Operations Manager

Description

We are working with a very well established, family run SME based in Shrewsbury. They are the market leader for technical innovations, and they are world renowned for high quality. They operate within large scale product manufacturing such as Tanks and Valve chambers.

In a period of fast growth, they now require an Operations Manager to oversee all production and operational activities within their manufacturing facility.

This role involves managing the complete operations process from drawing work, raw material storage, component manufacture, assembly, and quality assurance to ensure high-quality, consistent, and market leading products. Your role will focus on operational excellence, efficiency, and strict compliance with quality standards which they are renowned for. We are looking for a hands-on leader, who is happy to get their hands dirty for the good of the team!

You will also assist them in setting up their recently acquired new site which is just across the road from their current site.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operations Management

· Workflow Supervision: Plan, organize, and supervise daily manufacturing and assembly operations and the team leaders who lead their respective areas.

· Scheduling: Optimize production schedules to meet customer demand and project delivery timelines.

· Resource Efficiency: Ensure efficient utilization of materials, labor, and equipment to maximize yield and minimize waste while upholding unassailable quality.

· Process Improvement: Implement Lean, 5S, and Kaizen methodologies to enhance efficiency, reduce downtime and increase output.

· Customer Co-ordination: Meeting promised lead-times and ensuring this is coordinated with the customer to ensure Operational Excellence.

2. Quality & Safety Compliance

· Regulatory Standards: Maintain full compliance with very high-quality standards and all health and safety standards and laws.

· Product Integrity: Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to ensure all products meet technical specifications, build quality and appearance standards to allow us to provide our market leading 25 Year Tank Shell Warranty.

· Monitoring: Track critical control points, including fabrication tolerances, standard manufacturing processes, and controls.

· Corrective Actions: Lead investigations and implement corrective actions for any non-conformances or product deviations.

· Ensure a tidy, organised and professional workplace

3. Manufacturing Process Oversight

· End-to-End Management: Oversee raw material intake, component manufacturing, final assembly operations, all the way through to delivery. Within the operations process, detailed CAD Drawings are required and will also need your oversight.

· Traceability: Maintain full traceability from raw materials to the finished product.

· R&D Collaboration: Work closely with product development teams to maintain consistency across different product lines and improve manufacturing systems and processes.

4. People & Leadership

· Team Development: Lead, train, and mentor production and operation teams to build a world class operations team that master ambitious operational goals.

· Co-ordinating all areas of the operations team to ensure a harmonious outcome for the customer, right from drawing work, through purchasing, production and transport.

· Culture: Promote a strong safety culture and teamwork across all departments.

· Performance: Conduct regular performance reviews and identify skill development opportunities.

5. Inventory & Supply Chain Coordination

· Manage raw materials and stock levels to ensure uninterrupted production

· Coordinate with warehouse team, procurement and logistics to ensure supply levels.

· Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of stock usage and yields

6. Reporting & Continuous Improvement

· Track and report KPIs including throughput, efficiency, downtime, yield, and waste.

· Analyze data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.

· Participate in strategic planning and capital investment projects.

Requirements

· Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and methodologies

· Lean Manufacturing and similar or equivalent industrial certifications (Preferred).

· Excellent leadership and communication skills.

· Proficiency in production management software (e.g., ERP, MES, or similar).

· Analytical mindset for troubleshooting and process optimization.

· Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

· Passion about quality, Commitment to safety.

· Hungry for operational excellence.

· Analytical mindset for troubleshooting, process optimisation and reporting, KPIs and continuous improvement.

· Humble, Hungry, Smart

Benefits

· 50,000- £60,000

· Profit sharing bonus scheme

· Free on-site parking

· Professional development and leadership training opportunities

· Join a great, very loyal team who will make you feel very welcome straightaway! The average length of tenure for their staff is 7 years which is very high considering lots of new employees have joined (70% increase in headcount) in the last 2 years

· A growing, passionate family business