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- Tasks: Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Company: Dynamic UK-based process manufacturing operation with a strong employee-centric culture.
- Benefits: 10% annual bonus, 25 days leave, generous pension, and life assurance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a people-focused environment with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing leadership and a background in chemical or materials engineering.
- Other info: Join a company that values training, development, and employee engagement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Umbilical Search is supporting a retained assignment for a high-performing, UK-based process manufacturing operation supplying engineered products and materials into multiple market sectors. Operating from a modern manufacturing facility, this organisation has a strong employee-centric culture. It places genuine value on its people, offering meaningful opportunities for training, development and long-term career progression.
Due to internal promotion and continued growth, we are seeking an Operations Manager to take full day-to-day ownership of site manufacturing operations. This is a highly visible leadership role, with responsibility for operational performance, workforce engagement and continuous improvement within a stable, well-run manufacturing environment. The role will suit a hands-on operations and manufacturing leader with strong technical credibility, experience in chemical or process manufacturing environments, and a passion for delivering sustainable, incremental operational improvements through people-led change.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement using structured methodologies (Lean)
- Improve manufacturing standards across workplace organisation, waste reduction and process stability
- Lead problem-solving activity relating to quality, downtime, materials and process variation
- Support the introduction of new equipment, processes and automation
- Deliver KPI performance across SQDCP
- Build strong relationships with the workforce and management team
- Coach, develop and engage frontline leadership and operational teams
- Support cost control, labour efficiency and material optimisation initiatives
- Maintain a strong shop-floor presence and lead by example
Requirements
- Role: Proven experience in a senior manufacturing leadership role such as Operations Manager, Factory Manager, Plant Manager, Manufacturing Manager or Senior Production Manager
- Experience: Demonstrated success delivering continuous improvement and operational excellence programmes
- Management: Strong people leadership capability, hands-on and with a strong track record in employee engagement and change management
- Sector: Background in process manufacturing with a chemical or materials engineering element
- Qualifications: Suitable engineering, manufacturing, production or scientific qualification; degree preferred but not essential
- Lean / Continuous Improvement experience; Lean Six Sigma Green Belt advantageous
- IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent health & safety qualification
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to make a genuine operational and cultural impact
- Long-term career progression within a growing industrial group
- Focus on process improvement and manufacturing excellence
- People-centric culture with low staff turnover and high engagement
How to apply
Please click “apply”, or for further information, please contact Ajay Bhella at Umbilical Limited. Alternatively, please email me an up-to-date copy of your CV to ajay@umbilicaladvanced.com
Umbilical Limited is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience. We do not discriminate based on age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.
Operations Manager in Lichfield employer: Umbilical Advanced
Contact Detail:
Umbilical Advanced Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Lichfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the process manufacturing sector and let them know you're on the lookout for an Operations Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on Lean methodologies and continuous improvement strategies. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just talk, but you’ve got the experience to back it up!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your skills and experiences relevant to operations management. Engage with industry-related content to showcase your knowledge and passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 4
When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Lichfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in process manufacturing and any continuous improvement initiatives you've led. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our people-centric culture. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the position.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As an Operations Manager, strong leadership is key. In your application, share examples of how you've engaged and developed teams in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and drive change!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Umbilical Advanced
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of process manufacturing and the specific methodologies like Lean that are mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss how you've applied these principles in past roles will show you're not just familiar with the terms, but you can actually implement them.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about people management and engagement. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, improved morale, or driven change in previous positions. Think about specific situations where your leadership made a tangible difference.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that test your problem-solving abilities, especially related to quality, downtime, and process variation. Have a few scenarios ready where you identified a problem, implemented a solution, and measured the results. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and hands-on approach.
✨Cultural Fit Matters
Since the company values a people-centric culture, be prepared to discuss how you would contribute to this environment. Share your thoughts on employee engagement and continuous improvement, and how you plan to build strong relationships with both the workforce and management team.
