Operations Manager

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to take ownership of site operations at our Ramsgate facility. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for operational delivery, financial performance, people leadership, safety, quality and continuous improvement
.

Reporting to the Site Lead, you will play a pivotal role in delivering strategic objectives while leading high‑performing operational teams in a regulated aerospace MRO environment.

• Support the Site Lead in delivering strategic objectives, operational plans and financial results
• Lead site operations to achieve sales, working capital, safety, quality and on‑time delivery targets
• Continuously optimise production planning and scheduling to improve efficiency and throughput
• Identify operational risks and constraints, implementing effective recovery and mitigation plans
• Act as a key operational interface across AEM and with external stakeholders
• Drive effective daily management routines, including CCC / PCC meetings, shift handovers, visual management boards and weekly production reviews

• Develop and sustain robust operational processes that minimise cost and maximise productivity
• Demonstrate strong understanding of operational P&L drivers
  , including:
  • Labour efficiency and absorption
  • Overhead control
  • Working capital management
• Use KPIs, dashboards and visual management systems to drive data‑led decision making
• Identify and manage capital investment requirements supporting growth, compliance and safety
• Maintain high housekeeping and workplace organisation standards across the site

• Recruit, onboard, develop and performance‑manage operational teams
• Maintain accurate competency and skills matrices
  , succession plans and development pathways
• Provide a visible, hands‑on leadership presence on the shop floor
• Lead teams through change, including process improvement, organisational change and capability growth
• Reinforce AEM values, standards and behavioural expectations
• Build strong cross‑functional collaboration with:
  • Engineering & Facilities
  • QEHS
  • Stores & Logistics
  • Customer Support and other support functions

• Champion a culture of Continuous Improvement using Lean tools such as:
  • Kaizens
  • GEMBA walks
  • 5S
• Drive continuous improvement in site safety performance
  , proactively addressing hazards and unsafe behaviours
• Ensure full compliance with Quality, Environmental, Health & Safety policies and regulatory requirements
• Ensure operational teams are trained and competent in Part 145 SMS requirements relevant to their roles

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment
• At least 3 years in a senior operational leadership role with direct people and delivery accountability
• Highly developed planning, organisational and problem‑solving skills
• Strong analytical capability and comfort managing complex, fast‑paced operations
• High level of digital competence, including Microsoft 365, ERP systems, Power BI and approved AI tools

• Experience with in Aerospace or MRO environments
• Degree in Engineering or Business
• Part 145 (CAA / EASA / FAA) knowledge or training
• Lean or Continuous Improvement certification

• Part of a global, financially strong aerospace group
  High‑impact leadership role with real operational ownership
  Opportunity to shape site performance, culture and future capability
  Exposure to complex aerospace MRO operations in a regulated environment

AEM Limited was acquired by AMETEK Inc. in 2007 and operates as part of AMETEK MRO’s Aerospace & Defense Division
, a globally recognised provider of third‑party Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services.

Our Ramsgate facility specialises in the repair and overhaul of landing gear, hydraulic actuation assemblies and heat exchangers
, serving commercial, regional, general aviation and military markets worldwide.