Operations Manager

Edwards Vacuum, LLC; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading developer of vacuum products is seeking an Operations Manager to optimize Production and Manufacturing Engineering functions in Bristol. You will provide leadership, implement operational strategies, and ensure high-quality delivery for semiconductor systems. The ideal candidate has proven leadership experience, strong understanding of lean principles, and excellent problem-solving skills. This role offers a culture of trust, career growth, and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Culture of trust and accountability

Lifelong learning and career growth

Comprehensive compensation and benefits

Health and well-being

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing or operations environment.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimise Production and Manufacturing Engineering functions.
• Develop and implement a manufacturing roadmap.
• Ensure production performance meets customer commitments.

Skills

Leadership experience

Lean manufacturing principles

Problem-solving skills

Tools

SAP

Job description

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Your role
As a Operations Manager, your mission is to lead and optimise the Production and Manufacturing Engineering functions to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery of abatement systems, upgrade kits, and spares for the semiconductor industry. You will report to the General Manager.

You will

• Provide leadership for Production and Manufacturing Engineering teams, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic objectives.
• Develop and implement a manufacturing roadmap that supports growth, innovation, and cost competitiveness.
• Define and execute strategies to optimise manufacturing footprint, capacity, and technology investments.
• Ensure production performance meets customer commitments and business objectives, balancing short-term delivery with long-term capability building.
• Lead lean manufacturing and operational excellence programs to drive efficiency, scalability, and sustainability.
• Champion digitalisation and automation initiatives to future-proof operations and enhance competitiveness.
• Develop strategic capacity plans to support growth and new product introductions.
• Optimise workforce allocation, skills development, and equipment utilisation to ensure agility and resilience.
• Ensure full compliance with quality standards, regulatory requirements, and health & safety policies.
• Drive root cause analysis and systemic corrective actions to prevent recurrence and strengthen process reliability.
• Actively contribute to Senior Leadership Team decisions, influencing company strategy and investment priorities.
• Own departmental budgets and deliver cost optimisation strategies without compromising quality or delivery.

To succeed, you will need
We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We value diverse experiences and perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the role.

• Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing or operations environment. (Essential)
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies. (Essential)
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills. (Essential)
• Experience in complex, made to order style manufacturing industries. (Desirbale)
• Knowledge of ERP systems and production planning tools, specifically SAP. (Desirable)
• Experience in operations or production management roles.
• Demonstrated track record of improving operational performance and leading teams.

In return, we offer

• Culture of trust and accountability
• Lifelong learning and career growth
• Innovation powered by people
• Comprehensive compensation and benefits
• Health and well-being

Job location
Option 1: On-Site
This role requires you to work on-site at our office in Bristol, United Kingdom (GB). You will be part of a dynamic team and enjoy the benefits of face-to-face collaboration.
Contact information
Talent Acquisition Team: Luke Aldom

About Edwards

Edwards is a leading developer and manufacturer of sophisticated vacuum products, exhaust management systems and related value-added services. Edwards solutions are integral to manufacturing processes for semiconductors, flat panel displays, LEDs and solar cells. They are also used within an increasingly diverse range of industrial processes including power, glass and other coating applications; steel and other metallurgy; pharmaceutical and chemical; and for scientific instruments in a wide range of R&D applications.

Edwards has over 4,000 employees worldwide engaged in the design, manufacture and support of high technology vacuum and exhaust management equipment. Edwards has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia and North America.