Operations Manager
Rayleigh | Multi-Site | £65,000 – £70,000 + Discretionary Bonus | Pool Car Provided | Monday to Friday | 9am to 5pm
The Role
We are recruiting for an experienced Operations Manager to take full operational ownership of a well-established manufacturing business operating across two sites, Rayleigh, Essex and Letchworth, Hertfordshire.
This is a hands‑on leadership role overseeing production, supply chain, buying/sourcing, finance oversight, customer service and compliance. The successful candidate will report directly to the Managing Director and play a key role in driving operational performance and business sustainability.
To be considered for this role
- To be considered for this role, candidates must have a minimum of 3 years’ UK-based experience in a senior manufacturing or operations leadership position. An engineering background is preferred, however applicants must, at minimum, have significant senior‑level experience within a manufacturing environment.
- You must also have hands‑on experience with ERP systems and/or Xero accounting software, along with a proven track record of managing end‑to‑end operations including production, stock control, supply chain, and budget oversight.
Applicants who do not meet these essential criteria will not be considered.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage manufacturing operations across two sites
* Oversee Production Manager and operational teams
* Drive production planning to meet delivery targets
* Manage stock control and procurement processes
* Implement KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives
* Ensure compliance with medical/regulatory quality standards (QMS)
* Liaise with QA/RA consultants and support audits
* Oversee budgets, financial decisions, invoice and payroll processes
* Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and customers
* Work closely with senior leadership and parent company
Essential Must‑Have Experience
* Senior leadership experience within a manufacturing/production environment
* Proven experience managing end‑to‑end operations (procurement to finished product)
* Strong stock control and supply chain management background
* Experience using Unleashed ERP and/or Xero
* Financial oversight experience (budgets, cost control, operational spend)
* Experience implementing KPIs and driving operational improvements
* Willingness to travel regularly between two sites
Desirable Experience
* Experience in regulated industries
* Experience working with Quality Management Systems and audits
* Lean/continuous improvement exposure
* Multi‑site management experience
Candidate Profile
* Strong operational leader with commercial awareness
* Confident managing cross‑functional teams
* Excellent communicator and stakeholder manager
* Highly organised with strong IT proficiency (MS Office essential)
* Degree educated or equivalent business experience
Package
* £65,000 – £70,000 base salary, depending on experience
* Annual bonus
* Pool car provided for site travel
* 25 days holiday + bank holidays
* Private Healthcare
* Pension
* Long‑term opportunity within a growing business
Ready to take on a leadership role with real operational impact? Apply today by contacting Louise at 121 Personnel on 01702 464444 or email louise.sand@121personnel.co.uk — we’d love to hear from you!
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