Operations Manager in Eastbourne

Job Title: Engineering Operations Manager Location: Eastbourne (On-Site Working) Salary: £90,000 - £100,000 (+ Bonus & Benefits) Please Note: Only candidates with permanent, unrestricted UK working rights will be considered, as visa sponsorship is not offered for this position. Overview: Zenovo is supporting a key client in the search for an Operations Manager to lead their electronic systems manufacturing operation in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Reporting to the General Manager, you will lead five functional managers across Production, Test, Manufacturing Engineering, Planning and Continuous Improvement, overseeing approximately 160 employees. Your focus will be on driving operational excellence, developing high-performing teams and delivering improvements across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and People, while shaping site strategy and supporting future business growth. Key Responsibilities: Leadership and Development: Lead and develop the operational management team, building capability, accountability and succession. Operational Performance: Deliver objectives across safety, quality, delivery, cost and people, aligned with customer and business requirements. Strategic Leadership: Translate business strategy into operational priorities, plans and measurable outcomes. Continuous Improvement: Lead the deployment and development of the Production Systems, focusing on Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement to improve productivity, quality, efficiency and cost. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Build effective partnerships across operational, engineering and support functions to achieve shared objectives. Manufacturing and Technology: Optimise manufacturing, test and engineering capabilities through process improvement, automation and technology investment. Planning and Readiness: Align production schedules, capacity and resources with customer demand, material availability and S&OP requirements. Health, Safety and Quality: Promote a strong safety, quality and environmental culture, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and ISO standards. Performance Management: Establish robust governance and performance reviews, using data and benchmarking to drive improvement and manage risk. Organisational Excellence: Ensure people, processes and technology support operational excellence, sustainable growth and the sharing of best practice. Required Skills & Experience: Significant senior leadership experience within a complex manufacturing environment.   Proven ability to develop and deliver operational strategies that drive business performance and growth.   Demonstrated success leading operational change, organisational transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.   Experience leading, coaching and developing managers across multiple operational functions.   Proven track record of building high-performing teams and improving Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and People performance.   Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence and performance improvement methodologies.   Excellent communication, stakeholder management and change leadership skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.   Strong commercial awareness, including budget management and cost reduction. Desirable Experience: Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Science or a related subject, or equivalent industry experience.   Qualification in Operations Management, Business, Leadership or Technology Management.   Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or an equivalent continuous improvement qualification.   Experience in electronics or other technically complex manufacturing environments.   Experience implementing automation, digital manufacturing or new manufacturing technologies