About a career with Elis
Elis is an international multi-service provider, offering textile, hygiene and facility services solutions, and we're on an exciting growth journey, looking for top talent to help us accelerate our expansion. We are not just building a business; we are creating a workplace where ambition and enthusiasm are rewarded and where every individual can make a lasting impact. We pride ourselves on being a meritocracy where performance is recognized and achievements are celebrated. Our employees are driven by a shared commitment to our core values: Respect, Integrity, Exemplarity, and Responsibility.
We have a great opportunity to join our Fakenham site as a Operations and Engineering Manager. This role will be responsible to lead, manage and continually develop the production teams in the achievement of functional objectives that support the Site and Company Business Plan. Work closely with the engineering, service and logistics teams to continuously improve site overall effectiveness ensuring utilisation of production facilities, people development and a lean culture.
Your Mission at Elis
This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence across production and engineering, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective site performance aligned with the business plan.
You will lead cross-functional teams, embed a continuous improvement and lean culture, and play a key role in shaping site strategy alongside the General Manager.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy Lead, manage and develop both operations and engineering teams to achieve site objectives
Deputise for the General Manager when required
Support the development and delivery of site strategy, business plans, and capital projects
Build a strong "One Team" culture across production, engineering, logistics and support functions
Operations Management Drive implementation of Production Essentials and continuous improvement initiatives
Ensure customer deliveries are achieved on time, in full, to quality and cost targets
Forecast volumes and resource requirements aligned to budget and capacity
Monitor performance, analyse trends and implement corrective actions
Manage budgets, cost control, and operational efficiency
Engineering & Maintenance Lead the engineering function to deliver planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and rapid corrective actions
Oversee installation, maintenance and optimisation of plant, equipment, boilers and steam systems
Ensure engineering resources are effectively planned to support production demands
Manage external suppliers for maintenance, parts, and capital equipment
Health, Safety & Compliance Ensure full compliance with QHSE policies, legal regulations, COSHH, RIDDOR and GDPR
Drive a strong safety-first culture across all teams
Ensure risk assessments, safe systems of work (SSOW) and training are in place and followed
Maintain relevant site accreditations (e.g. ISO standards where applicable)
People & Performance Lead, coach and develop high-performing teams across operations and engineering
Manage performance, absence, training, and employee engagement
Deliver technical training for operators and engineering teams on new equipment and processes
Continuous Improvement & Sustainability Champion lean manufacturing and continuous improvement programmes (e.g. Six Sigma)
Drive improvements in site efficiency, productivity and cost reduction
Lead environmental initiatives including energy and WECO reduction.
What will make you stand out?
Experience Proven leadership experience in operations and/or engineering within a manufacturing or process environment
Strong background in industrial maintenance and production management
Experience managing budgets, KPIs and continuous improvement programmes
Knowledge of steam/boiler systems and engineering operations (highly desirable)
Experience in lean manufacturing / Six Sigma (desirable) Skills Strong leadership and people management capability
Excellent communication and influencing skills at all levels
Commercial awareness with strong analytical and problem-solving ability
Ability to plan, prioritise and deliver in a fast-paced environment
IT literate (MS Office, ERP systems)
Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach
What's on offer?
33 Days Holiday
Company Pension
Employee Assistance Programme
Life Assurance
On-site Parking
Private Medical
Competitive salary circa
Annual bonus
Company pension
Private medical insurance
Life assurance
Employee Assistance Programme
Clear career progression within a growing international business
Interested?
Then apply online! Your contact person:
Anna Nudds
ICS - HR Business Partner
Tel:
TPBN1_UKTJ