Technical Operations Manager

Technical Operations Manager

Sheffield | Work Flexibility | Full-time

A high-growth engineering business in Sheffield is looking for an Engineering Project Manager / Technical Operations Manager (an engineer at heart) to take ownership of operational delivery, cost control, supplier performance, and engineering quality as they scale. This is a hands‑on, technical appointment and will suit an ambitious engineer who may have stepped into early leadership and wants more.

The business designs, tests and produces innovative mechanical systems that challenge conventional thinking and embrace emerging technologies.

• Owning timelines: ensuring builds and tests run exactly as planned
• Engineering test: key role in product test processes
• Cost control & profitability: managing product cost, margins, and efficiencies
• Parts management & procurement: working closely with suppliers, negotiating pricing, and building a resilient supply chain. A proven track record of securing strong commercial terms is highly desirable.
• Hands‑on engineering leadership: from complex problem‑solving and calculations to supporting shop‑floor activity when needed.
• Problem solving: proactively resolving issues across design, manufacturing, testing, and logistics.
• Health & Safety leadership: driving best practice internally.
• Engineering quality & compliance: understanding licensing requirements and international variations in standards.
• Direct line management
• Collaborating: across engineering, operations, and external partners to enable growth.

• A mechanically biased engineer with a strong technical foundation.
• Apprenticeship route would fit the role requirements well, but open to all engineering backgrounds and qualifications.
• Early leadership experience and ambition to grow into senior leadership.
• Comfortable taking ownership and meeting deadlines.
• Commercially aware – understands cost, margin, and negotiation.
• Detail‑focused.
• Comfortable working with suppliers and building long‑term partnerships.
• Not afraid to make mistakes – but determined to learn fast.
• Hungry, ambitious, and motivated by building something meaningful.
• Open to and enthused by opportunities to travel.
• Energised by innovation, new technology, and AI‑driven tools.

You don't need to know the exact technology of our product, but you must have the technical brain to understand complex mechanical systems quickly.

• Small, growing engineering business with real momentum.
• High‑autonomy role with significant influence.
• Clear progression pathway toward board‑level responsibility.
• Share options after 1 year.
• Above‑average holiday allowance.
• Adult working environment with flexibility and strong cultural support for individual needs.
• Single‑site role based in Sheffield