OPERATIONS MANAGER – DEFENCE & AEROSPACE MANUFACTURINGLocation: Sittingbourne, KentSalary: IOR £55,000 p.a. Excellent BenefitsHours: Full-time, PermanentA high-impact operations role within a precision engineering environment• Opportunity for a dynamic Operations Manager to drive quality, efficiency, and compliance within a leading manufacturer supplying the defence, aerospace, and advanced engineering sectors• Based in Sittingbourne, this role covers sales order fulfilment, supply chain coordination, and lean process improvement• Suited to individuals with a strong engineering background, an analytical mindset, and experience in regulated manufacturing environments• Involves regular interaction with both suppliers and customers, requiring occasional travelKey Responsibilities• Oversee end-to-end sales order management, ensuring timely and accurate delivery aligned with customer requirements• Manage supply chain operations, including procurement, inventory control, supplier performance, and audit readiness• Support the preparation of tenders and bids, contributing technical insight and commercial awareness for UK and international defence contracts• Lead lean manufacturing initiatives, streamlining operations and increasing productivity across key departments• Embed ESG principles into daily operational practice, supporting broader company goals• Ensure ongoing compliance with industry standards, including ISO 9001:2015, AS9100, and ISO 14001• Collaborate closely with commercial and manufacturing teams to drive continuous improvement and customer satisfactionCandidate ProfileEssential Skills & Experience:• Strong engineering background within a regulated production or manufacturing environment• Proficient in lean manufacturing tools, ERP systems, and supply chain logistics• Working knowledge of ESG best practices• Confident leader with excellent communication and decision-making skills• Full UK driving licence• Must be eligible for UK security clearanceDesirable:• Experience in defence, aerospace, or advanced engineering sectors• Familiarity with government procurement and bidding processes• Understanding of compliance frameworks such as AS9100, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001Role Highlights• Opportunity to contribute to technically complex and critical programmes• Work in a secure, advanced manufacturing environment alongside highly skilled professionals• Genuine scope to influence operational direction, improve systems, and lead process transformation• Involvement in delivering solutions to UK and global defence and aerospace clientsCompany Benefits• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays• Christmas shut down• Overtime paid up to treble time• Enhanced sick pay• Company pension scheme• Life assurance policy• Death in service benefit – 4x annual salaryWestin Par values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK. For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies, we are acting as an Employment Agency Due to the high volume of applicants applying for all roles, we can only reply to candidates with the most relevant skills and experience. If you have not heard back from us within 48 hours of your application, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.