Permanent
Negotiable
Maldon, Essex
On-site
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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