Elis is an international multi-service provider, offering textile, hygiene and facility services solutions. We’re on an exciting growth journey and are looking for ambitious, driven individuals to help accelerate our expansion. We are proud to be a meritocratic organisation where performance is recognised and achievements are celebrated. Our people are united by our core values: Respect, Integrity, Exemplarity, and Responsibility.
About the Role
We have a fantastic opportunity for an Operations & Engineering Manager to join our Fakenham site. This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence across production and engineering, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective site performance aligned with the business plan. You will lead cross-functional teams, embed a continuous improvement and lean culture, and play a key role in shaping site strategy alongside the General Manager.
Responsibilities
* Lead, manage and develop both operations and engineering teams to achieve site objectives
* Deputise for the General Manager when required
* Support the development and delivery of site strategy, business plans, and capital projects
* Build a strong “One Team” culture across production, engineering, logistics and support functions
Operations Management
* Drive implementation of Production Essentials and continuous improvement initiatives
* Ensure customer deliveries are achieved on time, in full, to quality and cost targets
* Forecast volumes and resource requirements aligned to budget and capacity
* Monitor performance, analyse trends and implement corrective actionsManage budgets, cost control, and operational efficiency
* Lead the engineering function to deliver planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and rapid corrective actions
* Oversee installation, maintenance and optimisation of plant, equipment, boilers and steam systems
* Ensure engineering resources are effectively planned to support production demands
* Manage external suppliers for maintenance, parts, and capital equipment
Health, Safety & Compliance
* Ensure full compliance with QHSE policies, legal regulations, COSHH, RIDDOR and GDPR
* Drive a strong safety-first culture across all teams
* Ensure risk assessments, safe systems of work (SSOW) and training are in place and followed
* Maintain relevant site accreditations (e.g. ISO standards where applicable)
People & Performance
* Lead, coach and develop high-performing teams across operations and engineering
* Manage performance, absence, training, and employee engagement
* Deliver technical training for operators and engineering teams on new equipment and processes
* Champion lean manufacturing and continuous improvement programmes (e.g. Six Sigma)
* Drive improvements in site efficiency, productivity and cost reduction
* Lead environmental initiatives including energy and WECO reduction
Qualifications
* Degree, HND, HNC, NVQ Level 5 or equivalent in Engineering or related field
* Apprenticeship or time-served engineering background (advantageous)
* NEBOSH/IOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification (desirable)
Required Skills
* Strong leadership and people management capability
* Excellent communication and influencing skills at all levels
* Commercial awareness with strong analytical and problem-solving ability
* Ability to plan, prioritise and deliver in a fast-paced environment
* IT literate (MS Office, ERP systems)
* Strategic thinker with a hands‑on approach
Preferred Skills
* Proven leadership experience in operations and/or engineering within a manufacturing or process environment
* Strong background in industrial maintenance and production management
* Experience managing budgets, KPIs and continuous improvement programmes
* Knowledge of steam/boiler systems and engineering operations (highly desirable)
* Experience in lean manufacturing / Six Sigma (desirable)
Pay range and compensation package
Annual bonus
Company pension
Private medical insurance
Life assurance
Employee Assistance Programme
Clear career progression within a growing international business
Equal Opportunity Statement
This is a unique opportunity to take on a high-impact leadership role, where you will shape both operational and engineering performance while driving real business improvements. If you are passionate about leading teams, improving processes, and delivering results, we’d love to hear from you.
#J-18808-Ljbffr