Head of Operations - Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

Handley James Consulting Ltd; Westhoughton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Handley James Consulting Ltd, on behalf of a specialist North West Food Manufacturer, seeks an Operations Manager to head the Operations team and support growth. You will champion lean principles, oversee Supply Chain, Production, Quality and Safety, and drive continuous improvement across the operation.

The role suits a hands-on, collaborative leader with a track record of improving production processes, leading by example, and delivering measurable KPI improvements.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in fast-paced manufacturing with short lead times.
• Experience in high-volume production environments with varied product mix.
• People-focused leadership with ability to drive change and coaching across teams.
• Hands-on leader who sets example and collaborates across functions.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the full end-to-end Operations management.
• Ensure OTIF to customers, drive CI and efficiency improvements in daily operations.
• Manage and develop the team by setting and sustaining KPIs and SOPs.
• Implement and sustain a culture change programme with a practical CI focus.
• Empower, develop and coach people to create a high-performing team.
• Prioritise quality as a KPI across the business.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Operations management

Team leadership

KPI development

Continuous improvement

Job description

Handley James Consulting Ltd, on behalf of a specialist North West Food Manufacturer, seeks an Operations Manager to head the Operations team and support growth. You will champion lean principles, oversee Supply Chain, Production, Quality and Safety, and drive continuous improvement across the operation.

The role suits a hands-on, collaborative leader with a track record of improving production processes, leading by example, and delivering measurable KPI improvements.