Innova Search are working with a specialist manufacturing SME in the West Midlands to recruit an Operations Manager. The business is currently growing due to product demand, with their offering a bespoke manufactured product sold in the UK & overseas. Role As the company continues to grow both operationally and commercially, the business is seeking a practical, people-centred leader who can take ownership of day-to-day activity while contributing to the broader strategic direction. You will: * Oversee all operational functions, including production, warehousing, and administrative support * Provide strategic guidance to help shape future growth * Work closely with the leadership team to make key decisions affecting output, profitability, and customer satisfaction Responsibilities: * Take full ownership of all day-to-day operations across office, production, and warehouse functions, ensuring a seamless order-to-dispatch workflow * Protect and enhance the company’s reputation for exceptional quality, accuracy, and on-time delivery while supporting the planned scale-up * Build the systems, processes, documentation, and team capability needed to increase production capacity without compromising standards * Develop, coach, and structure the team so the business has strong internal leaders ready to support future growth improvement to ensure the business grows in a controlled, quality-driven way. * Overseeing the complete order cycle: reviewing customer requirements, scheduling production, monitoring workflow, and ensuring packing and dispatch meet exact specifications * Walking the floor across office, production, and warehouse to solve issues in real time and support the team during busy periods * Running daily team huddles to set priorities, surface bottlenecks, and reinforce quality expectations * Reviewing quality checks, resolving any issues before they reach customers, and handling escalations when needed * Coaching team members, reviewing KPIs, planning staff development, managing resource allocation, and handling HR matters such as holidays and performance * Maintaining a safe, compliant, well-organised work environment Industry Experience: * Proven experience running operations in an SME environment * Exposure to quality-critical, deadline-driven sectors such as bespoke manufacturing, customised products precision is essential. Essential Requirements: * Proven experience in leading multi-discipline teams * Demonstrated success in scaling capacity while preserving or improving quality and delivery performance. * Excellent attention to detail, especially around product accuracy, artwork/branding specifics, and quality standards. * Strong communication skills and an ability to coordinate workflow across departments. * High level of IT proficiency Desirable Requirements: * Experience creating SOPs and operational playbooks * Competence in structured process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent) * Track record in businesses where on-time delivery is mission-critical * Hands-on experience working alongside production teams, not just managing from a distance