At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead manufacturing operations in aerospace and defence, ensuring safety, quality, and productivity.
- Company: Join a leading aerospace and defence manufacturer with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for travel and working in a dynamic, regulated environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aerospace while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing leadership and a strong understanding of production processes.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
- Senior Operations Manager – Aerospace & Defence
- Manufacturing
- Employment
- Type: Permanent
- Sector: Aerospace and
- Defence
- Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience The Opportunity We are recruiting an experienced Senior Operations Manager to lead manufacturing operations within a highly regulated aerospace and defence environment.
Reporting to the VP of Operations, you will provide visible, hands-on leadership across the operation and take responsibility for delivering against safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity and people objectives.
This is a senior operational role requiring a strong manufacturing leader who can translate business strategy into practical priorities, improve performance and develop a culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement.
You will work closely with Business Unit Managers and colleagues across Planning, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Engineering and Quality to ensure production plans are achievable, operational risks are controlled and customer commitments are consistently met.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day delivery of manufacturing operations across safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity and people.
- Translate the wider operations strategy into clear departmental priorities, improvement plans and measurable objectives.
- Provide visible and consistent leadership across manufacturing and production teams.
- Lead daily, weekly and monthly performance reviews, ensuring issues are identified early and corrective actions are completed.
- Improve on-time delivery, schedule adherence and the recovery of past-due customer orders.
- Coordinate cross-functional activity to remove production constraints and improve operational flow.
- Lead continuous improvement and productivity initiatives covering labour efficiency, throughput, waste reduction, automation and process standardisation.
- Support operational planning, forecasting, capacity reviews, headcount planning and capital expenditure proposals.
- Identify and manage operational risks and opportunities, escalating issues when appropriate.
- Promote a safe working environment and ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, security and quality requirements.
- Develop managers, supervisors and operational teams through coaching, objective setting, performance management, succession planning and skills development.
- Build effective relationships with internal stakeholders, customers, suppliers and regulatory bodies.
- Support customer visits, regulatory reviews and internal or external audits.
- Use operational data and structured problem-solving techniques to drive informed decisions and sustainable improvements.
About You You will be an established manufacturing or operations leader with experience gained within aerospace, defence, engineering or another complex and highly regulated production environment.
You should be able to demonstrate
- Proven experience leading manufacturing or production operations.
- At least two years’ experience managing a manufacturing or production-line environment.
- Experience leading managers, supervisors and multidisciplinary operational teams.
- A strong understanding of production planning, manufacturing flow, supply chain interaction and quality systems.
- A demonstrable record of improving delivery, productivity, cost control and operational capability.
- Confidence using KPIs, performance data and structured problem-solving methods.
- Experience delivering continuous improvement and operational change.
- Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder-management skills.
- Commercial awareness, including an understanding of how operational decisions affect margin, working capital and customer satisfaction.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and make sound decisions in a demanding operational environment.
- A positive, resilient and improvement-focused leadership style.
Qualifications A degree, HND, HNC or equivalent practical experience in operations management, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain or a related discipline would be advantageous.
Qualifications or formal training in leadership, Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement or project management would also be beneficial.
Knowledge of aerospace, defence and associated quality or regulatory standards is desirable.
- Additional Requirements
- You must be able to work within a defence-related environment and satisfy the applicable security requirements.
- Some travel to other company sites and customer or supplier locations may be required.
- A valid UK driving licence would be advantageous.
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to take on a highly influential leadership position within a business supplying mission-critical products and services across the aerospace and defence sectors.
You will play a central role in developing people, strengthening manufacturing performance, meeting customer commitments and supporting the organisation’s continued growth.
If you are an experienced operational leader who combines strong manufacturing knowledge with a genuine commitment to people development and continuous improvement, we would be pleased to hear from you
Senior Operations Manager employer: TXM Recruit
TXM Recruit is an excellent employer, offering a long-term temp-to-perm contract with a focus on stability and career growth for carpenters at large MOD sites near St. Neots. With competitive pay, mileage reimbursement, and a commitment to equal opportunities, employees can expect a supportive work culture that values their skills and contributions while providing ample opportunities for professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Operations Manager
✨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 TXM Recruit, 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 Senior Operations Manager
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 TXM Recruit 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 TXM Recruit
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with TXM Recruit, 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 TXM Recruit 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.
