Blair West are supporting Porcher Abrasive Coatings Ltd, to find an Operations Manager. Porcher is a specialized, PE-backed manufacturing business seeking a hands-on leader to professionalise their site operations and drive efficiency. This is a newly created, senior role reporting directly to the Managing Director, combining immediate operational leadership with a clear pathway to future business leadership.
The opportunity:
* Operational Leadership: You will take full control of day-to-day manufacturing operations, leading the team on the shop floor to ensure targets are met.
* Process Improvement: You will identify "what works and what doesn't," implementing structure, best practices, and continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma) to optimize output.
* Commercial & Financial Involvement: Beyond production, you will also be involved in commercial and financial decision making.
* Strategic Implementation: You will professionalise the site, moving from a reactive environment to a proactive, data-led operation.
* Succession Pathway: While the focus is operations, this role is designed to transition into the Managing Director position over a 3-year timeline.
You’ll be the ideal candidate for this position if you have:
* Strong experience as an Operations Manager or General Manager within a manufacturing environment.
* A "shop floor first" mentality; you are a leader who executes alongside the team rather than managing solely from a desk.
* Demonstrable knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to drive efficiency.
* Experience managing P&Ls, budgets, and operational finance.
* Exposure to Private Equity-backed businesses (highly advantageous).
* The ability to balance technical operational detail with commercial decision-making.
The benefits included with this opportunity:
* A competitive salary dependent on experience
* A genuine, structured route to Managing Director.
* Significant autonomy to shape the operational strategy of the site.
* Mentorship from the current owners to support your transition into senior leadership.
Our commitment
Blair West is an equal-opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and inclusion at every stage of the recruitment process. We are committed to fairness, equality, and ongoing diversity training for our team to give our candidates and clients a feeling of belonging during their experience with us. Please speak to their consultant if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during their experience with us.