Job Description:

Operations Manager - Maldon area, Essex - Salary: Competitive + Bonus Scheme

We are recruiting on behalf of a highly respected Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication business based in Essex. The company has built a strong reputation for delivering technically demanding fabrication and welding solutions to long-standing UK technology customers. This is a key senior leadership appointment and an excellent opportunity for an experienced Operations Manager to take ownership of a busy, high-quality manufacturing operation with a strong people-focused culture.

Reporting directly to the MD, the Operations Manager will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the production operation, leading the shop floor, developing the team leader structure, and ensuring customer delivery, quality, and operational performance targets are achieved.

This is a genuinely hands-on operational leadership role suited to someone who enjoys being close to manufacturing processes, supporting people, solving problems, and driving continuous improvement across a precision engineering environment.

Duties

• Lead and manage the day-to-day production operation across a busy precision sheet metal fabrication facility
• Support and develop four Production Team Leaders, strengthening the middle-management structure
• Ensure production schedules, quality standards, and customer delivery requirements are consistently achieved
• Work closely with Purchasing, Inspection, and Estimating functions to support operational efficiency
• Maintain strong working relationships with key customers, acting as a trusted operational and technical point of contact
• Support implementation of improvements including production planning, scheduling, ERP, and management system modernisation
• Identify opportunities for investment in equipment, plant, and capability improvements
• Drive a positive, respectful, and collaborative culture across the business
• Ensure Health & Safety and Quality procedures are effectively implemented on the shop floor
• Monitor operational performance and report regularly to the MD

Requirements

• Proven experience in an Operations Manager, Production Manager, or senior manufacturing leadership role within engineering or precision manufacturing
• Strong technical understanding of sheet metal fabrication, welding, and manufacturing processes
• Experience managing production teams within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Ability to develop and mentor team leaders and first-line management teams
• Experience working directly with customers in technically demanding industries
• Strong operational planning, scheduling, and problem-solving skills
• Hands-on management style with excellent communication and leadership skills
• Experience implementing operational improvements and modern manufacturing systems would be ideal

What's on Offer

• Bonus based on company performance
• 20 days holiday plus bank holidays
• 40 hours per week
• On site parking available

Call Julia @ Prime Appointments to discuss or send your application via the advert link.

Candidates who require sponsorship now or in the future will not be considered for this position