Operations Manager

Job Title:

Operations Manager.

Salary:
£70,000 – £80,000 – including a 20% uncapped management bonus (based on company performance).

Location:

Trafford Park, Manchester.
On-site, with secure parking and EV charging provided.

Join a World-Leading Manufacturer Supplying into Energy, Defence and Scientific Industries

The company is an independent, Manchester-based manufacturer of specialist materials used across energy, aerospace, research and engineering projects.

With a 30+ year track record of exporting to 65+ countries, they are a stable, growing business with a strong technical heritage and a people-first culture. Staff retention is exceptional—many examples of people being there 20+ years.

They’re now looking for an experienced Operations Manager to help them scale further, improve coordination between key business units, and modernise operational processes for continued long-term success.

What You'll Be Doing

* Lead operations across three business units.

* Oversee production, maintenance, quality, logistics and safety for 35+ manufacturing staff.

* Manage planning and scheduling to meet customer delivery timelines.

* Develop ERP capability, drive automation of both physical and digital processes.

* Improve cost, quality, delivery and equipment uptime using modern manufacturing practices.

* Develop and manage plant budgets and control operational costs.

* Ensure full compliance with HSE and ISO standards.

* Build a high-performing team with a strong focus on training and development.

* Report directly to the Ops Director and act as a bridge between site and corporate strategy.

What We're Looking For

* 10+ years in manufacturing or industrial operations.

* At least 5 years in senior leadership.

* Proven success improving performance across safety, cost, quality, delivery.

* Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.

* Solid background in Lean, Six Sigma and continuous improvement.

* Comfortable with ERP (SAP, Syteline) and data analysis tools.

* Degree in Engineering, Operations or related field preferred but not essential.

Why Join?

* Family private healthcare.

* 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays.

* Buy/sell up to 5 days holiday.

* Scottish Widows pension.

* Up to 30 weeks sick pay.

* Life assurance – 4x salary.

* Enhanced maternity/paternity pay (after 2 years).

* Cycle to Work scheme, EAP and occupational health support.

* Free on-site parking, EV charging, and refreshments.

This is a rare chance to influence the next phase of a well-established business with global reach. If you’re looking to leave a legacy, not just do a job—this is the opportunity.

If you have any questions please still submit an application – I will reach out to you and set up an initial call to go into more detail with you about the role, business and culture.

Neil