What's On Offer
- £50,000 to £60,000 depending on experience
- A clear and genuine pathway to a seat on the board within two years
- A high‑impact role reporting directly to a board‑level member
- A warm, people‑first culture with outstanding loyalty and exceptionally low staff turnover
- The chance to help shape the future of a genuinely world‑class luxury product business
- Based in East Kilbride with on‑site parking, close to Glasgow
If this sounds like the role you have been waiting for, get in touch with the team at Talent Media today. All applications are treated in the strictest confidence.
Operations Manager in East Kilbride employer: Talent Media
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a warm, people-first culture that prioritises employee loyalty and satisfaction, resulting in exceptionally low staff turnover. With a clear pathway to the Operations Director role within two years, employees are encouraged to grow and innovate in a technically rich environment, where they can take pride in shaping world-class luxury products. Located in East Kilbride, just outside Glasgow, the company provides on-site parking and a supportive atmosphere that fosters collaboration and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in East Kilbride
✨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 Talent Media, 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 in East Kilbride
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 Talent Media 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 Talent Media
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Talent Media, 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 Talent Media 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.
