Engineering Operations Manager in Basildon

Are you an experienced Engineering Operations Manager, Head of Engineering or Engineering Site Manager, looking for the opportunity to build and lead a flagship automated logistics operation?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Engineering Operations Manager to join a global leader in automated logistics and engineering solutions.

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a major customer site within a highly automated distribution centre, where you'll have the autonomy to shape the operation, build your own team and create a culture focused on engineering excellence, safety and continuous improvement.

As Engineering Operations Manager, you'll be responsible for the overall leadership of the engineering and operational function, ensuring exceptional customer service, outstanding engineering performance and the successful delivery of contractual KPIs.

This is more than just managing an existing operation — you'll play a pivotal role in establishing the site's culture, values, processes and long-term success.

Benefits

• c£115,000 DOE + Bonus + Benefits Package
• Significant career progression opportunities within a global organisation

The Role

As Engineering Operations Manager, your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the engineering and operational teams across a highly automated logistics facility.
• Recruiting, developing, and mentoring managers, engineers, and support teams.
• Building a positive, high-performance culture focused on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Developing strong relationships with the customer, acting as the senior site representative.
• Managing operational budgets, forecasting and CapEx expenditure.
• Delivering agreed KPIs, service levels and engineering performance targets.
• Implementing robust processes, procedures, and operational standards.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to maximise system reliability and efficiency.
• Ensuring the highest standards of Health & Safety and operational compliance.

Role Requirements

We're looking for an experienced Site / Engineering Operations Manager with a strong engineering or technical background who has progressed into senior operational leadership.

You'll ideally have experience within automated logistics, distribution, manufacturing, material handling, FMCG or other complex engineering environments.

You'll also possess:

• A Degree in a technical field (Engineering, Science, or similar).
• Proven experience leading large engineering or operational teams.
• Strong customer relationship and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing budgets, KPIs and operational performance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and people development skills.
• A proactive approach with the ability to drive change and continuous improvement.
• Engineering qualifications or previous hands-on technical experience would be highly advantageous.
• Travel will be required to visit various other company sites to learn the technology, processes, procedures, and company ethos so it can be instilled into this new site.

Why Apply?

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a market-leading organisation and make a genuine impact. You'll have the autonomy to build an operation from the ground up, influence business strategy and develop a high-performing team within a world-class automated logistics environment.

Please apply, or speak to Stuart Cooper at Wagstaff Recruitment for more information on the role.

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