Job Title: Operations Manager
Location: Blackburn, Lancashire
Salary: £68,000 – £72,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Reporting to: Factory Director
Responsible for: Manufacturing and Engineering
Company Overview
With a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and innovation, our client is a market leader in precision manufacturing. Operating within a highly technical and fast-paced production environment, the business continues to invest heavily in modern machinery, process automation, and employee development.
They are now seeking an Operations Manager with the energy, drive, and commercial awareness to lead production and engineering functions, ensuring delivery of world-class performance across quality, efficiency, and safety.
Purpose of the Role
The Operations Manager will lead the day-to-day manufacturing and engineering operations, ensuring products are produced to the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. You will play a key role in shaping a culture of continuous improvement, driving productivity, operational excellence, and employee engagement across the site.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
* Manage all production and engineering activities to ensure high-quality products are delivered on time, in full, and at the best achievable cost.
* Lead, coach, and develop team leaders, engineers, and operators to achieve site KPIs relating to output, OEE, waste reduction, and labour efficiency.
* Ensure production targets are achieved through effective resource planning, cross-departmental collaboration, and proactive problem-solving.
Health, Safety & Environment
* Champion a culture of safety-first by maintaining and improving health & safety, hygiene, and environmental standards across all departments.
* Ensure full compliance with company HSE policies, risk assessments, and statutory obligations.
* Promote 5S and continuous housekeeping improvement throughout all production areas.
Performance & People Development
* Conduct regular performance reviews and identify development needs to support growth and succession planning within the team.
* Drive accountability through clear leadership, measurable objectives, and consistent communication.
* Foster a collaborative working environment built on respect, teamwork, and empowerment.
Continuous Improvement & Efficiency
* Lead and deliver continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
* Identify opportunities for process improvement, equipment upgrades, and workflow optimisation to increase efficiency and reduce downtime.
* Champion new technologies and manufacturing techniques that enhance capability and performance.
Quality & Customer Focus
* Work closely with the Quality and Technical teams to ensure all products meet customer specifications and internal standards.
* Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions to eliminate repeat issues and improve first-time quality.
* Support the achievement of an OTIF (On Time In Full) delivery rate of 98%+.
Financial & Strategic Responsibilities
* Contribute to annual budgeting and forecasting for the manufacturing and engineering departments.
* Control operational costs through smart planning, efficient resource use, and continuous performance monitoring.
* Prepare and deliver monthly performance reports outlining KPIs, trends, and improvement actions to senior management.
Person Specification
Experience & Technical Expertise
* Proven track record in a senior manufacturing leadership role, ideally within a high-volume, process-driven environment.
* Strong understanding of modern manufacturing techniques and best practices; experience within injection moulding, extrusion, or plastics manufacturing would be highly advantageous.
* Demonstrated success in achieving and exceeding operational KPIs (OEE, scrap, yield, cost efficiency).
Leadership & Soft Skills
* Inspirational leader with the ability to motivate, mentor, and develop multi-skilled teams.
* Confident communicator capable of influencing across all levels of the business.
* Adept at managing change and leading business improvement initiatives with measurable results.
Commercial Awareness
* Strong financial understanding of operational budgets, cost control, and return on investment (ROI).
* Data-driven decision-maker with the ability to translate performance metrics into actionable plans.
Qualifications
* Degree or equivalent qualification in Manufacturing, Engineering, or Operations Management (preferred).
* IOSH or NEBOSH qualification desirable.
* Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) advantageous.
Summary
This is a pivotal role within a growing and respected manufacturing business. The successful candidate will bring a blend of hands-on operational leadership, strategic thinking, and commercial acumen ensuring the site continues to deliver outstanding results for both customers and stakeholders