Operations Manager - Maldon area, Essex - Salary: Competitive + Bonus Scheme
We are recruiting on behalf of a highly respected Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication business based in Essex. The company has built a strong reputation for delivering technically demanding fabrication and welding solutions to long-standing UK technology customers. This is a key senior leadership appointment and an excellent opportunity for an experienced Operations Manager to take ownership of a busy, high-quality manufacturing operation with a strong people-focused culture.
Reporting directly to the MD, the Operations Manager will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the production operation, leading the shop floor, developing the team leader structure, and ensuring customer delivery, quality, and operational performance targets are achieved.
This is a genuinely hands-on operational leadership role suited to someone who enjoys being close to manufacturing processes, supporting people, solving problems, and driving continuous improvement across a precision engineering environment.
Duties
* Lead and manage the day-to-day production operation across a busy precision sheet metal fabrication facility
* Support and develop four Production Team Leaders, strengthening the middle-management structure
* Ensure production schedules, quality standards, and customer delivery requirements are consistently achieved
* Work closely with Purchasing, Inspection, and Estimating functions to support operational efficiency
* Maintain strong working relationships with key customers, acting as a trusted operational and technical point of contact
* Support implementation of improvements including production planning, scheduling, ERP, and management system modernisation
* Identify opportunities for investment in equipment, plant, and capability improvements
* Drive a positive, respectful, and collaborative culture across the business
* Ensure Health & Safety and Quality procedures are effectively implemented on the shop floor
* Monitor operational performance and report regularly to the MD
Requirements
* Proven experience in an Operations Manager, Production Manager, or senior manufacturing leadership role within engineering or precision manufacturing
* Strong technical understanding of sheet metal fabrication, welding, and manufacturing processes
* Experience managing production teams within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
* Ability to develop and mentor team leaders and first-line management teams
* Experience working directly with customers in technically demanding industries
* Strong operational planning, scheduling, and problem-solving skills
* Hands-on management style with excellent communication and leadership skills
* Experience implementing operational improvements and modern manufacturing systems would be ideal
What's on Offer
* Bonus based on company performance
* 20 days holiday plus bank holidays
* 40 hours per week
* On site parking available
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