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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multiple departments, drive performance, and ensure safety compliance.
- Company: Join a respected manufacturing organisation in Sheffield with a strong heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits package, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a forward-thinking team making a real impact in manufacturing.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in a similar role, engineering degree, and leadership experience required.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about continuous improvement and operational success.
W Talent Engineering and Manufacturing is proud to be working in partnership with a well-established and respected manufacturing organisation based in Sheffield. This is a fantastic opportunity for an Operations Leader to join a business with a strong heritage and forward-thinking ambitions.
Are you the right applicant for this opportunity Find out by reading through the role overview below.
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Cold Works to oversee and lead multiple departments including the Saw Shop, NDT (Non-Destructive Testing), Machine Shop, and Closed Die Ancillary Operations.
Key Responsibilities
Drive performance, efficiency, and alignment with business goals across all Cold Works departments.
Champion a zero-accident culture, ensuring compliance with HSE regulations, leading investigations, and embedding a safety-first mindset.
Oversee production schedules, KPIs, and workflow optimisation across machining, NDT, and ancillary operations.
Use data-driven insight to identify bottlenecks and drive sustainable improvements.
Lead, coach, and develop departmental leaders and teams to create a culture of accountability and high performance.
Promote a lean and proactive environment with focus on problem solving and long-term operational success.Key Requirements:
Strong background in Engineering or Manufacturing, with exposure to Machining and NDT environments being advantageous
Bachelor\’s degree in an Engineering/Technical discipline or related field would be highly ad
Proven track record of at least 5 years in a similar role within a highly technical or complex manufacturing industry
A proven track record in metallurgical manufacturing would be highly advantageous
A NEBOSH qualification would be highly advantageous
Expertise in continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, etc.
Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify opportunities for improvement
Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience leading cross-functional teams and driving change initiatives
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to all levels of the business What\’s on Offer:
Competitive salary
Benefits package
Opportunities for career growth and development with in the group
Opportunity to make a difference in the growth of the facility
Operations Manager employer: W Talent
Contact Detail:
W Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific manufacturing processes and technologies used in the company. Understanding their operations, especially in areas like machining and NDT, will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership experience by preparing examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, particularly in a manufacturing context.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company's safety culture and any recent initiatives they've implemented. Being able to discuss how you would champion a zero-accident culture and ensure compliance with HSE regulations will demonstrate your alignment with their values.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with continuous improvement methodologies like Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma. Highlight specific projects where you've driven efficiency and performance improvements, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in engineering or manufacturing, particularly in machining and NDT environments. Use specific examples to demonstrate your leadership abilities and achievements in similar roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for operations management and your understanding of the company's goals. Mention your experience with continuous improvement methodologies like Lean Manufacturing and how you can contribute to a zero-accident culture.
Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, emphasise key achievements from your previous roles, such as successful projects that improved efficiency or safety. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving change initiatives. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, demonstrating your problem-solving skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at W Talent
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your approach to coaching and developing others.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the importance of a zero-accident culture, be ready to discuss your experience with HSE regulations. Share specific instances where you ensured compliance and promoted safety within your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Data-Driven Decision Making
Highlight your analytical skills by discussing how you've used data to identify bottlenecks and implement improvements. Be prepared to provide examples of successful projects that resulted from your insights.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Continuous Improvement Methodologies
Since expertise in methodologies like Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma is crucial, brush up on these concepts. Be ready to discuss how you've applied them in your previous roles to drive operational success.
