At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic manufacturing operation, driving performance and continuous improvement.
- Company: Established global manufacturing business with strong order books.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with significant visibility and influence across departments.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-volume industrial environment with autonomy.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in manufacturing and strong operational control.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 78000 £ per year.
An established and globally backed manufacturing business is looking to appoint a high-calibre Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead a critical front-end manufacturing operation within a complex, high-volume industrial environment. This is not a traditional production management role. The successful candidate will operate as a General Manager for their business unit - owning performance across safety, quality, throughput, cost, people and continuous improvement while leading a sizeable manufacturing operation supplying long-term customer programmes.
The role sits within a senior leadership structure and offers genuine influence across operations, engineering, quality, supply chain, and commercial performance.
The Opportunity
You will take responsibility for a major manufacturing value stream, overseeing the full front-end production process from raw material intake through primary processing before handover into finishing operations. Leading through a team of Production Managers, Shift Managers and Team Leaders, you will oversee an indirect workforce of approximately 70 employees within a unionised manufacturing environment. This is a highly visible leadership role requiring both strategic thinking and operational delivery.
The business has strong order books and long-term customer demand, however success in this role will come from your ability to:
- Drive operational performance daily
- Improve productivity and throughput
- Manage cost and labour performance
- Build strong supplier relationships
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives
- Develop leadership capability within the operation
- Create future-state operational improvements rather than simply managing day-to-day production
The successful candidate will be empowered to make decisions, challenge traditional thinking, and help shape the future direction of the operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all operational activity across the assigned business unit
- Own daily Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost performance
- Manage and deliver operational KPIs and business unit P&L performance
- Lead, coach, and develop Production Managers and wider leadership teams
- Drive labour planning, resource allocation, and productivity improvements
- Identify bottlenecks, constraints, and capacity challenges
- Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Planning, Supply Chain and Customer teams
- Lead operational continuous improvement activity using Lean and CI methodologies
- Drive accountability, engagement, and performance culture across the shop floor
- Manage operational risk, supplier challenges, and changing production demands
- Support longer-term operational strategy and future growth planning
About You
We are looking for a proven manufacturing leader who combines strong operational control with commercial awareness and modern leadership capability. You will ideally come from a complex manufacturing, heavy engineering, metals, aerospace, automotive or industrial processing background.
Most importantly, you will be someone who:
- Has genuinely led large manufacturing operations
- Understands how to drive performance through people
- Can balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational leadership
- Brings practical continuous improvement experience rather than textbook theory
- Builds relationships across all levels of a business
- Thrives in fast-paced production environments
- Has the credibility and presence to influence across departments
Experience Required
- Significant leadership experience within a manufacturing environment
- Experience leading large operational teams through subordinate managers
- Strong understanding of production, quality, HSE and cost management
- Experience within unionised environments is advantageous
- Proven continuous improvement and operational transformation experience
- Strong commercial and operational decision-making capability
- Lean / Six Sigma exposure beneficial
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to join a well-invested manufacturing business with:
- Strong long-term order books
- Significant operational scale
- A collaborative leadership team
- Real autonomy and ownership
- Opportunities for progression within a larger international group
- The chance to make a genuine operational impact
The role would suit an ambitious manufacturing leader seeking a broader operational leadership position with significant visibility and influence.
General Manager, Front‑End Manufacturing & Operations in Gorseinon employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Join a well-established manufacturing business in Swansea that prioritises employee growth and operational excellence. With a collaborative leadership culture, strong long-term order books, and the opportunity to make a genuine impact, this role offers autonomy and the chance to progress within a larger international group. Embrace a dynamic work environment where your strategic thinking and hands-on leadership will drive continuous improvement and operational success.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager, Front‑End Manufacturing & Operations in Gorseinon
✨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 help you land that General Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising your STAR technique. We want you to showcase your leadership skills and operational achievements clearly. Think about specific examples where you’ve driven performance or led continuous improvement initiatives.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the company culture! Understanding their values and how they operate will help you tailor your approach. We recommend checking out their website and social media to get a feel for their environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate leaders who can make a real impact in manufacturing operations.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager, Front‑End Manufacturing & Operations in Gorseinon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your leadership experience in manufacturing and any continuous improvement initiatives you've led. We want to see how you can drive performance!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this General Manager role. Share your passion for manufacturing and how your strategic thinking can benefit our operations. Let us know why you want to join our team!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you improve productivity or reduce costs? Share those numbers! We love seeing how you've made a tangible impact in previous positions.
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, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on key performance metrics relevant to manufacturing operations. Be ready to discuss how you've driven improvements in safety, quality, and cost management in your previous roles. This shows you understand the business's core needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership capabilities, especially in managing large teams and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Think about specific situations where you’ve successfully led through change or improved team performance.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Research the company’s position in the market and its operational challenges. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, particularly in driving productivity and managing supplier relationships. This demonstrates your strategic thinking.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the industry. Inquire about their current operational challenges or future growth plans. This not only shows your interest but also your proactive approach to problem-solving.
