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 growth potential within an international group.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment with autonomy and influence.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in manufacturing and strong operational skills.
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.
Senior Manufacturing Operations Manager. Job in Gorseinon LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Join a dynamic and globally backed manufacturing business in Gorseinon, where you will have the opportunity to lead a critical front-end operation within a high-volume industrial environment. With a strong focus on employee development, a collaborative leadership culture, and the chance to make a genuine impact on operational performance, this role offers not just a job, but a pathway for meaningful career progression in a thriving sector. Enjoy competitive remuneration, bonuses, and the autonomy to drive continuous improvement initiatives while working alongside a dedicated team in a supportive and innovative workplace.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manufacturing Operations Manager. Job in Gorseinon LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨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 and its operations. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them improve. We want you to walk in there ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and led teams in previous roles. We need to see that you can inspire and manage people effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manufacturing Operations Manager. Job in Gorseinon LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in leading large manufacturing operations and any relevant continuous improvement initiatives you've been part of. 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 the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and improved productivity in previous positions. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We’re looking for someone who can lead through influence and build strong relationships. In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style and how you've developed teams in the past. We love hearing about your hands-on approach!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply 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 you’re keen on 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 KPIs in previous roles, especially around safety, quality, and cost management. This shows you understand the business's core needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership capabilities, particularly 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 within the industry, including their competitors and market trends. Being able to discuss how you can contribute to their strategic goals will demonstrate your commercial awareness and readiness for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a manufacturing context. Practice articulating your thought process for overcoming challenges like bottlenecks or resource allocation issues, as this will showcase your operational expertise.
