About the Opportunity
Contek Recruitment are working on behalf of a well-established, family-owned manufacturing business with over 90 years of heritage.
The company specialises in bespoke and repeat manufacturing, supported by in-house tooling and a loyal, long-standing customer base. They also deliver larger, special-purpose projects and supply to both UK and international markets.
Due to planned retirement, the business is seeking an ambitious and capable individual to join with a clear succession plan to General Manager, ultimately taking full responsibility for running the company.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a leadership role with genuine long-term progression and ownership-level responsibility.
The Role
This position offers far more than a traditional Operations Manager role, combining operational leadership, customer engagement, and commercial responsibility.
Working closely with the Managing Director, you will take ownership of the day-to-day running of the business, with a structured transition into full leadership.
You will play a key role across operations, pre-production, customer management, and strategic growth, acting as a central link between clients, production, and the wider business.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Production
- Oversee daily operations across production, tooling, and dispatch
- Manage workflow across bespoke and repeat manufacturing orders
- Coordinate production planning, including larger special-purpose projects
- Ensure delivery targets, efficiency, and quality standards are met
- Work closely with manufacturing teams to advise on processes and improvements
- Take responsibility for pre-production activities, from enquiry through to job launch
Customer & Commercial
- Act as a key point of contact for customers from enquiry to delivery
- Interpret engineering drawings and advise clients on product applications
- Support generation of new business and identify growth opportunities
- Manage subcontractors and external suppliers
- Maintain strong client relationships and ensure high levels of service
Leadership & Strategy
- Support the Managing Director in the day-to-day running of the business
- Lead, motivate, and develop a skilled manufacturing team
- Take ownership of site Health & Safety
- Contribute to mid- and long-term strategic planning
- Identify and implement process and operational improvements
About You
Essential:
- Proven experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment
- Strong operational leadership and organisational skills
- Ability to manage both people and production processes
- Strong commercial awareness and customer-facing experience
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
- A proactive, hands-on approach with strong problem-solving ability within a small team of 10
Desirable:
- Apprentice-trained or qualified in an engineering discipline
- Toolmaking or machining background
- Experience in bespoke or low-volume manufacturing environments
- Knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes
- Exposure to export or international supply
The Opportunity
- Clear and genuine pathway to General Manager
- Opportunity to take over the running of a successful, long-established business
- Structured handover with the current Managing Director
- A varied role combining operations, sales, leadership, and strategy
- Long-term career stability with significant progression potential
Who This Would Suit
- An experienced Operations Manager ready to step into a senior leadership role
- A Production Manager or Senior Engineer seeking progression into management
- A commercially aware individual with ambitions to eventually run a business
Benefits
* Monday–Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
* Friday: 8:00am – 1:00pm
* 28 days holiday rising to 34 with service (including bank holidays)
* Free on-site parking