Operations Manager
Operations Manager | Precision Manufacturing | Essex I'm partnering with a well-established precision engineering and manufacturing business in Essex to appoint an Operations Manager.
This is the most senior operational leadership role on site, reporting directly to the Managing Director and taking responsibility for the day-to-day running of a highly regarded manufacturing operation.
The business has built long-standing relationships with a small number of blue-chip customers operating in technically demanding sectors including medical technology, scientific instrumentation and specialist transport. Known for quality, reliability and technical expertise, they continue to win new work through reputation and customer recommendation rather than active sales activity.
The Opportunity This is a genuinely hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who enjoys being close to the shop floor, developing people and driving operational excellence.
You will lead production through an established team of Team Leaders and departmental managers, ensuring customer commitments are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.
A key part of the role will be strengthening and developing the middle-management layer, empowering Team Leaders to take greater ownership of day-to-day operational and people management responsibilities.
Alongside maintaining strong operational performance, you'll play a significant role in an ongoing business improvement programme covering production planning, scheduling, systems, reporting and process development.
Key Responsibilities • Lead the day-to-day manufacturing operation
- Develop and support a team of Production Team Leaders and department heads
- Drive performance across quality, delivery, productivity and safety
- Work closely with key customers on operational and technical matters
- Support continuous improvement and operational modernisation initiatives
- Identify opportunities for investment in equipment, capability and process improvement
- Ensure quality and health & safety standards are consistently delivered throughout production
- Experience as an Operations Manager, Production Manager or senior manufacturing leader
- A background in sheet metal, fabrication, welding or precision engineering environments
- Strong leadership skills with experience developing supervisors or first-line managers
- Technical credibility and the ability to build trust with both customers and shop-floor teams
- Experience implementing operational improvements, production planning or management systems
- A hands-on, pragmatic and collaborative leadership style
- Stable, respected and financially secure business
- Strong customer relationships and a healthy order book
- Opportunity to shape the next phase of operational development
- Collaborative culture with an engaged and supportive Managing Director
- Long-term career opportunity within a well-established manufacturer
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