An established and highly respected engineering manufacturer is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead a critical forging operation within a fast-paced, heavy engineering environment.
This is a senior leadership opportunity where you'll take full ownership of performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Driving a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
🚀 The Opportunity
You'll be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of a complex forging operation, ensuring production targets are met while continuously improving processes, performance, and team capability.
Working closely with senior leadership, you'll play a key role in shaping strategy, improving efficiencies, and delivering world-class manufacturing performance.
🔑 Key Responsibilities
Lead and embed a proactive Health & Safety culture, driving compliance and accountability
Deliver against production plans, KPIs, and customer delivery targets
Manage resource planning and scheduling to meet operational demands
Drive quality improvements, ensuring right-first-time performance
Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions across operational issues
Control and improve cost performance, including waste and scrap reduction
Champion continuous improvement (Lean, 6S, OEE, TPM)
Develop, coach, and lead high-performing teams
Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure smooth operational delivery
Work closely with maintenance to minimise downtime and improve asset performance
👥 Leadership & Culture
Build and lead a culture of ownership, accountability, and teamwork
Engage, motivate, and develop teams to achieve operational excellence
Deliver clear and consistent communication across all levels
Drive performance through strong leadership and structured development
🧠 About You
Proven experience as an Operations Manager / Production Manager within heavy engineering or manufacturing
Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing high-performing teams
Experience with continuous improvement tools and methodologies
Strong understanding of KPI management, cost control, and process optimisation
Ability to interpret technical drawings and engineering data
A proactive, hands-on leader with strong problem-solving ability
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Engineering qualification preferred (or equivalent experience)
⏰ Working Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8:00am - 4:15pm
Friday: 8:00am - 3:00pm
🌟 Why Apply?
Join a well-established and forward-thinking engineering business
Take ownership of a key operational area with real influence
Drive continuous improvement and make a tangible impact
Enjoy a strong work-life balance with early Friday finishes
Competitive salary and long-term career potential
If you're an experienced operations leader ready to take ownership of a high-impact manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you