Job Description
Rewards/Benefits on offer:
* A highly competitive salary.
* Working for a highly successful Northeast SME business, with plans for organic growth and expansion through further acquisitions.
* A superb career opportunity to work with a highly experienced team of Directors.
* The company supplies to a varied customer base, with a range of high-value quality products.
* An immediate start date for the right person, initially for a one-year interim basis, which could be extended depending on future business needs.
The Company
Our client is a true Northeast success story within the regional SME manufacturing sector. The company is a privately-owned business with an impressive history of developing, manufacturing, and supplying high-quality products to various market sectors. The company operates from a well-established production facility located in the Gateshead area, with plans for organic growth and further acquisitions.
They are now looking to recruit an experienced Operations Manager to work closely with their company Directors and to provide a hands-on leadership role in all aspects of their production facility. You will be a key figure in implementing and managing continuous improvement projects, as well as training, mentoring, and developing the next leadership team. This is an outstanding career opportunity for an experienced manufacturing leader to support a growing business and share knowledge and experience.
Job Summary
* Responsible for driving continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives across the factory to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall performance.
* Key focus areas include team development, process optimisation, and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality products.
Responsibilities:
* Lead and implement lean manufacturing strategies to improve productivity, reduce costs, and eliminate waste.
* Drive a culture of continuous improvement through visual management and daily team engagement.
* Support and develop staff through structured training, coaching, and mentoring.
* Monitor and improve KPIs related to production, quality, and delivery targets.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth and efficient factory operations.
* Travel to a manufacturing facility in the Midlands as required.
About you
* Proven experience in a production or manufacturing leadership role.
* Strong background in implementing Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement techniques (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, efficiency improvements).
* Experience working cross-functionally with teams and different sites.
* Knowledge of health and safety regulations and operational compliance standards.
* Experience training and developing staff to become future leaders.
* Results-driven with a track record of efficiency gains and cost reductions.
* Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
* Strong people management skills, capable of motivating and engaging teams.
* Effective communicator, able to lead briefs, coach, and influence change.
* Able to prioritise and adapt to production needs.
* Formal lean/CI qualification or training is highly desirable.
* Proactive, hands-on leadership style.
* Continuous improvement mindset with attention to detail.
* Calm under pressure and resilient in operational challenges.
* Committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
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