At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations across multiple business units and modernise processes for success.
- Company: A world-leading manufacturer with a people-first culture and strong technical heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, private healthcare, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a stable company with global reach and exceptional staff retention.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in manufacturing, strong leadership skills, and experience with Lean and Six Sigma.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence the next phase of a well-established business.
The predicted salary is between 56000 - 64000 £ per year.
Salary: £70,000 – £80,000 – including a 20% uncapped management bonus (based on company performance).
Location: Trafford Park, Manchester. On-site, with secure parking and EV charging provided.
Join a World-Leading Manufacturer Supplying into Energy, Defence and Scientific Industries
The company is an independent, Manchester-based manufacturer of specialist materials used across energy, aerospace, research and engineering projects.
With a 30+ year track record of exporting to 65+ countries, they are a stable, growing business with a strong technical heritage and a people-first culture. Staff retention is exceptional—many examples of people being there 20+ years.
They’re now looking for an experienced Operations Manager to help them scale further, improve coordination between key business units, and modernise operational processes for continued long-term success.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead operations across three business units.
- Oversee production, maintenance, quality, logistics and safety for 35+ manufacturing staff.
- Manage planning and scheduling to meet customer delivery timelines.
- Develop ERP capability, drive automation of both physical and digital processes.
- Improve cost, quality, delivery and equipment uptime using modern manufacturing practices.
- Develop and manage plant budgets and control operational costs.
- Ensure full compliance with HSE and ISO standards.
- Build a high-performing team with a strong focus on training and development.
- Report directly to the Ops Director and act as a bridge between site and corporate strategy.
What We're Looking For
- 10+ years in manufacturing or industrial operations.
- At least 5 years in senior leadership.
- Proven success improving performance across safety, cost, quality, delivery.
- Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Solid background in Lean, Six Sigma and continuous improvement.
- Comfortable with ERP (SAP, Syteline) and data analysis tools.
- Degree in Engineering, Operations or related field preferred but not essential.
Why Join?
- Family private healthcare.
- 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays.
- Buy/sell up to 5 days holiday.
- Scottish Widows pension.
- Up to 30 weeks sick pay.
- Life assurance – 4x salary.
- Enhanced maternity/paternity pay (after 2 years).
- Cycle to Work scheme, EAP and occupational health support.
- Free on-site parking, EV charging, and refreshments.
This is a rare chance to influence the next phase of a well-established business with global reach. If you’re looking to leave a legacy, not just do a job—this is the opportunity.
If you have any questions please still submit an application – I will reach out to you and set up an initial call to go into more detail with you about the role, business and culture.
Operations Manager in Manchester employer: White Label Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
White Label Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. 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 researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets what they're about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and showcase your achievements effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing and leadership, and don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for operational excellence and how your background can help us scale and modernise our processes.
Showcase Your Skills: We want to see your skills in action! Be sure to include examples of how you've improved performance in safety, cost, quality, and delivery in your previous roles. This will help us understand your impact in past positions.
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, we love seeing candidates who follow the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at White Label Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you understand the key operations of the company you're interviewing with. Familiarise yourself with their production processes, quality control measures, and logistics strategies. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in how they operate.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, strong leadership is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in improving performance across safety, cost, quality, and delivery. Be ready to discuss your approach to building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves managing budgets and operational costs, come prepared with insights on how you've used data analysis tools in previous roles. Discuss your experience with ERP systems like SAP or Syteline, and how you've leveraged data to drive automation and improve operational efficiency.
✨Align with Company Values
This company prides itself on a people-first culture and exceptional staff retention. Research their values and be ready to discuss how your own values align with theirs. Highlight your commitment to training and development, and how you plan to contribute to a positive workplace environment.