Operations Manager

INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.

 

Operations Manager
Based in, Lancashire

Job ref: EG /64969

 

 

Role Purpose:

Reporting to the Managing Director, the Operations Manager is responsible for leading all manufacturing, warehousing and operational activities across the site, ensuring the safe, efficient and cost-effective delivery of business objectives.
As a key member of the Management Team, the role is responsible for driving operational performance, developing leadership capability, improving manufacturing processes and embedding a high-performing culture focused on safety, quality, customer service and operational excellence.
The role requires a visible and hands-on leadership style, promoting accountability, operational discipline, employee engagement and high standards across all site activities. Close collaboration with Sales, Technical, Planning, Purchasing and Logistics teams is essential to support customer service, operational efficiency and business growth.
The Operations Manager will also act as the site lead for Health & Safety coordination, working closely with the external Health & Safety Advisor to maintain compliance and promote a proactive safety culture throughout the business.

 

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership:

· Lead all day-to-day manufacturing, production, engineering and warehousing operations across the site.
· Drive high standards of housekeeping, operational discipline and manufacturing best practice across the site.
· Provide strong, visible and hands-on leadership within the production environment.
· Ensure operational targets relating to Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and Productivity (SQCDP) are achieved.
· Drive OTIF (On Time In Full) delivery performance in line with production plans and customer requirements.
· Monitor operational KPIs and performance metrics, implementing corrective actions where required.
· Develop and maintain effective operational processes, systems and standard operating procedures.
· Ensure labour, materials and production resources are effectively planned and utilised.
· Support operational planning to meet changing customer and business demands.
· Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste and improve productivity.
· Apply Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S and root cause analysis techniques to resolve issues and optimise processes.
· Oversee compliance with ISO9001 and ISO14001 standards, ensuring systems and practices are maintained
· Lead and manage all site engineering activities, including capital projects and maintenance expenditure.
· Develop and implement a preventative planned maintenance (PPM) system.

 

Leadership & People Development:

· Lead, coach and develop operational teams to create a positive, accountable and high-performing culture.
· Develop employee capability through structured training, continuous development cycles and succession planning.
· Ensure training matrices and competency records are maintained to support operational capability and compliance requirements.
· Conduct regular performance reviews, objective setting and employee development activities.
· Foster employee engagement through effective communication, mentoring and leadership by example.
· Support recruitment, absence management, disciplinary and grievance processes where required.
· Champion cross-functional teamwork and collaboration across the business.

 

Health, Safety & Compliance:

· Act as the site co-ordinator for all Health & Safety activities.
· Work closely with the external Health & Safety Advisor to ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory and company standards.
· Take operational ownership for Health & Safety performance across the site and ensure safety remains a core business priority at all levels.
· Ensure safe systems of work, risk assessments, method statements and operational procedures are maintained and adhered to.
· Support accident investigation, corrective actions and continuous improvement of site safety performance.
· Ensure compliance with Environmental, Quality, GMP and housekeeping standards.
· Drive high standards of operational safety awareness and behaviours

 

Continuous Improvement:

· Promote Lean manufacturing principles, process improvement and waste reduction activities.
· Use operational data and analytics to identify opportunities for efficiency, productivity and cost improvements.
· Support capital investment projects and operational development initiatives.

 

Commercial & Operational Performance:

· Support operational budget management and cost control activities.
· Manage labour utilisation, overtime and operational overheads in line with budget expectations.
· Monitor manufacturing performance and implement actions to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
· Work collaboratively with Sales, Planning, Technical and Purchasing teams to support customer service objectives.
· Contribute to operational strategy, planning and business improvement initiatives.
The post holder may be required to undertake additional duties or responsibilities, within the scope and level of the role, to support the ongoing needs of the business.

 

Qualifications & Experience:

Essential:

· A minimum of 5 years’ experience within a manufacturing or industrial operations leadership role.
· Proven experience leading teams within a fast-paced production or manufacturing environment.
· Strong leadership capability with a hands-on management style.
· Experience developing teams through coaching, mentoring and structured training programmes.
· IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
· Strong understanding of operational KPI management and continuous improvement.
· Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
· Strong understanding of Health & Safety legislation and operational compliance requirements.

 

Desirable:

· Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing or related discipline.
· Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement training.
· Experience within polymer processing, extrusion, compounding or related manufacturing sectors.
· Mechanical or process manufacturing background.
· Experience supporting cultural change and operational transformation initiatives.

 

 

Please understand that due to the expected high number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly

 

 

For reasons of better legibility, the simultaneous use of the language forms male, female and diverse (f/m/d) is avoided. All personal designations apply equally to all genders.
For UK roles, candidates must be eligible to work and live in the United Kingdom. Proof of eligibility will be required with your application.

To apply please contact Ellie Guest
ellie.guest@listgrove.com
0044 (0) 1789 207070

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