Job Description:

Operations Manager - Manchester

£82,000 + 15% Bonus + Excellent Pension

A leading international manufacturing business is seeking an Operations Manager to join its senior leadership team at a high-volume manufacturing facility in Manchester.

This is a key leadership role within a fast-paced production environment, responsible for overseeing production planning, manufacturing and logistics operations while driving improvements across systems, processes and people.

The business is entering a major investment phase, with significant capital being deployed into advanced manufacturing, automation and site-wide operational improvements. A major focus will be on automating and modernising existing machinery, improving production flow and introducing smarter manufacturing technologies across the facility.

As a result, this role offers a rare opportunity for an experienced operations leader to shape the future of the site, implement automation initiatives and drive meaningful operational transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop manufacturing, planning and logistics functions within a high-volume production environment
• Drive a strong health, safety and operational performance culture
• Develop and implement manufacturing capacity strategies and capital investment plans
• Support the automation of existing machinery and production processes to improve efficiency, throughput and consistency
• Work closely with engineering teams to introduce automation, robotics and smarter manufacturing technologies
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and data-driven performance metrics
• Monitor and improve operational KPIs including OEE, quality, labour efficiency and plan adherence
• Work closely with engineering, quality and support functions to deliver cross-functional improvements
• Develop and coach teams to improve capability and long-term succession planning

About You

• Senior leadership experience within manufacturing or production operations
• Proven ability to manage high-volume, fast-paced manufacturing environments
• Experience driving automation, process optimisation or modernisation of production equipment
• Strong background in continuous improvement and Lean methodologies
• Analytical and data-driven approach to operational performance
• Engineering or technical background desirable
• Experience within plastic injection moulding or similar manufacturing processes would be advantageous but not essential

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys leading complex operations and driving transformation, with the autonomy to make a real impact within a well-invested and evolving manufacturing operation.

For a confidential discussion, please get in touch.