Factory Operations Manager

Are you a hands on Factory Operations Manager who leads from the shop floor rather than behind a desk? Do you enjoy solving production challenges, improving manufacturing processes and developing teams within a fast-paced assembly environment? If so, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

We're recruiting for a Factory Operations Manager on behalf of one of the UK's leading specialist manufacturers, a well-established business that designs and builds its own products in-house. This isn't an office-based management role. They're looking for someone who is visible on the factory floor, works alongside their Supervisors, removes production bottlenecks and keeps the operation running efficiently every day.

The Role
Reporting directly to the Production Director, you'll oversee the entire manufacturing operation, ensuring products move efficiently from Goods In through to Despatch. You'll lead a team of Supervisors across fabrication, welding, assembly, stores and dispatch, driving productivity, quality and continuous improvement while maintaining a safe and organised manufacturing environment.

Benefits:

• 55,000 - 60,000 DOE
• Company pension
• 4-day working week (Monday - Thursday)
• Hours 6.40am to 16:45pm
• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
• Free on-site parking
• Long-term career progression into senior operational leadership

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day running of the manufacturing operation from Goods In through to Despatch.
• Manage and develop Production Supervisors across multiple departments.
• Ensure production plans are delivered safely, efficiently and on time.
• Drive continuous product flow and remove production bottlenecks.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives, including 3S, visual management and continuous improvement projects.
• Monitor KPIs including productivity, quality, labour efficiency and on-time delivery.
• Work closely with Quality, Planning and Engineering teams to improve manufacturing performance.
• Coach and develop production teams while promoting accountability and high performance.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety and housekeeping throughout the factory.
• Be a visible, hands-on leader with a strong presence on the shop floor.

We're Looking For
We're keen to speak with experienced Factory, Production or Manufacturing Operations Managers who have worked within small to medium-sized manufacturing businesses where they've had broad operational responsibility.

You'll ideally have experience within:

• Assembly manufacturing (essential)
• Fabrication and welding environments (highly desirable)
• Automotive, engineering or OEM manufacturing
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement
• Managing Supervisors and large production teams
• TAKT or flow-based manufacturing environments
• Most importantly, you'll be a practical leader who enjoys being on the factory floor rather than sat behind a desk.

Apply today or contact us for a confidential discussion.