Operations Manager
Location: Multi-site operation in the Derbyshire region
Our client operates within a complex heavy industrial manufacturing environment, focused on operational excellence, continuous improvement and long-term asset performance.
They are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to provide strategic leadership across a large-scale, multi-site manufacturing operation with annual turnover exceeding £100m. The role will lead operational performance, safety, capital investment and continuous improvement activity across several processing plants within a highly regulated, high-hazard manufacturing environment.
This is a senior leadership role focused on operational governance, team leadership, performance improvement and long-term operational strategy. Day-to-day production activities are supported by an established operational leadership structure, with the Operations Manager responsible for driving standards, accountability, investment planning and business performance across the wider operation.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and champion a zero-harm culture across all operational activities, ensuring the highest standards of health, safety, environmental and quality performance
* Drive operational excellence across multiple manufacturing plants, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, OEE, energy performance and production cost
* Lead and develop a multi-functional operational leadership team across production, maintenance, engineering and technical operations
* Ensure production capability is aligned to commercial demand and operational plans are optimised to support business performance
* Develop and manage capital investment programmes focused on operational improvement, compliance, reliability and future growth
* Support delivery of major CAPEX projects, commissioning activities and operational readiness programmes
* Lead performance management activities through clear KPI ownership, operational reviews and continuous improvement initiatives
* Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, quality and operational management systems
* Build operational capability through succession planning, leadership development and technical competency improvement
* Act as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to long-term operational and business strategy
Candidate Profile
We are looking for an operational leader with experience managing large-scale industrial or process manufacturing environments.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
* Significant operational leadership experience within a high-hazard, continuous manufacturing environment
* Experience leading large multi-functional teams through senior operational managers
* Strong exposure to CAPEX planning, operational improvement and asset-intensive manufacturing
* Proven success driving operational excellence, lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
* Strong commercial awareness with experience managing large operational budgets and performance targets
* Strong understanding of HSE, quality and environmental compliance within regulated industrial environments
* Experience operating at senior leadership level within businesses of significant operational scale and complexity
* A leadership style focused on accountability, coaching, professionalism and delivery through others
Skills & Experience
* Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing or related discipline, or equivalent industry experience
* Strong understanding of operational KPIs, production planning and manufacturing performance management
* Experience delivering operational improvement programmes within Lean or Six Sigma environments
* Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
* Ability to lead change, influence senior stakeholders and drive cultural improvement
* Analytical, commercially aware and highly organised
What’s on Offer
* Senior leadership opportunity within a complex industrial manufacturing business
* Significant operational responsibility across a multi-site operation
* Opportunity to influence long-term operational strategy and investment planning
* High-profile role with visibility across senior leadership teams
* Competitive salary, bonus and benefits package