Operations Manager
Location: Uckfield, UK Reports to: General Manager
Position Summary
The Operations Manager provides strategic and hands‑on leadership across Production, Planning & Purchasing, Stores & Logistics, and the Machine Shop, with direct responsibility for Facilities and HSQE. The role ensures safe, efficient, and profitable fulfilment of customer orders while driving long‑term operational excellence. Key areas include capacity planning, strategic purchasing, supplier optimisation, ERP and process improvement, inventory strategy, and compliance with ISO 9001 and UK HSE regulations.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
* Lead daily operations to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
* Develop operational plans, capacity models, and resource allocation to support demand.
* Own operational KPIs, analyse performance trends, and deliver monthly reports.
* Provide leadership and hands‑on support across operational teams when required.
Supply Chain & Materials
* Lead strategic purchasing to reduce cost, improve reliability, and mitigate supply risk.
* Manage material availability, inventory performance, and long‑term stock strategy.
* Maintain accurate routings and standard times with Engineering and Finance.
* Support supplier selection, development, and performance improvement.
* Ensure compliant, efficient domestic and international logistics.
Health, Safety & Environment
* Champion a strong safety culture across all operations.
* Ensure compliance with UK HSE requirements (risk assessments, COSHH, PUWER/LOLER, contractor management).
* Lead incident investigations and corrective actions.
* Maintain facilities, plant, and equipment in a safe, compliant condition.
* Act as Emergency Coordinator.
Quality & Compliance
* Ensure compliance with ISO 9001:2015, internal procedures, and customer requirements.
* Oversee NCRs and root‑cause analysis with Engineering and Production.
* Maintain and improve QMS documentation.
* Ensure calibration and maintenance records are accurate.
* Conduct internal audits and support external audits.
People Leadership
* Lead, coach, and develop operational staff and supervisors.
* Communicate goals, priorities, and performance expectations clearly.
* Manage performance, training needs, and development plans.
* Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and safety.
Continuous Improvement
* Lead lean, process improvement, and waste‑reduction initiatives.
* Improve throughput, lead time, inventory turnover, and cost efficiency.
* Enhance ERP utilisation and data accuracy.
* Manage operational projects including CAPEX, layout optimisation, NPI, and process improvements.
Experience, Qualifications & Skills
Essential
* Proven operations or production leadership experience in manufacturing.
* Strong knowledge of production planning, supply chain, quality systems, and HSE compliance.
* Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and operational reporting.
* Demonstrated understanding of Health & Safety requirements (e.g., IOSH).
* Strong communication, organisational, and performance‑management skills.
* Track record of delivering medium‑ to long‑term operational improvements.
Beneficial
* Experience in measurement instrumentation or similar technical manufacturing.
* Lean or Six Sigma certification.
* Experience leading ISO 9001:2015 audits or managing QMS documentation.
Compensation & Benefits
* Competitive base salary (dependent on experience).
* 20 days holiday plus statutory bank holidays.
* Pension & Life Insurance.
* Private Health Insurance.
About the Company
We are a global leader in the design and manufacture of measurement products for the Structural Health, Construction, and Civil Engineering sectors. With a strong European presence, distribution in over 30 countries, and thousands of successful applications, we are a recognised and trusted brand in our industry.