At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations, ensuring smooth production and effective communication across teams.
- Company: Established sheet metal fabrication business with a strong reputation and growth.
- Benefits: Join a profitable company with a healthy order book and investment in the future.
- Other info: Opportunity for genuine impact in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team-first culture where everyone contributes and titles don’t matter.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing, leadership skills, and a hands-on approach.
Let's start with what this role isn't. This isn't a business that's struggling. It isn't a turnaround project. It isn't somewhere looking for a consultant to come in and tell them everything they're doing wrong. In fact, quite the opposite. If you're looking for a role where you can sit behind a desk and manage from a distance, this probably isn't for you. If you enjoy being visible, involved and part of the team, you'll fit right in.
This is a well-established and highly successful sheet metal fabrication business that continues to grow year after year. They've invested heavily in state-of-the-art machinery, have a strong reputation within their sector and, quite simply, have plenty of work. What they need now is someone who can sit between the Managing Director and the shop floor, taking ownership of the day-to-day operation and helping ensure everything runs as smoothly as it should. The MD is heavily involved in the operational side of the business and needs someone he can trust to take responsibility for production, planning, purchasing, logistics and people management, allowing him to focus on leading the company strategically.
You'll be overseeing supervisors and managers across the operation, ensuring communication flows effectively, priorities are clear and the business continues to deliver for its customers. This role is about leadership, organisation and accountability. Not reinventing the wheel. This is a business with a genuine team-first culture. There are no big egos and no "that's not my job" attitudes. Whilst you'll be leading the operation, you'll also be expected to roll your sleeves up when needed. Whether that's helping solve a production issue, supporting the shop floor or even jumping on a forklift if the situation calls for it, everyone mucks in. Titles are largely left at the door here. The MD does it. The supervisors do it. The successful person will too.
What you'll be doing:
- Acting as the operational link between the Managing Director and the factory
- Supporting and developing supervisors and departmental managers
- Overseeing production, planning, purchasing, logistics and dispatch
- Ensuring customer orders are delivered on time and to the required quality standards
- Managing operational performance, capacity planning and resource allocation
- Monitoring KPIs and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency
- Supporting estimating and commercial teams with realistic lead times and production capabilities
- Working closely with purchasing and supply chain teams to minimise risk and maintain material availability
- Ensuring quality standards, certifications and compliance requirements are maintained
- Acting as the escalation point for operational issues when required
- Driving continuous improvement where it adds value, without creating unnecessary change
What we're looking for:
- Leads by example rather than from behind a desk
- Is comfortable being visible and present on the shop floor
- Can build respect from operators, supervisors and management alike
- Understands fabrication and manufacturing environments
- Isn't afraid to get stuck in when needed
- Brings structure and accountability without unnecessary bureaucracy
- Can see the bigger picture whilst still paying attention to the day-to-day detail
Why join?
The foundations are already there. You'll be joining a profitable business with a healthy order book, excellent reputation and genuine investment in its future. The machinery is in place. The people are in place. The work is there. This is a leadership role, but it's very much a sleeves-rolled-up environment. Nobody hides behind their job title here. Interested? Get in touch.
Operations Manager in Leicester employer: The Agency
Join a thriving sheet metal fabrication business that prioritises a team-first culture and values hands-on leadership. With state-of-the-art machinery and a strong reputation, this company offers a dynamic work environment where every employee is encouraged to contribute actively, ensuring both personal and professional growth. As an Operations Manager, you'll have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that fosters collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Since this role is all about being part of the team, showing that you understand and fit into their team-first mentality can really set you apart. Do a bit of research on their values and how they operate.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples of when you've rolled your sleeves up in previous roles. This job isn’t about sitting behind a desk, so be ready to share stories that highlight your hands-on approach and leadership skills. We want to see that you can get involved and lead by example.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be acting as a link between the Managing Director and the shop floor, being able to communicate effectively with both sides is crucial. Think about how you can convey complex ideas simply and clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and being part of our success story.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through. We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for operations and teamwork. Show us why you’re excited about this role!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in manufacturing and leadership. We’re looking for someone who understands the shop floor dynamics, so connect your past experiences to what we do here at StudySmarter.
Show Your Team Spirit:Since we value a team-first culture, emphasise your collaborative skills and any examples of how you've rolled up your sleeves in previous roles. We want to know how you’ve contributed to team success and fostered a positive work environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Agency
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research the company thoroughly. Understand their operations, values, and what makes them successful in the sheet metal fabrication industry. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and show that you're ready to be part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Since this role is all about leadership and being hands-on, prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past. Be ready to discuss how you build respect among your peers and how you handle day-to-day operations while still keeping an eye on the bigger picture.
✨Be Ready to Roll Up Your Sleeves
This isn't a desk job, so be prepared to talk about times when you've jumped in to solve problems on the shop floor. Share specific instances where you've helped with production issues or supported your team directly, as this aligns perfectly with the company's culture.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The company values efficiency and continuous improvement, so come armed with ideas or examples of how you've driven improvements in previous roles. Discuss how you've monitored KPIs and identified opportunities for better performance, showing that you're proactive and results-oriented.
