Manufacturing Operations Manager
£40,000 – £55,000
Outskirts of Maidstone | Full Time | Permanent | Office Based
Contact: Emily or Sammy at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment
Are you an engineering professional who thrives in a hands-on SME environment where adaptability, initiative and team culture matter just as much as process and performance?
We’re exclusively supporting a long-established specialist engineering business seeking an Operations Manager to play a pivotal role in strengthening operational performance, supporting commercial growth, and maintaining a positive and responsive working environment.
This is a highly visible, influential role within a technically focused company where bespoke manufacturing and customer service are the norm. As a growing SME, the business requires someone practical and solutions-focused — not purely compliance-driven — who can balance structure with agility and react quickly to changing business needs. You’ll work closely with the Directors to improve performance, profitability and operational resilience as the company continues to expand.
Key Responsibilities
Maintain a positive and collaborative working environment, ensuring team morale and culture remain central to operational success
React quickly and effectively to new business requirements, customer demands and operational challenges
Contribute to operational strategy to support sustainable commercial growth
Identify efficiencies that improve margin, productivity and workflow
Support and maintain regulatory and industry compliance in a pragmatic and commercially aware manner
Lead and manage Health & Safety systems (NEBOSH highly desirable)
Implement practical, structured operational processes and documented procedures where needed
Strengthen quality control systems in line with business objectives
Support production planning and shop floor workflow
Coordinate staff, materials and equipment effectively
Oversee facilities, maintenance and contractor relationships
Support financial controls, supplier negotiations and cost management
What We’re Looking For
Engineering or manufacturing background
Strong understanding of shop floor operations within a production environment
Experience overseeing H&S and quality systems without taking an overly bureaucratic approach
Commercial awareness with the ability to balance compliance, culture and profitability
Experience supporting business growth, cost control and supplier negotiations
Confident and pragmatic people leader within an SME environment
Comfortable building structure where processes are evolving
Highly adaptable, proactive and able to use initiative
Capable of resolving unexpected and unpredictable challenges in a calm, practical manner
Why Apply?
Direct reporting line to Directors
Genuine autonomy and visible impact
Opportunity to shape systems that support business growth
Stable, well-established Kent business with international backing
Competitive salary of £40,000–£55,000 depending on experience
If you’re motivated to strengthen and streamline operations while contributing positively to team culture and commercial success, this is a role where you can make a meaningful and lasting impact