At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production from design to quality-approved luxury crystal products.
- 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: Join a team that values loyalty and craftsmanship.
- 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 50000 - 60000 £ 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
Interested?
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 Manufacturing in Glasgow employer: Talent Media
Join a family-run Scottish manufacturer with over 40 years of heritage, where your role as Operations Manager will not only allow you to lead a skilled team but also pave the way for your future as Operations Director. With a warm, people-first culture and a commitment to innovation, you'll be part of a company that values precision and craftsmanship, offering you the opportunity to shape the future of luxury crystal products while enjoying outstanding employee loyalty and growth potential in East Kilbride.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager Manufacturing in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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 products. Understand their values and what makes them tick. This way, you can tailor your answers to show how you fit into their culture and can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership skills and technical knowledge, especially in areas like print quality and precision manufacturing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager Manufacturing in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in multi-process manufacturing and any relevant technical skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our client's luxury crystal production!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for precision manufacturing and your leadership experience. Let us know why you're the perfect fit for this senior role and how you can help shape the future of the business.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; highlight your achievements! Whether it's improving production efficiency or leading a successful team, we want to see how you've made a difference in your previous roles. Numbers and specific examples work wonders!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our client’s fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Media
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the manufacturing processes mentioned in the job description, especially around print quality and precision. Brush up on your knowledge of plating, paint processes, and any relevant technologies that could enhance production workflows.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you developed team members or improved operations. This role is all about managing people and processes, so showcasing your leadership experience will be key.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Innovation
Since the company is looking to invest in new technologies, come prepared with ideas on how automation and smarter workflows can be introduced. Show genuine curiosity about innovations in manufacturing and how they can be applied to improve efficiency and quality.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex topics. You’ll need to represent the business in front of high-calibre clients, so being able to communicate effectively at all levels is crucial.
