Operations Manager
Location: Ramsgate, UK
Business Unit: AEM Limited – AMETEK MRO (Aerospace & Defense)
Role Overview
This is a senior leadership role with full responsibility for site operations at the Ramsgate facility, including operational delivery, financial performance, people leadership, safety, quality and continuous improvement. Reporting to the Site Lead, the Operations Manager plays a key role in delivering strategic objectives within a regulated aerospace MRO environment.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
* Deliver site operational plans aligned to strategic and financial objectives
* Lead daily operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, sales and working‑capital targets
* Optimise production planning and scheduling to improve efficiency and throughput
* Identify operational risks and implement effective mitigation and recovery plans
* Act as a key operational interface across AEM and with external stakeholders
* Lead daily and weekly management routines, including production and performance reviews
Financial & Performance Management
* Develop efficient operational processes that control cost and maximise productivity
* Manage key operational P&L drivers, including labour efficiency, overheads and absorption
* Use KPIs and visual management tools to enable data‑driven decision making
* Identify and manage capital investment requirements supporting growth, safety and compliance
People Leadership & Capability
* Recruit, develop and performance‑manage operational teams and leaders
* Maintain skills matrices, competency records and succession plans
* Provide visible, hands‑on leadership on the shop floor
* Lead teams through change, improvement initiatives and organisational development
* Promote a positive culture aligned to AEM values and behaviours
Safety, Quality & Continuous Improvement
* Champion a strong safety culture and proactively address hazards and unsafe behaviours
* Ensure compliance with Quality, Environmental, Health & Safety requirements
* Lead continuous improvement activity using acknowledged Lean principles
* Ensure operational teams are trained and compliant with Part 145 SMS requirements
Experience & Qualifications
Essential
* At least 8 years’ experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment
* Minimum 3 years in a senior operational leadership role with direct accountability
* Strong planning, organisational and problem‑solving capability
* High digital competence, including Microsoft 365 and ERP systems
Desirable
* Aerospace or MRO experience
* Degree in Engineering or Business
* Lean or Continuous Improvement certification
* Working knowledge of Part 145 regulatory environments