Operations Manager

Collide Joinery Recruitment; Bognor Regis; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Collide Technical Recruitment is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for a growing manufacturing business in Bognor Regis. You will lead production, procurement and supply chain, driving continuous improvement and Lean initiatives across two business units on site.

You will manage teams, optimize costs, and partner with Engineering and Finance to enhance efficiency and performance while ensuring safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in an Operations/Manufacturing management role.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, planning, procurement and supply chain.
• Proven Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement experience.
• Experience leading manufacturing teams and managing budgets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, including production, assembly, packing, despatch, warehousing and supply chain.
• Ensure products are manufactured safely, efficiently, on time and to quality standards.
• Manage production planning across repeat and project-based operations.
• Monitor and improve KPIs such as on-time delivery, lead times, productivity and costs.
• Collaborate with Engineering to resolve production challenges and drive product improvements.
• Develop and implement strategic purchasing initiatives to reduce costs and improve supplier performance.
• Identify international sourcing opportunities and manage supplier relationships.
• Lead, develop and manage the Operations team and promote an engaged, improving culture.
• Drive Lean initiatives: 5S, Kanban, visual management, waste reduction and SOPs.
• Utilise ERP/MRP for production planning and stock control.

Skills

Operations management

Lean manufacturing

Procurement

Supply chain management

Production planning

ERP/MRP

Budget management

Team leadership

Continuous improvement

ISO quality systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations Management

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Sage 50 (Desirable)

Job description

Operations Manager – Manufacturing

Location: Bognor Regis, West Sussex

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

About the Opportunity

Collide Technical Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of our client, an established and growing manufacturing business based in Bognor Regis, seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and develop its manufacturing and operational functions.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on, commercially aware Operations Manager to take ownership of production, procurement, warehousing, supply chain and continuous improvement across two business units operating from the same site.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will play a key role in improving operational efficiency, developing teams, reducing manufacturing costs and supporting the company's continued growth.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Manufacturing Management

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, including production, assembly, packing, despatch, warehousing and supply chain.
• Ensure products are manufactured safely, efficiently, on time and to the required quality standards.
• Manage production planning across both repeat manufacturing and project-based operations.
• Monitor and improve operational KPIs, including on-time delivery, lead times, productivity and manufacturing costs.
• Work closely with Engineering to resolve production challenges and implement product improvements.

Strategic Procurement & Supply Chain

• Develop and implement strategic purchasing initiatives to reduce costs and improve supplier performance.
• Identify and establish international supply chains, including sourcing and offshoring products and components to low-cost countries.
• Manage supplier relationships, purchasing performance and supply chain risks.
• Improve stock management, inventory accuracy and purchasing efficiency.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, manage and develop the Operations team, including Production Cell Leaders, Materials Management and Manufacturing support functions.
• Support first-line managers with performance management, training and development.
• Introduce clear processes, accountability and operational standards.
• Promote a positive, engaged and continuously improving working environment.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and operational processes.
• Implement and maintain Lean manufacturing principles, including 5S, Kanban, visual management and waste reduction.
• Develop efficient production flow cells and improve manufacturing layouts.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste and streamline operations.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and operational best practices.
• Utilise ERP/MRP systems to improve production planning, stock control and operational reporting.

Health, Safety, Quality & Cost Control

• Take ownership of Health & Safety performance across Operations.
• Ensure compliance with relevant ISO standards and internal quality procedures.
• Manage operational budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Monitor manufacturing costs, stock valuation, scrap and rework.
• Work closely with Finance and other departments to improve overall business performance.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential experience

• Previous experience as an Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager or similar senior manufacturing position.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production planning, procurement and supply chain management.
• Proven experience implementing Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of Kanban systems, production flow optimisation and waste reduction.
• Experience with strategic purchasing, international sourcing and offshoring products or components to lower-cost countries.
• Demonstrable experience leading, developing and managing manufacturing teams.
• Good understanding of stock control, inventory management and manufacturing cost reduction.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong commercial awareness, problem-solving skills and budget management experience.
• Ability to work effectively in a growing SME manufacturing environment.

Desirable experience

• Experience using Sage 50 or CIM50.
• Knowledge of ISO quality management systems.
• Experience working alongside Engineering teams to implement manufacturing improvements.
• Experience managing both repeat production and project-based manufacturing operations.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is equally comfortable working on the shop floor with production teams as they are discussion operational strategy with senior management.

You will be a proactive leader who can identify inefficiencies, implement practical improvements and motivate teams to achieve better results.

This position would suit an experienced Operations Manager looking for an opportunity to make a genuine impact within a growing manufacturing business.