Operations Manager

INNOVA SEARCH; Brierley Hill; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist manufacturing SME in the UK is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee operational functions and drive growth. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing teams and improving processes within a quality-critical environment. Responsibilities include managing daily operations, ensuring product quality, and developing internal leaders to support scaling efforts. Strong communication skills and IT proficiency are essential for success. This role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the company's long-term strategic direction.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading multi-discipline teams.
• Demonstrated success in scaling capacity while preserving quality.
• Excellent attention to detail, especially around product accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all operational functions, including production and warehousing.
• Manage the complete order cycle, ensuring quality and delivery.
• Develop and coach the team for future growth.

Skills

Leadership

Attention to detail

Strong communication skills

IT proficiency

Job description

Innova Search are working with a specialist manufacturing SME in the West Midlands to recruit an Operations Manager. The business is currently growing due to product demand, with their offering a bespoke manufactured product sold in the UK & overseas.

Role

As the company continues to grow both operationally and commercially, the business is seeking a practical, people‑centred leader who can take ownership of day‑to‑day activity while contributing to the broader strategic direction.

• Oversee all operational functions, including production, warehousing, and administrative support
• Provide strategic guidance to help shape future growth
• Work closely with the leadership team to make key decisions affecting output, profitability, and customer satisfaction

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of all day‑to‑day operations across office, production, and warehouse functions, ensuring a seamless order‑to‑dispatch workflow
• Protect and enhance the company's reputation for exceptional quality, accuracy, and on‑time delivery while supporting the planned scale‑up
• Build the systems, processes, documentation, and team capability needed to increase production capacity without compromising standards
• Develop, coach, and structure the team so the business has strong internal leaders ready to support future growth improvement to ensure the business grows in a controlled, quality‑driven way.
• Oversee the complete order cycle: reviewing customer requirements, scheduling production, monitoring workflow, and ensuring packing and dispatch meet exact specifications
• Walking the floor across office, production, and warehouse to solve issues in real time and support the team during busy periods
• Running daily team huddles to set priorities, surface bottlenecks, and reinforce quality expectations
• Reviewing quality checks, resolving any issues before they reach customers, and handling escalations when needed
• Coaching team members, reviewing KPIs, planning staff development, managing resource allocation, and handling HR matters such as holidays and performance
• Maintaining a safe, compliant, well‑organised work environment

Industry Experience

• Proven experience running operations in an SME environment
• Exposure to quality‑critical, deadline‑driven sectors such as bespoke manufacturing, customised products precision is essential.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience in leading multi‑discipline teams
• Demonstrated success in scaling capacity while preserving or improving quality and delivery performance.
• Excellent attention to detail, especially around product accuracy, artwork/branding specifics, and quality standards.
• Strong communication skills and an ability to coordinate workflow across departments.
• High level of IT proficiency

Desirable Requirements

• Experience creating SOPs and operational playbooks
• Competence in structured process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent)
• Track record in businesses where on‑time delivery is mission‑critical
• Hands‑on experience working alongside production teams, not just managing from a distance