Operations Manager

HX6 Area | £50,000 - £55,000 + Benefits

Aqumen Recruitment is delighted to be partnering with a well-established and growing manufacturing business in the HX6 area to recruit an experienced Operations Manager.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on leader to join a successful organisation that continues to invest in its people, processes, and production capabilities. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving operational performance, developing teams, and supporting future growth.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Operations Manager will lead manufacturing operations across a busy production environment, ensuring safety, quality, productivity, and customer service objectives are consistently achieved.

This position offers significant scope to influence operational strategy, implement continuous improvement initiatives, and develop a high-performing culture across the site.

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing and production activities to achieve output, quality, and delivery targets.

• Develop and monitor production plans, ensuring resources are effectively allocated.

• Drive key operational KPIs including OEE, productivity, waste reduction, efficiency, and on-time delivery.

• Ensure operational procedures and standards are maintained and consistently followed.

• Lead, coach, and develop Production Managers, Shift Managers, Engineering teams, and shop floor personnel.

• Support workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, and performance management activities.

• Foster a positive, engaged, and high-performance working culture.

• Work closely with EHS, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance functions to support business objectives.

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing principles and structured problem-solving techniques.

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance operational performance.

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and monthly operational reporting activities.

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Previous experience as an Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager, Factory Manager, Plant Manager, or similar senior manufacturing leadership position.

• Proven experience managing teams within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Strong understanding of production processes, operational KPIs, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Experience driving performance improvements through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar approaches.

• Excellent leadership, coaching, and people development skills.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.

• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing performance data.

• The ability to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders at all levels of the business.

• A proactive, hands-on approach combined with strong commercial awareness.

Ideally, candidates will hold:

• A degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related discipline.

• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma qualifications.

• IOSH or NEBOSH certification (advantageous).

• Salary of £50,000 - £55,000

• Company benefits package

• Career development opportunities

• The chance to join a growing and ambitious manufacturing business

• A highly visible leadership role with genuine influence across the organisation

If you are an experienced manufacturing leader looking for your next challenge and have a passion for operational excellence, continuous improvement, and team development, we'd love to hear from you.

Aqumen Recruitment is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.