Due to sustained growth and increased demand across both machining and forging operations, our client is creating a new Operations Manager position to lead day‑to‑day performance across two UK manufacturing sites (Midlands & Liverpool). This is a pivotal leadership role with full operational ownership, P&L accountability, and responsibility for driving efficiency, quality, safety, and commercial performance.
You will oversee a combined workforce of c.40 staff and lead the functional heads across HSEQ, Quality Assurance, Sales, and Operations, ensuring alignment, communication, and delivery against business objectives. This role is central to enabling future sales expansion and long‑term strategic growth.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage all day‑to‑day operations across two manufacturing sites, ensuring safe, efficient, and high‑quality output.
* Oversee CNC machining, forging, and associated manufacturing processes for oil & gas and petrochemical components.
* Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement, lean methodologies, and robust production planning.
* Ensure resource allocation, workflow, and capacity planning meet customer and project requirements.
P&L & Commercial Accountability
* Full responsibility for site P&L, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
* Identify opportunities to improve margins, reduce waste, and optimise operational performance.
* Support and guide the Sales function to enable sustainable growth and improved customer satisfaction.
Leadership of HSEQ, QA, Sales & Operations
* Provide leadership and direction to HSEQ, QA, Sales, and Operations teams, ensuring clear objectives and high performance.
* Maintain and enhance compliance with ISO standards (ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001) and industry-specific requirements.
* Champion a strong safety culture and ensure all regulatory and customer requirements are met.
Strategic Development
* Work closely with the senior leadership team to shape operational strategy and support long‑term business growth.
* Implement systems, processes, and KPIs that support scalability and future expansion.
* Play a key role in developing the business towards increased sales capability and operational maturity.
People & Culture
* Lead, mentor, and develop teams across both sites, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
* Support succession planning, training, and skills development across the workforce.
* Ensure strong communication and alignment between departments and sites.
Skills & Experience Required
* Proven experience as an Operations Manager (or Senior Operations Lead) within a manufacturing engineering environment, ideally CNC machining, forging, or heavy engineering.
* Strong understanding of machining, forging, or precision manufacturing processes for oil & gas / petrochemical components.
* Demonstrable experience managing multi‑site operations.
* Solid financial acumen with experience owning P&L and driving commercial performance.
* Strong leadership capability with experience managing cross‑functional teams (HSEQ, QA, Sales, Operations).
* Excellent knowledge of ISO 9001 and relevant HSEQ standards.
* Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long‑term planning with hands‑on operational leadership.
* Strong communicator with the ability to influence at all levels.
Package & Progression
£70,000-£80,000 salary
Company car
Private healthcare
Pension
Clear progression path to Operations Director as the business continues its growth trajectory
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