Operations Manager in Portadown

We are recruiting for an Operations Manager covering Stores and Logistics. The post holder will be responsible for playing a pivotal role in streamlining and enhancing our warehousing and logistics operations; leading teams and overseeing day-to-day activities, driving process improvements, strategically planning and managing logistics, whilst ensuring the business is fully compliant with import & export regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all aspects of daily Stores operations, including goods receipt, part warehousing, inventory control and accuracy and kitting across all business revenue streams.
• Implement strategies to optimise efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall operational performance.
• Focus on waste reduction & the eradication of non-value-added activities. Develop and act upon plans to facilitate process improvement.
• Monitor & improve cost-productivity measures & operational improvements through increased efficiencies & performance.
• Support, coach and develop the Stores team in all aspects of their roles to create and deploy a dynamic, high performing and efficient team.
• Focus on delivery for our customers across all revenue streams (NPI, Serial, Aftermarket) both internally and externally.
• Create and implement a Stores vision, strategy, principles, policies and best practice processes to improve operational and financial performance.
• Ensure the integrity of inventory accuracy and manage stock movements and work closely with other teams and auditors to validate this and share best practice.
• Identify and resolve any inventory discrepancies and ensure records are compliant.
• Manage slow moving and obsolete stock.
• Strategically plan and manage logistics transportation for the business.
• Liaise with internal teams to ensure on-time delivery of product within a pre-defined budget.
• Lead all compliance-based logistics activities, including ensuring appropriate internal procedures exist to comply with all relevant import-export regulations, including accuracy & completeness checks on data, liaising with internal & external auditors.
• Manage logistics contracts with key external providers to ensure lowest acquisition costs are achieved whilst maintaining delivery targets.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement lean methodologies to enhance productivity and reduce lead times.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Continually review processes and implement actions to maximize capacity and efficiency.
• Develop an ‘improvement culture’ within the areas of responsibility.
• Work closely with the Quality team to ensure that products meet or exceed quality standards.
• Implement and maintain quality control measures within processes.
• Efficiently allocate resources, including labour, equipment and materials, to meet production goals and customer requirements.
• Create, maintain and embody training plans, and employee development targets across the full span of accountability.
• Collaborate with the supply chain team to optimise supply chain delivery, ensuring timely procurement of materials and components.
• Implement and monitor safety protocols to create a secure working environment.
• Contribute to the development and execution of long-term operational strategies aligned with organisational goals.

Reward

• Competitive salary
• Annual bonus (linked to company performance)
• 33 days annual leave (Increase after 5 years' service)
• 37.5 hours per week
• Flexi time working
• £5,000 employee referral bonus
• Health cash plan
• Contributory Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
• Holiday Purchase Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
• Electric Car Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Life Assurance Scheme at x4 gross salary
• Competitive enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
• IVF & Assisted Conception Policy
• Women in Business - Corporate Member
• Wellbeing Initiatives
• Employee Recognition scheme
• Service Awards
• Local charity/sponsorship activities
• Dedicated employee parking
• Discounted Gym membership
• Learning and development opportunities
• Career progression

Requirements

Essential

• 3+ years management experience having full responsibility of a business function/unit or team.
• Demonstrate in-depth working knowledge of lean & continuous improvement techniques and process improvement projects.
• Proven change management experience.
• Experienced leader with strong record of leading many direct & indirect reports.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative to achieve targets.
• Possess strong IT skills including Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience in setting and working with agreed budgets.
• Experience working in a logistics environment.
• Experience of working with export and import procedures and controls.
• Knowledge of Union Customs Code (UCC) regulations, in particular Inward Processing, Customs and TSS regulations.
• Effective communication skills.
• Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills.
• Budgetary and cost management.
• Proven ability to lead a successful team.
• Proven working knowledge of planning systems including MRP system.

Desirable

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
• ILM Leadership and Management Level 7 (or equivalent).
• Lean Certification.

Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer. The closing date for applications is the 22nd February 2026 at 17:00. For further information contact careers@thompsonaero.com.