Job Description
Foundry Operations Manager
North West England
Competitive Salary + Car Allowance + Bonus
A rare opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Manager to join a well-established, globally backed engineering and manufacturing business.
This is a high-impact leadership role where you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the operational strategy, driving performance and leading large, multidisciplinary teams in a complex, metal casting environment.
The Opportunity.
This is a business investing in its future – with a clear mandate to enhance operational performance, improve efficiency and embed a culture of continuous improvement. You will have the autonomy and backing to make meaningful, lasting changes across the site.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead end-to-end site operations across production and maintenance
* Develop and execute operational strategy aligned to business growth objectives
* Drive improvements across safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people (SQCDP)
* Implement and embed Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and CI initiatives
* Optimise manufacturing processes across foundry and machining environments
* Oversee maintenance strategy to maximise asset reliability and uptime
* Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing operations team
* Manage budgets, capital investment and cost optimisation programmes
* Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality and commercial teams
About You
* Proven experience as a Head of Operations, Plant Manager, or equivalent senior leader
* Strong knowledge of foundry processes (investment casting, sand casting, die casting, centrifugal casting or similar) – Essential
* Demonstrated success leading large-scale manufacturing operations
* Track record of delivering operational excellence and cultural transformation
* Deep understanding of Lean, CI tools, and modern manufacturing practices
* Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence at board level
* Engineering degree or equivalent experience
Why Apply
* Strategic, high-visibility role reporting to the CEO
* Opportunity to lead and transform a significant UK manufacturing site
* Backed by a financially stable and growth-focused group
* Genuine autonomy to shape operations and deliver measurable impact