About Us:
Loading Bay Lifts Ltd is a rapidly growing engineering company specialising in the design and manufacture of loading bay equipment, with a particular focus on scissor lifts for the retail, distribution, and industrial sectors. With a reputation for delivering robust, custom-engineered solutions, we are now seeking a proactive and experienced Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day management of our factory and help drive operational performance across the business.
Role Overview:
The Operations Manager will oversee the full scope of factory operations, ensuring that production runs efficiently, safely, and to the highest standards. This hands-on role involves daily management of production staff, scheduling and planning manufacturing activities, and closely coordinating with the Purchasing and Materials Controller to align material availability with output demands.
In addition to managing workflow and manufacturing timelines, the Operations Manager will be responsible for creating and issuing drawing/BOM packs for each project, ensuring the production team has all required documentation. They will also handle the processing and dispatching of spare parts orders, ensuring quick turnaround and accurate delivery to customers.
This role requires experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment and close collaboration with the design, sales, and installation teams to meet customer expectations and internal objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Production & Planning:
* Plan and manage daily and weekly production schedules to meet customer and project deadlines.
* Complete with technical drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs), to the manufacturing team for each project.
* Coordinate with the Purchasing and Materials Controller to ensure that materials and components are available in line with production requirements.
* Monitor production progress and adjust plans to accommodate changes or resolve bottlenecks.
Leadership & Team Management:
* Manage and motivate the factory team, providing clear direction, leadership, and support.
* Allocate resources effectively, balancing workload and maintaining flexibility across teams.
* Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of production staff.
Cross-Department Coordination:
* Liaise with Design, Sales, and Installation teams to align production plans with broader business needs.
* Communicate lead times, capacity, and resource requirements to internal stakeholders.
* Work in tandem with the Purchasing and Materials Controller to proactively manage supply chain issues that affect production.
Health, Safety & Compliance:
* Oversee daily health and safety compliance in the factory, supported by the company Health & Safety Advisor.
* Ensure all staff operate in line with regulations and internal safety protocols.
* Promote a safety-first culture through leadership, training, and example.
Continuous Improvement:
* Identify and implement improvements in factory layout, workflow, and operational processes.
* Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) including output, quality, efficiency, and delivery performance.
* Support the implementation of lean manufacturing, 5S, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
Spare Parts Management:
* Process and dispatch spare parts orders, working from internal requests or customer enquiries.
* Coordinate picking, packing, and shipping activities, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.
* Maintain accurate records of spares activity and stock levels in coordination with purchasing and inventory management.
Key Requirements:
* Proven experience in an operations or production management role within a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
* Strong understanding of engineering and fabrication processes, including machining, laser/plasma cutting, welding, and assembly.
* Experience issuing drawings, and BOMs for project-based manufacturing.
* Competence in processing customer orders and managing despatch, particularly for spare parts or small batch components.
* Excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to multitask and prioritise.
* Sound knowledge of health and safety regulations and best practices.
* Effective leadership and communication skills with experience managing teams.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office; Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, Outlook. A knowledge of CAD systems, Adobe Acrobat.
Desirable:
* Engineering or technical qualification (e.g., HNC/HND or equivalent).
* Experience working with ERP/MRP systems and document management platforms.
* Familiarity with ISO quality standards and continuous improvement methodologies.
* Experience in purchasing or procurement within a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
What We Offer:
* A leadership role in a fast-growing engineering company with a specialised product range.
* A supportive and collaborative environment with cross-functional interaction.
* Opportunities for growth and development within the business.
* Competitive salary and benefits package.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £50,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
Work Location: In person