Operations Manager
Location: Ramsgate
Business Unit: AEM Limited (AMETEK MRO – Aerospace & Defense Division)
About AEM / AMETEK MRO
AEM Limited was acquired by AMETEK Inc. in 2007 and operates as part of AMETEK MRO’s Aerospace & Defense Division, a globally recognised provider of third‑party Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services.
Our Ramsgate facility specialises in the repair and overhaul of landing gear, hydraulic actuation assemblies and heat exchangers, serving commercial, regional, general aviation and military markets worldwide.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to take ownership of site operations at our Ramsgate facility. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for operational delivery, financial performance, people leadership, safety, quality and continuous improvement.
Reporting to the Site Lead, you will play a pivotal role in delivering strategic objectives while leading high‑performing operational teams in a regulated aerospace MRO environment.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Delivery
1. Support the Site Lead in delivering strategic objectives, operational plans and financial results
2. Lead site operations to achieve sales, working capital, safety, quality and on‑time delivery targets
3. Continuously optimise production planning and scheduling to improve efficiency and throughput
4. Identify operational risks and constraints, implementing effective recovery and mitigation plans
5. Act as a key operational interface across AEM and with external stakeholders
6. Drive effective daily management routines, including CCC / PCC meetings, shift handovers, visual management boards and weekly production reviews
Financial, Resource & Performance Management
7. Develop and sustain robust operational processes that minimise cost and maximise productivity
8. Demonstrate strong understanding of operational P&L drivers, including: Labour efficiency and absorption Overhead control Working capital management
9. Use KPIs, dashboards and visual management systems to drive data‑led decision making
10. Identify and manage capital investment requirements supporting growth, compliance and safety
11. Maintain high housekeeping and workplace organisation standards across the site
People Leadership, Capability & Culture
12. Recruit, onboard, develop and performance‑manage operational teams
13. Maintain accurate competency and skills matrices, succession plans and development pathways
14. Provide a visible, hands‑on leadership presence on the shop floor
15. Lead teams through change, including process improvement, organisational change and capability growth
16. Reinforce AEM values, standards and behavioural expectations
17. Build strong cross‑functional collaboration with: Engineering & Facilities QEHS Stores & Logistics Customer Support and other support functions
Safety, Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
18. Champion a culture of Continuous Improvement using Lean tools such as: Kaizens GEMBA walks 5S
19. Drive continuous improvement in site safety performance, proactively addressing hazards and unsafe behaviours
20. Ensure full compliance with Quality, Environmental, Health & Safety policies and regulatory requirements
21. Ensure operational teams are trained and competent in Part 145 SMS requirements relevant to their roles
Experience & Qualifications
Essential
22. Minimum 8 years’ experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment
23. At least 3 years in a senior operational leadership role with direct people and delivery accountability
24. Highly developed planning, organisational and problem‑solving skills
25. Strong analytical capability and comfort managing complex, fast‑paced operations
26. High level of digital competence, including Microsoft 365, ERP systems, Power BI and approved AI tools
Desirable
27. Experience within Aerospace or MRO environments
28. Degree in Engineering or Business
29. Part 145 (CAA / EASA / FAA) knowledge or training
30. Lean or Continuous Improvement certification
Why Join AEM / AMETEK?
31. Part of a global, financially strong aerospace group
32. High‑impact leadership role with real operational ownership
33. Opportunity to shape site performance, culture and future capability
34. Exposure to complex aerospace MRO operations in a regulated environment