At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in a supportive engineering environment and drive impactful changes.
- Company: Established engineering business with a strong history and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 25 days holiday, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Join a tight-knit team where your contributions are valued and recognised.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a dynamic team and shape the future of operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in engineering or project-driven manufacturing and strong leadership skills.
Blackburn/Burnley area
£65,000 - £75,000
38 hours per week
I’m working with an established, tight-knit engineering business where people know each other, the environment is supportive, and the leadership team genuinely wants this person to make a difference. The business has a strong history going back almost 100 years and has an incredibly strong Production and R&D team, positioning them to provide bespoke solutions for their global customer base.
We are looking for the Operations Manager to add value in developing structure, better planning visibility and apply their knowledge of what good looks like in a strong engineering or manufacturing environment. They have a strong team underneath this position and there are multiple examples throughout the business of long-term service – a testament to how people are treated and developed in their positions here. A big aspect of this role will be in getting to know the team, understanding how things work now, building trust on the shop floor and then helping the business move forward in a practical, sensible way.
The role:
- You’ll lead operations across manufacturing, assembly, supply chain, production planning and quality engineering.
- The position has four direct reports across manufacturing, supply chain and assembly and you’ll work alongside an experienced Engineering Manager.
- Improving capacity planning.
- The business works on bespoke, low-volume, high-value, project-led engineering work, so priorities can change, workloads can build quickly and there are often several moving parts to manage at once. They need somebody who can bring more visibility, better control and clearer planning across the operation.
- There is also a new planning or management information system to be introduced, either as a standalone planning tool or as a bolt-on to ERP. You’ll be involved in helping the business implement the systems and embed into the organisation.
- The product has to be right first time.
- Most of what the business does is bespoke, so mistakes are expensive. Quality, planning and communication are all top priorities. The right person will understand that and will help create the processes and behaviours that make right-first-time delivery more consistent.
- You’ll be leading the operational team day to day, improving planning, supporting the direct reports and helping the business become more structured.
- Review how work flows through manufacturing and assembly.
- You’ll support supply chain and planning, ensuring they work closely with production and engineering.
- Making sure the business has a clearer view of capacity, workload, bottlenecks and priorities.
- You’ll be involved in operational budgeting and continuous improvement.
- You will need to be curious, not just accept the first answer to a problem, but dig into the detail, understand the root cause and help fix things properly.
Experience required:
- This role requires someone with an engineering or project-driven manufacturing background.
- You will have worked as an Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager, Head of Operations or similar, experienced in a role where you have a bigger impact.
- You’ll need to be comfortable on the shop floor and credible with people who know their jobs well.
- You’ll also need enough resilience to handle change properly. There is a mix of personalities in the team and you will need to bring people with you, develop them, have the team on board for changes you will implement.
The person:
- Hands-on, visible and approachable.
- Strong enough to drive change, while maintaining good relationships with the team.
- Experienced in engineering or manufacturing operations.
- Strong on capacity planning and managing multiple live projects.
- Comfortable with manufacturing, assembly, supply chain, and planning.
- Able to develop people and improve performance.
- Commercially aware, with experience around budgets, cost control and operational improvement.
- Focused on quality, delivery and right-first-time performance.
- Interested in making a real difference rather than simply maintaining what is already there.
Package Info:
Salary of £65,000 - £75,000
38 hours per week
Flexible working patterns, 25 days holiday, further package info available.
This is your opportunity to shape an operation that is already in a good place, but ready for the next step – apply your knowledge of what good looks like and really make it your own. I will be reviewing all applications and shortlisting successful applications for an initial screening call where we will discuss the role, business and your experience in more detail. Don’t hesitate to get in touch, apply below and I will be in touch to arrange the initial conversation.
Operations Manager in Blackburn employer: White Label Recruitment Ltd
Join a well-established engineering business in the Blackburn/Burnley area, where a supportive work culture and a commitment to employee development create an exceptional environment for growth. With a strong history of nearly 100 years, this company values long-term service and offers flexible working patterns, competitive salaries, and opportunities to lead impactful change within a dedicated team. Here, you will not only enhance operational efficiency but also foster meaningful relationships on the shop floor, making a real difference in a dynamic and innovative setting.
Contact Details:
White Label Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Blackburn
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like White Label Recruitment Ltd, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to White Label Recruitment Ltd specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at White Label Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with White Label Recruitment Ltd, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like White Label Recruitment Ltd value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
