At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in bespoke furniture manufacturing, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
- Company: Established UK manufacturer focused on high-quality furniture for the care sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a growing business with a collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations leadership and lean manufacturing principles required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Derby | Manufacturing | Bespoke Furniture for the Care Sector
A well-established and growing UK manufacturer specialising in the design and production of high-quality, bespoke furniture for the care sector is seeking an experienced Operations Manager. The business creates environments that are safe, durable, and fit for purpose, and continues to expand its operations in line with increasing demand.
Role Overview
This is a senior leadership position with responsibility across manufacturing, supply chain, customer service, and delivery. You will oversee overall operational performance, ensuring products are delivered to specification, on time, and within target margins. The role requires strong leadership, a continuous improvement mindset, and the ability to drive efficiency across all operational functions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead both manufacturing sites to deliver products to specification, on time, and within gross profit targets
- Oversee production scheduling and capacity planning across a range of order types
- Drive quality, safety, and continuous improvement initiatives across all operations
- Monitor and reduce waste, rework, and downtime within manufacturing processes
- Oversee all delivery and installation operations, ensuring projects are executed in line with customer expectations
- Coordinate effectively with internal teams to ensure operational readiness, clear communication, and successful execution
- Ensure a high-performing and responsive customer service function
- Oversee order management from confirmation through to completion
- Implement effective escalation processes to protect and maintain customer relationships
- Ensure material availability and supplier performance support operational requirements
- Contribute to product development decisions from a manufacturability and cost perspective
- Strengthen supplier relationships and negotiate commercial terms where appropriate
- Report directly to senior leadership with clear, data-driven insights
- Own the operational budget and identify opportunities for cost efficiency
- Build and lead a high-performing, engaged team culture
- Lead and support cross-functional improvement initiatives as the business scales
Requirements
- Proven experience in an operations leadership role within a manufacturing or production environment
- Strong understanding and practical application of lean manufacturing principles
- Experience managing and improving OTIF (On Time In Full) performance
- Commercially minded with a strong focus on margin, cost control, and operational efficiency
- Solid understanding of end-to-end production, supply chain, and delivery operations
- An effective leader with the ability to engage, challenge, and develop teams
- Hands-on, proactive, and solutions-oriented approach
- Experience within bespoke or made-to-order manufacturing is advantageous
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to play a key leadership role in a growing business
- Broad scope with full operational responsibility
- Collaborative environment with strong growth ambitions
- Work within a sector that delivers meaningful impact
Senior Operations Leader - Bespoke Manufacturing employer: UBT
Join a well-established and growing manufacturer in Derby, specialising in bespoke furniture for the care sector, where you will have the opportunity to lead operations in a collaborative environment that values continuous improvement and employee development. With a strong focus on quality and efficiency, this role offers a chance to make a meaningful impact while working within a supportive culture that encourages innovation and growth. Enjoy the benefits of a high-performing team atmosphere and the satisfaction of contributing to a sector that truly makes a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Operations Leader - Bespoke Manufacturing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local manufacturing events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, values, and recent news. We want you to walk in there with confidence, showing them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit for their bespoke operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you’ve driven efficiency and improved processes in past roles. We believe that demonstrating your hands-on approach will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior Operations Leader position!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operations Leader - Bespoke Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior Operations Leader role. Highlight your leadership experience in manufacturing and any lean principles you've applied, as this will show us you're a great fit for our bespoke furniture production.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the care sector and how your operational expertise can drive efficiency and quality in our manufacturing processes. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you improve OTIF performance or reduce waste? Share those numbers with us! This helps us see the impact you've made in previous positions and how you can contribute to our growth.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll get to explore more about our company culture and values while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at UBT
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the manufacturing processes, supply chain dynamics, and customer service expectations. Brush up on lean manufacturing principles and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully built and led high-performing teams. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role requires reporting to senior leadership with clear insights, come prepared with data-driven examples from your past experiences. Discuss how you've monitored performance metrics like OTIF and what strategies you implemented to improve them.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Be ready to talk about initiatives you've led that focused on quality, safety, and efficiency. Share specific instances where you identified waste or downtime and the steps you took to address these issues.
