Operations Manager
Application Deadline: 17 February 2026
Department: Operations
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Milton Keynes
Description
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Operations Manager to lead and develop our site-based team in Milton Keynes. This role is critical to driving operational excellence, developing people, improving efficiency, and embedding a strong culture of Health, Safety, and Continuous Improvement.
You will be a visible leader on the shop floor, a strong people manager, and a natural integrator who can bring teams together, work closely with Sales, and translate business needs into practical operational solutions. A key part of the role will be modernising operations through technology, automation, and structured project delivery.
Key Responsibilities
* Plan, organise, and deploy labour effectively to meet workload requirements, ensuring equipment and labour capacity are fully utilised, productivity is maximised, and work is carried out safely at all times.
* Act as a visible Health & Safety leader on the shop floor, promoting a positive safety culture and ensuring all operations comply with H&S legislation, company policies, and safe systems of work.
* Ensure all parts and processes are delivered in full compliance with approved customer requirements, internal quality standards, company procedures, and all legal, safety, and regulatory obligations.
* Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Work Instructions, Risk Assessments, and Workplace Standards across all operational areas.
* Ensure standard working practices are consistently applied across all operations, including workflow, WIP levels, process and cycle times, and safe working procedures.
* Maintain and control all SSQDC performance boards, ensuring Health & Safety performance is clearly visible and that shift briefings effectively communicate safety messages alongside progress against agreed targets.
* Actively promoting safe behaviours and holding teams accountable for Health & Safety standards
* Motivating team members to achieve operational plans, targets, KPIs, and safety objectives
* Developing and coaching Shift Managers to lead safely and consistently deliver performance targets
* Driving business performance through the effective use of OKRs
* Work closely with Quality Engineers and H&S representatives to ensure quality and safety standards are understood, embedded, and consistently achieved.
* Ensure robust induction, training, and competency management for all employees, including Health & Safety training, and maintain accurate training records.
* Proactively identify and address operational and safety risks, leading incident investigations, near-miss reviews, and corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
* Continuously develop personal leadership and technical expertise and actively share knowledge and best practices across the wider team.
* Ensure appropriate levels of competent and trained resource are in place to meet customer demand while maintaining safe working conditions.
* Partner with the Operations Director to develop and deliver the site's strategic plan, ensuring Health & Safety is embedded as a core pillar of operational excellence.
* Collaborate with the wider Operations Management Team across TKMUK, fostering a strong culture of best-practice sharing, continuous improvement, and safety leadership.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
* Proven experience in a senior operations or manufacturing/engineering/logistics management role within a site-based environment
* Strong track record of leading, rebuilding, and developing operational teams
* Demonstrable experience of leading Health & Safety within an operational environment, including driving culture change and compliance
* Hands-on leadership experience with a strong shop floor presence
* Experience delivering efficiency improvements, process optimisation, and operational change
* Proven ability to manage labour planning, productivity, and resource deployment
* Experience leading and delivering projects and programmes in an operational setting
* Strong cross-functional working experience, including collaboration with Sales and Quality
* Experience implementing automation, new technologies, or digital manufacturing solutions
Job Benefits
* Competitive salary + bonus
* Annual Leave: 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
* Health Cash Plan (after 6 months)
* Company bonus scheme
* Advantageous pension scheme
* Learning & Development opportunities
* Advanced Family Friendly Policies
* Employee high street vouchers & discounts
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Occupational health & health surveillance
* Length of Service Awards
* Christmas savings scheme
* Eye care vouchers
* Cycle to Work Scheme
* Wellbeing events
* Recognition Portal
* Rewards Portal
* Company events
* Company share schemes
* Christmas Closedown