Operations Manager

We're recruiting an Operations Manager on behalf of a precision manufacturing business based in Rotherham. This is a hands‑on leadership role with real scope to make a visible difference, the kind of position where the right person can genuinely shape how the operation runs.

This is a shop‑floor focused Operations Manager role, not a desk job. You'll take full ownership of daily production performance, driving output, quality, and process discipline across the site. The business is at a point where structure, standards, and continuous improvement need embedding properly, so this is as much about building something sustainable as it is about keeping things running day to day.

• Owning production performance, output targets, and shop‑floor efficiency
• Leading the implementation of 5S and lean‑based continuous improvement across the site
• Driving quality standards and reducing scrap, rework, and process variation through structured root‑cause analysis
• Managing and developing shop‑floor staff and supervisors, setting clear expectations and holding people accountable
• Working with sales and production planning to improve scheduling, material flow, and capacity visibility
• Developing KPIs and providing structured reporting to the senior leadership team

• Proven background in a manufacturing operations or production management role
• Solid understanding of process control, quality systems, and structured improvement methods such as 5S or lean
• A hands‑on leader who is comfortable on the shop‑floor and leads by presence, not just by report
• Strong problem‑solving capability with experience of root‑cause analysis
• Experience in composites, machining, or engineered products would be a real advantage
• Background in bringing structure and process discipline into a growing or evolving operation is highly desirable
• This role would suit someone who is earlier in their Operations Manager career and looking for a role where they can take real ownership, build something tangible, and grow with the business

Buxton £60k – 65k per year + bonus, pension, healthcare