Technical Manufacturing Operations Manager
Location: Mid Kent
Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 dependent on experience + progression
Type: Permanent, full-time 5 days on site
Contact: Emily-Karabelo Powell, Associate Director, Pearson Whiffin Recruitment
We are working with a specialist UK manufacturing business that forms part of a wider European engineering group. The UK operation designs and manufactures fabricated sheet metal and engineered metal systems, supplying project-led solutions into a technically demanding commercial market. The site operates with a high degree of autonomy, supported by a collaborative international HQ.
This role would suit a technically strong Operations Manager or Engineering Manager with a background in fabrication, sheet metal or engineered metal products, who enjoys being hands-on and improving how things are designed, made and delivered.
The Role
This is a senior, practical role with end-to-end responsibility for the UK manufacturing operation. While there is line management responsibility for a small team, the emphasis is firmly on technical leadership, operational efficiency and commercial performance.
You will be someone who is not afraid to roll your sleeves up, spend time on the shop floor, challenge existing processes and bring new ideas forward. In many respects, this role operates as a UK General Manager–style position, with responsibility for operational performance, cost and delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Own and continuously improve UK manufacturing operations across fabrication, assembly and dispatch
Lead by example through a hands-on approach, supporting the team where needed
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, productivity and cost control
Analyse workflows, layouts, planning and material flow to reduce waste and improve throughput
Work closely with design and engineering activity to ensure design-for-manufacture principles are applied
Use SolidWorks or similar CAD to review, challenge and support designs where appropriate
Work collaboratively with the commercial team to ensure operational decisions support margin, pricing and delivery commitments
Identify opportunities to bring work in-house, reduce supplier reliance and improve cost efficiency
Improve planning accuracy, delivery performance and operational reporting
Act as the key interface between the UK operation and European HQ
Maintain quality standards and support ISO-aligned systems
People Management
This is a small, stable team with no major people issues.
The role is about:
Setting standards and direction
Supporting and developing the team
Leading by example rather than heavy people management
About You
This role will suit someone who:
Is qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline
Has experience in fabricated sheet metal, architectural metal, airflow systems or engineered metal products
Has professional experience using SolidWorks (or similar 3D CAD)
Is comfortable being hands-on and visible within a manufacturing environment
Enjoys problem-solving, improving processes and coming up with practical ideas
Is commercially aware and understands how operational decisions impact cost and margin
Is looking for a long-term role with ownership and stability
Candidates from SMEs or specialist manufacturers will be particularly well suited.
Why Apply?
Senior, long-term role with genuine ownership of the UK operation
Strong technical and continuous improvement focus
Opportunity to lead from the front and make a visible impact
Close collaboration with commercial and international teams
Stable, well-backed business with a clear future
Rapid interview process with clear feedback