At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop teams in warehouse, production, and logistics to drive operational excellence.
- Company: Join a respected UK manufacturer known for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, profit share, free lunch, early finishes, and birthday off.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business growth while shaping the future of operations.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in manufacturing with strong team development skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
Are you a hands-on Operations Manager who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment? Do you enjoy improving operational performance, developing teams, and making a real impact on business growth?
If so, this is an opportunity to join a highly respected UK manufacturer where you'll have the autonomy, influence, and support to drive meaningful change. Our client is a market-leading manufacturer, trusted by customers nationwide for its quality, innovation, and commitment to delivering exceptional products and service. As the business continues its exciting growth journey, we're looking for an ambitious Operations Manager to take ownership of Production, Warehouse, and Logistics operations and help elevate performance to the next level.
This is a key leadership position where you'll play a pivotal role in delivering operational excellence while contributing to the wider strategic direction of the business.
The Role
Reporting into senior leadership, you'll lead the day-to-day operations of the warehouse, production, and logistics functions, ensuring products are manufactured, dispatched, and delivered safely, efficiently, and on time. You'll be responsible for creating a high-performance culture, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and implementing the systems, processes, and behaviours needed to support future growth. This role would suit someone who has developed their career within an SME manufacturing environment and understands the balance between being strategic and remaining visible and hands-on with the team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop warehouse, production, and logistics teams
- Drive improvements in OTIF (On Time In Full) delivery performance
- Manage production planning, workflow, and resource utilisation
- Improve operational efficiency, productivity, and quality standards
- Develop and coach team members to maximise performance and engagement
- Oversee transport and logistics operations to ensure cost-effective service delivery
- Implement Lean, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Maintain excellent stock accuracy and inventory control
- Monitor operational KPIs and drive performance improvements
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation and best practice
- Collaborate with Customer Service, Procurement, and Senior Leadership teams
- Support operational scalability and business growth initiatives
Requirements
We're keen to speak with candidates who can demonstrate:
- Proven leadership experience within an SME manufacturing environment
- Experience managing production, warehouse, and logistics operations
- A track record of improving OTIF, operational performance, and customer service levels
- Strong people leadership and team development skills
- A hands-on approach combined with strategic thinking
- Experience driving process improvements and operational change
- Excellent planning, organisational, and communication skills
- Strong understanding of Health & Safety within manufacturing
- Experience using ERP, MRP, production planning, or stock control systems
Desirable
- Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence experience
- Manufacturing, engineering, fabrication, assembly, or construction product background
- Forklift licence/certification
- Experience supporting growth within a scaling SME
Benefits
This is an opportunity to join a business that genuinely values its people and creates an environment where individuals can make a real difference. Benefits Include:
- £60,000 - £70,000 salary depending on experience
- Profit Share Bonus Scheme
- Free Lunch Provided Daily
- Early Finish Every Friday
- Birthday Off Every Year
- Growing, successful UK manufacturer
- Supportive and collaborative leadership team
- Real opportunity to influence business performance and future growth
- Career development and progression opportunities
- Additional benefits and rewards
Ready to Lead the Next Phase of Growth?
If you're a passionate operational leader who enjoys building teams, improving performance, and driving continuous improvement within a growing manufacturing business, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and become a key part of an exciting growth journey.
Operations Manager in Cranleigh employer: UBT
Join a highly respected UK manufacturer in Cranleigh, Surrey, where you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative work culture that values your contributions. With a competitive salary, profit share bonus, and unique perks like free lunch and early finish Fridays, this role offers not just a job but a meaningful career path with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. Be part of a dynamic team that is committed to operational excellence and making a real impact on the business's future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Cranleigh
✨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 UBT, 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 Cranleigh
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 UBT 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 UBT
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with UBT, 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 UBT 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.
